Wednesday, April 30, 2014 – 9:30PM – Leg 19/Day 31 – 49.2 Miles

As of today, the ICW as I have known it is behind me. Even though it continues all the way to Norfolk, VA, the canal running along the shoreline as a channel is over. After Pamlico Sound, which I will traverse about half tomorrow, there is Albemarle Sound, then up the Pasquotank River, through the Dismal Swamp and then Norfolk where the ICW officially ends. As I passed statute mile 180, I entered into the largest protected bodies of water to date. My hope is to get out to Cape Hatteras and spend a night out there, but if it gets too choppy or time becomes an issue, I will hug the Northern coastline of Pamlico and cut some travel time out in my trek to Kitty Hawk.

I got up early again and was off by 6:00 AM. The wind was picking up all day and by the time I turned the corner at Newport River, it was blowing a good 15-20 mph steady. I made really good time heading up the river as the wind was from the south and I was heading north. It blew me along so good that I had the anchor set just offshore from Paradise Cove Marina by 4:00. That was after running into the marina and getting a few items. I wanted to get a handle on the weather forecast and where a good place to anchor out would be. There looked to be some rain coming, nothing of the thunder variety, but still with some heavy rain bands and wind. So I wanted to make sure I could anchor into a good bottom.

The rain did start about an hour after I set and it built up to a pretty good downpour. The anchors held and I feel pretty good about staying out tonight. It doesn't look like anything worse is coming and at the time of this writing, it's not bad at all. The wind is still blowing steady in the 15 mph area, but nothing on the radar.

After I stop for the weekend, the legs become much shorter and I will be taking my time a little more. I'm still fighting that feeling of always wanting to be on the move and yet anxious to get where I am going. Once I am there, like now, I am anxious to get going again. I am hoping this trip breaks me of that. I want to be content right where I am no matter where that is.

Today is officially my one month anniversary for travel. Tomorrow, May begins and my largest body of water to date is set before me. I look forward to this next month as I may be on the Erie Canal by this time next month. I have now added Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina to my states I have been through and will be adding Delaware in the coming month.

Blessing all over my family and friends. I pray your anchor is in Christ through all of your storms.