Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-12-2013, 07:17 PM   #1
Dauntless Award
 
Wxx3's Avatar
 
City: Wrangell, Alaska
Vessel Name: Dauntless
Vessel Model: Kadey Krogen 42 - 148
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,820
more route advice needed

Yes, I need more advice about my route north.
I'm in Belhaven NC (ICW135) and hope to be in Norfolk, VA in two to three days.
My dilemma is that as I look at the charts for the ICW, all I see are straight, boring canals, including the Dismal Swamp.
Can I just go east to the big sound and then go north???
or is that more work than it's worth??

Richard
__________________
Richard on Dauntless,
New York

a Kadey Krogen 42 currently: https://share.garmin.com/dauntless
Blog:
https://dauntlessatsea.com
Wxx3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2013, 07:58 PM   #2
Guru
 
Moonstruck's Avatar
 
City: Hailing Port: Charleston, SC
Vessel Name: Moonstruck
Vessel Model: Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,276
the short answer is no. You would have to go outside Oregon Inlet to get North from the East.

Your choices are the Virginia Cut through Great Bridge Lock or the Dismal Swamp.
__________________
Don on Moonstruck
Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
When cruising life is simpler, but on a grander scale (author unknown)
https://moonstruckblog.wordpress.com/
Moonstruck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2013, 08:34 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
kurt.reynolds's Avatar
 
City: Chesapeake, VA
Vessel Name: Grace
Vessel Model: 1982 Grand Banks Motoryacht
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 134
I live in this area, and have taken the exact route you are on a few years back in my Mainship 390.

Quickest: I would go up the alligator river from Belhaven, then northeast and take ICW thru Coinjock.

Scenic: Take the alligator river and then take the ICW thru Elizabeth City, you can dock there for free. But then you have to navigate the Great Dismal Swamp Canal (which is beautiful). There are locks on both ends so you have to time it right, there is a visitor center with dockage(free) along the canal, so that is the scenic route. Will take an entire day to navigate the canal.
kurt.reynolds is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 09:56 AM   #4
Guru
 
Moonstruck's Avatar
 
City: Hailing Port: Charleston, SC
Vessel Name: Moonstruck
Vessel Model: Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,276
Richard, if you are going the Virginia cut route, you will hit a number of bridges with timed openings. Most are timed in sequence about 30 minutes apart. That can work fairly well. Just try not to hit them at rush hour when they have extended closure times. Also, the Gilmerton Bridge is having extensive work done. There are some restrictions on passage I think mostly in the evenings. Norfolk is always a tricky but interesting place.

Looks like you rested up in Belhaven.
__________________
Don on Moonstruck
Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
When cruising life is simpler, but on a grander scale (author unknown)
https://moonstruckblog.wordpress.com/
Moonstruck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 11:28 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
yachtbrokerguy's Avatar


 
City: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vessel Model: I have keys to lots of boats...
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 438
In a faster boat I try to go out in Pamlico Sound to avoid the canals, bridges and slowing to pass trawlers and sailboats. Even in a trawler though if the wind is not strong at least you can set the auto pilot and relax on the trip. The mileage is only a little more than the canal and the Alligator River and you rejoin the ICW in the Albemarle sound.
__________________
Tucker Fallon CPYB
yachtbrokerguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 02:22 PM   #6
Guru
 
Moonstruck's Avatar
 
City: Hailing Port: Charleston, SC
Vessel Name: Moonstruck
Vessel Model: Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,276
Quote:
Originally Posted by yachtbrokerguy View Post
In a faster boat I try to go out in Pamlico Sound to avoid the canals, bridges and slowing to pass trawlers and sailboats. Even in a trawler though if the wind is not strong at least you can set the auto pilot and relax on the trip. The mileage is only a little more than the canal and the Alligator River and you rejoin the ICW in the Albemarle sound.
That's great advice, Tucker. I did exactly that my last trip. It was a good day with much autopilot time. We made it from Morehead City to Portsmouth in 1 day. I was kind of surprised when I saw Richard turn at Maw Point back into the ICW from the Neuse. With his outside runs, I thought he would go up the sounds. However, he was pretty tired, and probably looking for a place to hold up.
__________________
Don on Moonstruck
Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
When cruising life is simpler, but on a grander scale (author unknown)
https://moonstruckblog.wordpress.com/
Moonstruck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 07:11 PM   #7
Guru
 
