Journey to Florida 2014: Chesapeake to Beaufort N.C.

Pungo /Pimlico River Canal

Morehead City NC

Am sitting outside Morehead City, N.C. having arrived a few hours ago. Along way around to get back to the North Atlantic.
We had bad weather on the Chesapeake, having been hit by a storm , which we thought we would beat.. as it was the last 3 hours of a 8 hour trip, we got caught fighting the winds, currents, tides and rain. Both of us got drenched with waves coming over the bow . We landed at Crisfield, MD and took a dock for 2 nights to provision up, dry out and regroup... well worth it at a $1/ft.
Since then we have had dolphins swim around us as we traveled, traveled through Norfolk, VA and the naval bases, traveled down the. Dismal canal... well worth it, spent a few days at Elizabeth City, known for its hospitality, which we were recipients of for the 2 days, the last 3 days traveling back to the ICW and the Atlantic at Beaufort/Morehead City, N.C,

Many highlights and several hours of just routine. An average 7-8 hours per day 40-60 miles average.
Had a small coolant leak, which I was able to find but should look at replacing some hoses when we get to our destination.

Several people recommended taking the Dismal Swamp, rather than the Virginia cut. Although it is a tedious 20 mile journey down a man made trench, the scenery is great. We were. Fortunate enough to have coffee and a chat with Robert the lockmaster, as he told us the history of the Swamp. Looking forward to our return in the spring. Bout 850 miles to Miami.