My theory that the colder the air temperature the more mud that comes up with the anchor was reinforced this morning. All 100 feet of anchor chain was caked in thick, black sludge. By the time the anchor was secure, the deck and I were covered with mud. Soon thereafter I was soaked and cold from the washdown. Oh, how I miss The Bahamas. Our trip through the Alligator-Pungo Canal was peaceful. The water was smooth and we saw only a few other boats along the way. Mirror-like reflections lined the shore.
The whitecaps of a chop were visible as we approached the entrance into the Alligator River. The north wind was driving waves on our nose. The ride was wet but not uncomfortable. The Alligator River Swing Bridge operator opened the span as we approached and the assembled pelicans ushered us into Albemarle Sound.
The chop intensified and the wind continued to build to a consistent 30+ knots. We tacked our way across the churned-up Sound trying to minimize the roll from a beam sea, but adding an hour to the crossing. When we arrived at our intended anchorage, the conditions were not very good so we kept on going. Our planned 61 mile day turned into 88 miles. The setting sun showed all the salt spray on the pilothouse windows once docked at Coinjock Marina. All is calm in the canal and I'm sure we'll sleep well tonight.
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