Wednesday, 4/20/11

Pasta/meatballs

Crab Man

N 35′ 54. 333’/W 076′ 13.467′ Alligator River, Columbia, NC

Tree in water

Looking for the beaver that created this!

old bridge on Alligator River

Water the color of dark tea

Good morning fellow tugger!

The rising sun over Campbell’s Creek

Alligator River Marina, Columbia, NC —  We left our anchorage in Campbell Creek at 7:15 a.m., navigated through the many crab pots and found our way into the ICW channel heading north (that’s a very good way to start the day) until the next thing you see is a tug with a HUGE barge that needs to share our skinny channel coming right at us.  We did fine with no problems passing each other. Waved good morning port to port.  We continued on and crossed three large rivers which took the rest of the day: the Pamlico had a slight chop since the wind was at our port beam and then when it merged with the Pungo River for a bit, we rocked and rolled through waters with 2-3 ft waves (not much fun) but that didn’t last very long.  The Pungo led to the Alligator River, a very interesting and quiet ride where we were eager to see what kind of wild life lives in this river; but in the 4 hours we tugged we only saw some migrating black butterflies with yellow spots.  Still, the water (which was the color of dark tea) was eye catching as it rolled under our tug with a pretty good current.  There are lots of trees and the 80 degree temps gave our ride through the Alligator River a tropical feel.  We expected to see some alligators at least and our waterway guide said we might spot a black bear swimming across; but they probably didn’t want to scare us.   The Alligator River opened up to the size of a sound and we passed through the Alligator River Swing Bridge after we requested an opening, came to port, and spotted our marina for the evening; The Alligator River Marina is the only marina and fuel for many miles in either direction.  We tugged 70 miles today watching carefully for markers, crab pots, and low water and other obstacles that like to float in rivers; like branches, logs and stumps which thankfully, we did not hit.  We stayed to mid channel and had no problems crossing wide rivers and spotting our markers.  We arrived at the Alligator River Marina (the last stop before crossing the Abermarle Sound (a 4 hour crossing) which will lead us to Elizabeth City and the beginning of the Dismal Swamp (which will take a day and lead to the VA line.  Weather permitting, we’ll make the crossing on the Abermarle in the a.m. and plan to arrive at Elizabeth City 51 miles later.   We’re safe, and are getting a little pampering after a long day by the owners of the marina who have thought of everything to make us feel comfortable and welcome.  How nice is that!  Two washers/dryers,  A little grocery store right on site where we picked up some milk, a nice hot shower, and we’re now sitting in the air conditioned library/skipper’s lounge where Luke is enjoying a western on t.v. (something he hasn’t done in a long time) while I write this update.  We’re thanking God for keeping us safe today and for the beauty of His creation.  Leftover pasta/meatballs tonite.