Belhaven, NC

Before we get to Belhaven, a final note about Coinjock…and an unexpected surprise. Guinness and I were seated for dinner, waiting to order our 32 ounce prime rib, when Peter Wilm showed up. Peter is a good friend from The Haven Yacht Club, and a super guy. He was traveling with his daughter and a friend on his 65′ Riviera (look it up). They made it from St Michaels to Coinjock in one high-speed run! What a pleasant surprise!

We left Coinjock at 7AM in DENSE fog. The first hour was totally by instruments. I could see the boat ahead of me on radar, but visibility was down to two boat lengths! Then, an hour later we broke out onto brilliant sunshine and calm seas. WOT for the next two hours! (That’s Wide Open Throttle for you landlubbers.)

We crossed the dreaded Albemarle Sound in 30 minutes, we snuck under the Alligator River Bridge without waiting for an opening – we had 1 foot to spare! And we were tied up in Bellhaven by noon.

We could have gone further, but that’s enough. 85 miles today. Exactly 5 hours. One hour in fog and four in paradise.

I had time this afternoon to take Guinness for a drive around time in a complimentary golf cart. His first ride in a golf cart. And do a load of laundry (also complimentary)!

Belhaven is a tiny town..pjust 2000 people, six churches and two bars. But the harbor is gorgeous. We are facing due west, and I can’t wait for tonight’s sunset.

Tomorrow we head for Oriental, NC – 50 miles away. Should be an easy day.