November 3, 2023 Coinjock NC

Left Norfolk with a plan to get to at least Pungo Ferry and decided to keep going on to Coinjock. Apparently the ICW is much more crowded than when Myles went through here 10 years ago. I have nothing to compare it to as this is my first trip here. Many sights leaving Norfolk - very busy and industrial - vs.  the scenic grass-and-tree-lined portion further South. Sunny skies and light winds. The path through the ICW is very narrow even though the water stretches wide. It's very shallow other than where it is dredged. We went through several bridges and the locks at Great Bridge.I thought the lock would be more dramatic, but the water only went down about a foot. Still a good learning experience.

We arrived in Coinjock where we got fuel and a pumpout, only to learn that without a reservation there is little or no room in the marina. They were kind enough to find us space on the West side (the other side of the tracks, so to speak) which was appreciated. Docking there would have been a huge challenge were it not for the help of a fellow boater. In appreciateion for his help Myles offered to take them across the water to the restaurant for dinner. It took two trips in our dinghy. We enjoyed a good dinner with Ronnie and Shari (from Deltaville) and we had a nice conversation. They have been to The Bahamas many times and had good advice on what/where to enjoy. 

Caramel is doing well and enjoyed some time-on-grass while we got fuel. She was in the cockpit with us all day and is VERY tired tonight. Veritas is a champ and running beautifully! It was a long day, and tomorrow will be a shorter one.