Crossing Back Into Virginia

Camden Point to Great Bridge  |  6 Hours  |  42.8 Miles  

We got an earlier start today, hoping to get the anchor up and be on our way before the heavy rain began. Tiny flies descended upon Crossroads overnight. I removed as many as I could while washing down the anchor and decks. A sign along the North River pointed out one of our bucket list destinations. Manteo is on the Albemarle Loop which is a route we hope to do one day. The weather was not cooperating for this trip. The wind was light and waterside homes cast a perfect reflection on the still intracoastal waterway. There were no other boats on the water and only one duck boat tied up alongside Coinjock Marina. The rain fell harder as we entered Currituck Sound. The lack of sunshine made for a chilly morning and we pulled out the heater for a more comfortable ride. 

What was a UPS truck doing wheel-deep in the shallows? Turns out it was a duck blind. I was pleased to spot my favorite stump in its spot. All along our path, osprey had begun collecting sticks and crafting their spring nests. Most day markers had a nest and we also saw nests lower to the water on top of bridge fenders. The rain continued as we calculated our time and distance equations for our 12:30 arrival at the North Landing Swing Bridge. I called my mom to wish her a happy birthday and was reviewing the day's ball game schedule with her as we crossed back into Virginia. We slowed a bit which gave us an opportunity to see a large sailboat sitting very low in the shallow water. We had not noticed it as we passed in January. Only one side of the bridge opened, but there was plenty of room to slide through. The Centerville Bridge opened on request without delay. We called it a day at the free dock in Great Bridge. The rain continued into the evening and we stayed inside with the both the heat running and a string of ball games on the TV.