Back in the 21st century

Apologies to our North Carolinian friends but the eastern part of the state is still in the cell phone dark ages.For the past week or so We able the access weather radar and tediously get email in and out but no pictures.

We are now about 30 miles south of Norfolk in the middle of the Dismal Swamp at the Virginia/NC line welcome center. The canal is spectacular. At some points less than 20yards wide with overhanging trees. You can see a bit of the canal behind the Joan and friend in the picture. We came up from Elizabeth City this morning following a 42' sailboat at a leisurely 5mph pace as he picked his way along in 6' of water with his boat drawing 5.5'.

We greatly enjoyed Elizabeth City. They have 14 free slips "managed" by a cast of volunteer characters right out of last century. The whole town is hospitable to boaters and one old gentleman meets and provides roses to the ladies and hosts and wine,beer and cheese party in the evening. The "old " theater has been converted into a "Dinner" theater where you are seated at tables where you order by phone and enjoy tasty offerings as the movie show begins.

Before EC we spent the night at a Alligator river marina far removed from any civilization. and before that a night at Belhaven NC doing our sightseeing via marina courtesy car. Took over 15 minutes to see it all.

Aaaand, before that we had a great two day stop at Oriental NC, the neatest little town we have seen thus far. Quite small (600 or so) and so far unsullied by developers Oriental has attracted many interesting adventurers, artists and just plain neat people. Reportedly 6 sailors who have circumnavigated live there.

Previous to Oriental was Morehead City. We had intended to visit Beaufort just across the bridge but economized but choosing a less expensive marina in MC with intentions to bike over the mile or so bridge. As luck would have it no sidewalk or bike lane so we were stuck in MC which placed well down our MFP list. In fact we had to create a deeper bottom.

Before that is too far back to remember.