Elizabeth City

Our cab driver greeted us warmly saying in his very North Carolina drawl, "I can see by your happy faces that you are loved by the Lord!" Indeed, it was a love fest for God all the way across town to the grocery store for provisions. Mr. Riddick ran a quick errand (to take Miss Evie to Senior Day Care) then was back to pick us up. On the way back to the marina, Judith asked if he could drive us through the old part of town so that Mz Liz, from California and visiting the South for the first time, could see the beautiful homes of the Old South. Beautiful they are! What remarkable remnants of earlier days and Southern living.

Yesterday, as we tied up at the free marina, we enjoyed a lawn outlined with beautiful rose bushes, still in full bloom. A granite memorial explains the history and honors the founder of the Rose Buddies, who welcome boaters to their city with a rose for the first mate, and often a wine and cheese party. After the founder died in his 90's, the town transplanted his rose bushes down at the marina, and the Chamber of Commerce has continued this 40 year tradition. Boaters leave this harbor of hospitality with fond memories.

We are in the Alligator River right now, and will be anchoring out, to get an early start for tomorrow's travel. We will be entering the Alligator River/Pongo Canal, which is very narrow and 20 miles long. There are no tie-ups or anchorages available until we come out on the Pongo River side. Weather has been beautiful all day, but high winds are expected tomorrow.