Well after much debate we decided to try to make for Manteo a quaint little town in North Carolina we had a lot read about.This would take us not on the ICW , but up the Pamlico Sound and then the Roanoke Sound. We knew it was quite a hike, but why not! We got up at 6 am so we could get the bridge opening just north of Beaufort Docks. Our boat was a foot too tall to go under it and we would have to wait an hour and half if we didnt do this bridge opening. As it turned out the fishing boats didnt leave at 4 am as the wind had really got up and waves in the ocean were in the 8 ft category. They would play wait and see with the conditions today. I should clarify something, these boats are called sports fishing boats .Most have no outside railing on the decks and at least two and usually three stories high.They tend to ride high in the bow of the boat.
Bit of boat traffic following and then overtaking us, 4 sports fishing boats, and two large power yachts.Seems we were all heading in a similar direction.No ICW for us! Once we got out on the Pamlico Sound it was fairly breezy, following seas and we clipped along at about 20 to 22 knots.The other boats tended to travel faster.I would hate to have their fuel bills!!When we arrived at the southern end of the Roanoke Island we turned right to head up the Roanoke Sound.The other way is to head straight north into the Croatan Sound which offers deeper water ,but you have to backtrack to get to Manteo.
As it turns out the channel we used was quite narrow and there were places where depth was somewhat hairy .
Our depth finder registered barely 3 ft of water a few times ,but miraculously we didnt run aground at all. Anyway the trip was worth it and as we arrived the winds died down and we were met by the local dock master Carl who had fitted us in on a face dock .We got to share it with a Grand Banks power boat.A big boat club had come in a few days ago so the place was fairly full.
As we hadn't eaten for 51/2 hours , we took ourselves off to the local sandwich shop for a very good grilled sandwich. Then off to explore the little town which seems to have everything, particularly if you are in the mood for buying in clothing, pottery, art, etc.
There is some history attached to this place as the English tried to settle here and start a colony under Elizabeth II in 1500's.Sir Walter Raleigh tried to help establish the new settlers.He even brought back two Indians to England, Wanchese and Mateo, so he could learn more of the Native Americans character. Talk of a lost colony a few years later , possibly due to some hostile issues with the Native Americans. Anyway there is a play out on nightly here at an open air theatre , telling the story .There is also the Elizabeth II replica sitting opposite us here at the harbor.It is a copy of was one of Raleigh's seven vessels in his fleet. So quite an interesting little place!
We had to sample the local icecream later on in the afternoon,then cooked dinner on board in the evening.Save going to see the play for another time. Have to have a reason to revisit here.
Over and Out,
E n G
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