Daddyo's Avatar
 
City: Cruising East Coast US
Vessel Name: Grace
Vessel Model: DeFever 48
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,420
Guys, I don't know what your talking about. He's already in Belhaven. The fastest is the Virginia Cut. You are only an easy two days from Norfolk or one day to Great Bridge. I made the east end of the Alligator to Portsmouth in one day a few weeks ago.
__________________
Cruiser
Esse Quam Videri
Daddyo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 08:07 PM   #8
Guru
 
Tom.B's Avatar
 
City: Cary, NC
Vessel Name: Skinny Dippin'
Vessel Model: Navigator 4200 Classic
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,841
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daddyo View Post
Guys, I don't know what your talking about. He's already in Belhaven. The fastest is the Virginia Cut. You are only an easy two days from Norfolk or one day to Great Bridge. I made the east end of the Alligator to Portsmouth in one day a few weeks ago.
And we were ALL witness to the fact that Mark is NEVER in a hurry to get there.
__________________
2000 Navigator 4200 Classic
(NOT a trawler)
Tom.B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 08:49 PM   #9
Dauntless Award
 
Wxx3's Avatar
 
City: Wrangell, Alaska
Vessel Name: Dauntless
Vessel Model: Kadey Krogen 42 - 148
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,820
That's great advice, Tucker. I did exactly that my last trip. It was a good day with much autopilot time. We made it from Morehead City to Portsmouth in 1 day. I was kind of surprised when I saw Richard turn at Maw Point back into the ICW from the Neuse. With his outside runs, I thought he would go up the sounds. However, he was pretty tired, and probably looking for a place to hold up.
__________________
Don on Moonstruck
Sabre 42 Hardtop Express & Blackfin 25 CC

Guys, I don't know what your talking about. He's already in Belhaven. The fastest is the Virginia Cut. You are only an easy two days from Norfolk or one day to Great Bridge. I made the east end of the Alligator to Portsmouth in one day a few weeks ago.
__________

Well, I think Daddyo was right. looking at the charts, it seemed I no longer had a choice. Also, someone seemed to confirm that. I did take the faster route, avoiding the Dismal route. i took the Boring route. I doubt i will ever do this again in this lifetime.
Actually now that i think of it, it reminds me of driving to Fairbanks, ALaska on the Alcan. 2000 miles of scrawny trees.

Thanks Guys. i really appreciate the advice. I will meander up the Chesapeake, as I would like to see it and i don't want to be in Cape may before Saturday.
__________________
Richard on Dauntless,
New York

a Kadey Krogen 42 currently: https://share.garmin.com/dauntless
Blog:
https://dauntlessatsea.com
Wxx3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 08:49 PM   #10
Guru
 
Moonstruck's Avatar
 
City: Hailing Port: Charleston, SC
Vessel Name: Moonstruck
Vessel Model: Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,276
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daddyo View Post
Guys, I don't know what your talking about. He's already in Belhaven. The fastest is the Virginia Cut. You are only an easy two days from Norfolk or one day to Great Bridge. I made the east end of the Alligator to Portsmouth in one day a few weeks ago.
Mark, I was aware that he had passed the point. I was just agreeing with Tucker that to cut out of the ICW into the Pamlico and through Croaton Sound is my preferred route to Albemarle Sound. For me it is quicker and easier unless really bad weather. Your right. Even with the bridges to consider his fastest way is the Virginia Cut.

Looks like he is anchored in North River.
__________________
Don on Moonstruck
Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
When cruising life is simpler, but on a grander scale (author unknown)
https://moonstruckblog.wordpress.com/
Moonstruck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 08:53 PM   #11
Dauntless Award
 
Wxx3's Avatar
 
City: Wrangell, Alaska
Vessel Name: Dauntless
Vessel Model: Kadey Krogen 42 - 148
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,820
yes, I am.
Another question? Why do sailboats anchor with NO lights.
It's getting dark, I'm using the binocs to look for crab pot floats and lo and behold i have a sail boat dead ahead maybe a quarter of a mile.

