Entering a calm Albermarle Sound
After waiting for several bridge openings, we were surprised when we approached the bridge from Albemarle Sound into the Alligator River. Having seen only a couple of pleasure craft during the day, I think the bridge operator must have been bored. Beth requested the opening when we reached the last marker and the operator stopped the traffic a little early.. As we cruised through, Danny commented, "Wow the traffic is backed up for over a mile on each side!" Indeed it was a long bridge but we appreciated not having to stop and wait for the opening. In my best pirate voice I responded, "Argh! Let the landlubbers wait!"
Alligator River Swing Bridge
The Alligator River-Pungo River Canal was almost an uneventful ride. The sun was shining, almost no wind, and the humidity heavy. Heavily carpeted brush lined the banks so we saw no animals, no fish, and only the occasional homestead when we got to the other end of the canal. A few big black bugs followed the boat, landing on the rear glass doors. They were about the size of Danny's big toe and looked like a giant black bodied fly. Danny caught one that made the mistake of coming into the boat and saved it to use as bait on our fishing pole.
Alligator River-Pungo River Canal
Lots of Tannin in the canal
Bait!
Lab fishing in the canal
During our lazy sultry cruise down the canal the VHF radio cracked on with a plea from the coast guard station out of Norfolk. "What is the nature of your distress. Your boat is going down off of Oracroake Inlet.! Is there anything you can do!" The radio went silent. We were out of range. I quickly checked the weather to see that indeed there were 5 to 7 foot seas around Oracroake and higher seas around Cape Hatteras. There was never a question about us going on the outside at this point....and now you know why. Cape Hatteras is known as the graveyard of the Atlantic.
We exited into the Pungo River as the wind came up. We could see storm clouds brewing and headed our way and it began to rain, Hearing distant thunder and seeing white caps on the water we elected to take the first "out" instead of trying to push down into Palmico Sound.
Slowly we followed our plot winding our way into Scranton Creek. Really it was anchoring in the middle of a shallow marsh (only 7 feet at the deepest) but it got us out of the wind and was a secure anchorage to weather the passing thunderstorm. Once again, we were fortunate to only get the edge of the storms.
Danny immediately saw the opportunity to "Snag One" and quickly got out the fishing pole, the bug he saved and some frozen shrimp. He was so distracted he spilled the "Bloody Mary" I mixed him, but it was easily cleaned up and in good cruising tradition replaced immediately with another.
Danny fishing
Beth made another excellent meal consisting of corn on the cob, pasta, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, while I grilled the salmon steaks. We may have to go on a diet after this cruise!
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