Updating

Just to get all of us on the same page. A friend & I moved Scooter to New Bern, NC in late November to avoid some of the cold weather that visits the Maryland coast this time of year. Ginny will assume crew duties on the upcoming legs. The trip went well. Starting mid day from Weaver's Marine Service in Essex, MD and anchoring in the Rhode River that evening. Up early the next morning, we hustled down a tranquil Chesapeake Bay to the Greater Wicomico River. A peaceful night at anchor, refuelling at Reedsville, and another calm Bay day found us at anchor in Norfolk, VA.

The following morning started in a foggy fashion as we eased down the Elizabeth River through the Norfolk harbor complex to the mile zero marker. A bit anticlimatic, but a major step for Scooter & crew. The Great Bridge lock came & went; wonderful lock for a first timer, easy in, easy out. Given the aftermath of Ida we had elected to bypass the Dismal swamp route due to reports of debris, etc that we were hearing. We'll catch that one on the way back. Wind, currents, & darkness descended on us as we approached Coinjock, NC. Not a pretty thing to watch, but we got docked at Midway Motel & Marina with no damage. Great meal at the restaurant on the premises. Next day was dreary, with drizzle & fog. Albemarle Sound was an interesting exercise in hanging on, but, while annoying, certainly doable. That evening saw us swinging peacefully at anchor just short of Belhaven, NC. Nothing like steak & boat potatoes on the grill to finish off

a long day. Day 5 started off in a wet fashion, but cleared up as we moved South into the Neuse River. That night we refuelled, pumped out, & tied to a slip at Northwest Creek marina. Wonderful spot. Next day we moved Scooter to her temporary slip.

The rest of the AICW voyage starts 1/12/10. We'll keep you posted.