Last nights anchorage in the Little Alligator River was different from other anchorages we have been in. Ours was the only boat, the weather was agreeable with light winds, clear skies and a full moon. We got off to an early start this morning and dodged numerous crab pots during the twenty three mile crossing of Albermarle Sound in fairly calm seas and then the trek up the Pasquotank River to Elizabeth City. We passed an old blimp hanger that is still being used by some of the advertising blimps we often see in the skies and the US Coast Guard Aviation Center along the way before arriving at the Elizabeth City waterfront just before noon. There is no fee to tie up to a bulkhead here but there is also no electricity, water or fuel. Did you notice the operative word - free! A pilot's delight ;-) We were greeted by a 'Harbor of Hospitality' volunteer who helped with the tie up and then drove Sue to a supermarket for provisions. He is another interesting character. He was in the Marines for ten years, took an interest in flying and became a corporate pilot. The company he flew for went belly up and he lost his job. He then became a Pentecostal minister and now has a congregation here in town. He also teaches at a state prison. In his spare time he volunteers to greet boaters arriving in town.....
For some unknown reason we stayed here at the dock for the remainder of the day. There is absolutely nothing to the town except mostly empty businesses. Walking around here was reminiscent of the poverty stricken cities along the Gulf of Mexico. The alternative would have been to make our way through the draw bridge a quarter mile away and start through the Great Dismal Swamp. We decided to wait for tomorrow morning's 0730 bridge opening and make the GDS trip tomorrow. Meanwhile we can get caught up on reading and boat chores.
Y'all stay vertical,
Capt John and First Mate Sue
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