Coinjock to Manteo, NC

Day #402; Loop Miles to Date = 4,413

Just a quick update...no pics...

Yesterday we ventured another 43 miles south to Manteo, NC. This trip is one of those times when you have to grab a weather window that you like, because the Albemarle Sound can turn into a nasty body of water quickly, and it requires about a 20 mile crossing over open water. We had been watching the winds for a few days, and the forecasts held for us to have a decent day to sneak across here. It was off and on rainy most of the way, but the winds were below 15 mph, and actually below 10 for most of the day. So, the seas were very manageable, and while gray and wet, it was a nice travel day.

This trip off of the ICW allows us access to the Outer Banks, so today (Tuesday) we'll rent a car and do some driving around...hopefully we'll remember to take some pictures so we have something to share next post. While travelling yesterday we were glad that we had chosen this side trip, as there was a traffic jam of sorts on the ICW near the entrance to the Alligator River...our other option to head south. There is some pretty significant shoaling in this area, and evidently a sailboat had run hard aground. We listened to the whole mess unfold over the VHF. There were 2 boats who stopped to try to assist the sailboat, and by the time they got the sailboat free, one of THEM had managed to run hard aground! It must have been a real mess down there. Both Boat US and the Coast Guard were involved by radio, but in the end, everyone got untangled without any major damage or issue. The whole ordeal took 2 hours or more - we were just glad that we weren't snarled up in it!

Manteo looks to be a great little town...it is obvious that there is a strong summer tourist presence, as it just has that '"look and feel". But the marina is great, there are some cute shops, a handful of restaurants, and most importantly at least 3 different places to buy ice cream...surely one of these will be open later when we have the thirst!

So off to do some exploring...hope you all have a great day!