Albermerle Sound

Today is a sunny, warm day for a crossing of the Albermerle Sound. We are charging deep into the North Carolina south coast and are looking forward to a visit from our good friends Debbie and Jamie Easton. The warm weather seems to be returning and today they are calling for 78 degrees F. We are anchored safely in a small harbour just off Belhaven, NC and you can smell the difference in the country side. The trees and natural vegatation have changed to a distinctive southern blend, and it is glorious.



We had a surprise visit from Dan and Sue Godin while in Belhaven and it was good to see some familiar ThunderBay faces. They are heading north for home from Georgia and should be back in the North Country next week. Our next stop will be Oriental, NC and we are looking forward to some fresh shrimp straight out of the ocean. Cruising is truly about following your stomach from one gastronomic delight to the next. We wish you could all be here, and send a special wish to Jessie on her 31st birthday.

Forgot Halloween

Sue made sure that we celebrated Halloween in grand style. Several of our boating mates joined in on the festivities and we all gathered for cocktails on C-Drifters, dressed in costume. Sue carved a pumpkin and set it out but we didn't get one kid. Imagine that.

Every Mile Made is a Mile South

The Chesapeake has been fanatastic. It's too bad we didn't have more time here. The weather continues to remind us that winter is not far off. Moving south is a fine balance between waiting out hurricane season and enduring colder and colder nights. Our trusty ITR Hurricane heater has been exceptional. The boat is as comfortable as any house with central heating and it sure makes it enjoyable. We arrived in Norfolk on a wet and windy day. The extent of Naval hardware is impressive. This is a massive naval port and the picture only gives you a glimpse, but rest assured the USA is well protected on the sea. Norfolk is also the gateway for the ICW and provides us with chance to travel regardless of weather. We should make steady progress now.

It has been a few days since we had a chance to post our last message but in the meantime we have moved south as the weather gets colder. Our trip has taken us down the Chesapeake from Annapolis, into some beautiful, secluded anchorages. Sue was anxious to sample some fresh blue crabs and when we hit Deltaville, Virginia we had the good fortune to meet a crabber as he came to shore with his catch. Our travelling companions Ray and Irene ( aboard C-Drifters) were with us and we took the opportunity to buy 24 of the lovely's for our supper. At a cost of $10:00 it didn't break the bank. That evening we steamed them up aboard C-Drifters and with Rum in hand had a Crab cracking and picking party. We netted a tub of crab meat that was the sweetest we have tasted. Now on to Norfolk and the gateway to the ICW (Inter Coastal Wayerway)