June 4-5, Elizabeth City, NC

Today was our longest one day move on the trip this summer. More than 85 miles from Belhaven, up the Pamlico River, through the Alligator Canal and then the Alligator River, across the Albemarle Sound, then up the Pasquotank River to Elizabeth City. Left Belhaven at 7 am and arrived Elizabeth City at 3:30 pm after running at 8 knots most of the day and then 18 knots for the last hour or so.

Early in the morning the sun provides a shimmer to the water.

Approaching Downtown Elizabeth City

Mariners Wharf offer free dockage for 48 hours to visiting boaters.
No electric. We run our generator to keep cool. Internet is good here.

Glad we arrived when we did as Elizabeth City welcomed us with a 'Rose Buddie' reception. A local tradition since 1983, several local citizens welcome visiting boaters with free wine and cheese and rose bud for the ladies. Glad we got to be part of the local tradition as it is not held every day.

Former Mayor Steve Atkinson, greets Linda with a 'rose bud'.
Very friendly people here.

Our first evening dinner at Cypress Creek Grill across from the Mariners Wharf. After dinner we were treated to a 'Harbor Night', a free concert in the park at the marina featuring a local band 'Bobby Plough and Friends'.

Downtown Elizabeth City

Nice park fills a former alley.

Pasquotank County Courthouse (1882)

Charles O. Robinson House (1914) is Southern Colonial style.
A wedding present to his daughter from Ivy Blades.

Christ Episcopal Church (1857)

Farmers Market on Saturday at the boardwalk.

Museum of the Albemarle Sound tells the history of the area.
From the 1600's until now.

Power boat races are being held today and we see and hear some big hydroplanes.

Hydroplane and Jersey Speed Skiff racing boat behind.

Two firsts and a second in class today.

Mechanics check out this engine. Race does not start for hours.

The races are held just in front of our boat. We could not be any closer.


Wind picked up around 3 pm and one of the big hydraplane boats 'flipped'. Boat came down hull to the water and driver was in a shoulder harness. He is ok except for bruising on shoulders. Boat has cracked stringers. All in all, could have been much worse.

Dinner last evening in town at Toyama for sushi and sushimi. Very good.