The eager power boat guys rafted to us were up and ready to cast off at 7:00 am….we expected it, but I never welcome that time of day. We of course met them two hours later waiting for the bridge and lock to open to let us all on our way. We were now a group of three sailboats from the Visitor Center to the lock: Endurance; Whispurr V from Canada, and Dave, single-handing a small boat from Gloucester, Virginia. Not only did we meet Peachy-Keen, our rafting companions, but the rest of yesterday’s flotilla less Two for the Road, who made it through the lock the previous day. The others ended up missing the lock yesterday and tied up along the wall to await the morning opening.
Dropping down 8 feet in the lock was a lovely, easy ride (we went up the same 8 feet with Robert in the first lock) and we were out of the gates, in single-file, moving at a slow, gentle pace. A few boats moved to the head of the pack in anticipation of getting to Elizabeth City and getting settled in on the free town docks. Peachy-Keen stole ahead, and was hoping to make it to Oriental tonight. We were greeted by gentlemen on the docks grabbing lines and tucking us in, and told “the cocktail party in our honor would be “starting at 4 or 4:30, not sure yet, but under the tent right over there”.
Captain Tony headed back below to tend to the business of business; First Mate and Galley Wench headed out to see Elizabeth City. We plan to hunker in here until the expected front passes through, then out into Albemarle Sound to perhaps finally put up some sails and hear the rush of wind and wave without a motor.
Boxed wine and Bud Light was served at our welcome party. Free, though. And that’s what we learned about Elizabeth City from Admiral Dave and ex-Mayor Steve. The history of Elizabeth City is only surpassed by its hospitality and the free things they have to offer. Free docking. Water. Museum. Internet. Library. Shuttles. Let everyone know that they need to stop in Elizabeth City. And we will.
Dinner with travel mates at Thumpers Bar & Grill. They have just been too nice to us in this town, to not go out to dinner.
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