August 5: Coinjock

 

We left Norfolk around 6 am which is when the Carnival Magic docked there!

Our first obstacle was a railway bridge that was supposed to be up.

This leg has been particularly stressful because the Great Bridge Lock has been in disrepair so you can’t go through at reasonable times on weekdays. Since it is Saturday, it is operating on even hours because it is apparently only broken on the odd hours.

The water went up two feet and we were the only boat heading south.

The rest of the day was mostly in the ICW and calm. We had to have four bridges open. 

This rescue boat has got to be a thrilling ride.

We arrived at Coinjock around 1:30 and took on 140 gallons of fuel. We are officially in North Carolina. We checked in, started laundry and took showers. Then we took the cats upstairs for their daily walkabout.

Coinjock is a tiny little place in a narrow spot on the ICW. This marina has a restaurant and it is one of the best- if not THE best- in the city. We are not sure there is a city.

Gaffer has become increasingly bold so it was actually good when a large black lab on the dock saw them and started frothing like Cujo! We think that’ll keep Gaffer on the boat a while longer.

Debbie checked the engine rooms again and apparently both engines are still here!

Now the bed is made with clean sheets and we are heading up to socialize. Two more boats from Florida pulled in!

We have 89 something miles to go tomorrow so… it’ll be an early start!