The next leg of our journey took us across Albemarle Sound and down the Alligator River, a 35 mile motor ride through 11′ of water. We arrived mid afternoon. We anchored in a very protected cove and enjoyed a Happy Hour hosted by s/v “Sanity Check” also from Newfoundland. Judy and Tony are a delightful retired couple that are familiar with this route and fun to travel with. The dink rode back to Dolphin was just in time for a beautiful sunset and because we were in the middle of nowhere, star gazing that night was spectacular!

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We lifted anchor at 07:00 to make our way thru the Pungo Canal to Belhaven. As it was a mild night the day warmed quickly so that by 09:30 the Captain was in deck doing chores in his bathing suit as I took the helm and pealed off layer after layer of clothing finally delighted to be in shorts! With iPod and ear buds I danced our way to Belhaven. I’m sure I was a site to passing boats but it didn’t matter I was having a great time as I sang my heart out! My pedometer read 9000 steps, so I think I found a new way to exercise when I can’t get off the boat for a walk!

The water was flat as glass, the scenery was barren but beautiful, and the sky a brilliant blue. It was a beautiful day and just what we needed after so much cold weather!

After a quick stop to fill our fuel tanks at Dowery Creek Marina we arrived in Belhaven at 15:15 and dinked ashore to take a walk through this small sleepy town. There are very few businesses in town and only the Hardware store was open. It’s sad to see that the town has declined since our last visit 6 years ago. It offers such a pretty harbor and its frequented by boaters transiting north and south, but it just can’t gain enough economic leverage to thrive.

Back to Dolphin, we hosted the Sundowner (boaters term for Happy Hour) and were joined by crew from Sanity Check, Avanti and Anneteak. We enjoyed a 4 course communal dinner. Assorted appetizers, tossed salad, Chicken soup and chocolate for dessert! Another delicious meal and lots of fun.

We awoke at 06:30 for a 07:00 departure. The sunrise was beautiful!