November 17
Our morning began with a bit of boat TLC at Atlantic Yacht Basin, where we addressed a leak in the starboard shaft seal. Thankfully, it was a simple fix—made even easier with help from the friendly yard crew. Just routine maintenance, but always satisfying to check off. Now I wonder what other maintenance items I need to take care of this week.
By 10:30 AM, we were underway, heading 38 miles south to Coinjock. The waterway was lively, with plenty of boats on the move—many, like us, had been waiting out the weather. The route took us along the winding North Landing River and across the open Currituck Sound, offering a smooth and scenic ride.
Coinjock Marina welcomed us with its famously long face dock, perfect for accommodating vessels of all sizes. It’s also known for its restaurant, once celebrated for its generous prime rib. When we arrived, the dockhands mentioned they were expecting around 15 boats that evening. By nightfall, that number had easily been surpassed!
We settled in with a glass of wine and appetizers at the local bar—an ideal way to unwind. Later, we returned for dinner, though sadly, the restaurant’s reputation seems to have faded. The prime rib wasn’t what it used to be. Still, the marina remains a favorite stop, thanks to its excellent facilities and the camaraderie of fellow boaters. We shared stories, laughs, and a mutual love for life on the water. It’s the kind of place that feels like home.
November 18
A bright, sunny morning greeted us as we prepared for a longer leg of the journey. At 7 AM, we departed Coinjock, bound for Belhaven, NC—an 80-mile run that would carry us through a variety of waterways.
Our route began with a cruise down the North Landing River into the Albemarle Sound, then through the Alligator River Bridge and into the Alligator River itself. After about two hours, we reached the entrance to the Alligator-Pungo River Canal—a perfectly straight, 20-mile stretch that’s unmistakably man-made, in contrast to the winding rivers before it. Every hour we check or progress to ensure we on our plan to make it to Beaufort on time.
Eventually, the canal opened into the Pungo River, and by evening, we arrived in Belhaven. It was a long day on the water, but the journey was rewarding, filled with changing landscapes and the quiet rhythm of travel by boat.
I finished the evening at Fishhooks Restaurant in Belhaven with a true southern meal — a hamburger steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I’ve loved it and Carey enjoyed her seafood “Trawler Special” of flounder, oysters, and a crab cake. Amaxing southern food. A few pictures below. You can magnify an image by hovering over image and pressing Ctrl twice.