Now, I'm hearing creepy noises and smelling burning wood.

It's going to be along night.
__________________
Richard on Dauntless,
New York

a Kadey Krogen 42 currently: https://share.garmin.com/dauntless
Blog:
https://dauntlessatsea.com
Wxx3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 09:07 PM   #12
Guru
 
Moonstruck's Avatar
 
City: Hailing Port: Charleston, SC
Vessel Name: Moonstruck
Vessel Model: Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,276
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wxx3 View Post
yes, I am.
Another question? Why do sailboats anchor with NO lights.
It's getting dark, I'm using the binocs to look for crab pot floats and lo and behold i have a sail boat dead ahead maybe a quarter of a mile.

Now, I'm hearing creepy noises and smelling burning wood.

It's going to be along night.
As long as you are not hearing banjos, you are probably OK.
__________________
Don on Moonstruck
Sabre 42 Hardtop Express
When cruising life is simpler, but on a grander scale (author unknown)
https://moonstruckblog.wordpress.com/
Moonstruck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 09:35 PM   #13
Ben
Guru
 
Ben's Avatar
 
City: Clayton, NC
Vessel Name: Silver Lining
Vessel Model: Heritage East 44 / Twin Perkins T6.3544
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 758
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wxx3 View Post
Now, I'm hearing creepy noises and smelling burning wood.

It's going to be along night.
What??? You can't hear my banjo???

__________________
..................................
Ben
Ben is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 09:50 PM   #14
Dauntless Award
 
Wxx3's Avatar
 
City: Wrangell, Alaska
Vessel Name: Dauntless
Vessel Model: Kadey Krogen 42 - 148
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,820
i knew i shouldn't look at this one more time
__________________
Richard on Dauntless,
New York

a Kadey Krogen 42 currently: https://share.garmin.com/dauntless
Blog:
https://dauntlessatsea.com
Wxx3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 11:47 PM   #15
Guru
 
Daddyo's Avatar
 
City: Cruising East Coast US
Vessel Name: Grace
Vessel Model: DeFever 48
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,420
Quote:
Originally Posted by Moonstruck View Post
Mark, I was aware that he had passed the point. I was just agreeing with Tucker that to cut out of the ICW into the Pamlico and through Croaton Sound is my preferred route to Albemarle Sound. For me it is quicker and easier unless really bad weather. Your right. Even with the bridges to consider his fastest way is the Virginia Cut.

Looks like he is anchored in North River.
I agree 100%. The Pamlico is the way to go but as you know and some here might not, you've got to make that call just after leaving Adam's Creek. For those who do leave the magenta line you have the opportunity to visit two of the better stops (if not the best stop, Ocracoke) Manteo and Ocracoke on the entire AICW. If you've got the time take those side trips
__________________
Cruiser
Esse Quam Videri
Daddyo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2013, 11:51 PM   #16
Guru
 
Daddyo's Avatar
 
City: Cruising East Coast US
Vessel Name: Grace
Vessel Model: DeFever 48
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,420
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom.B View Post
And we were ALL witness to the fact that Mark is NEVER in a hurry to get there.
What one cotton pickin minute! Are you calling my 6.8 knts a hurry?
Trust me, if the family had been with me on the return trip we would still be underway "Time Stand Still, Rush"
__________________
Cruiser
Esse Quam Videri
Daddyo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2013, 05:12 AM   #17
FF
Guru
 
FF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
The Dismal Swamp is the way to go.

Laid out by George Washington , it runs thry very interesting country with little nearby road traffic , or much in the way of urban sprawl.

If its a delivery go the other way and see more ICW (the I -95 marine version).

The D-S has no traffic at night , snag a tree , drop a flyweight anchor and enjoy the time .
FF is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
boring, dismal, swamp

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:51 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012