Over the next three days, we will be making our journey to Norfolk, VA, stopping twice along the way. Our first stop will be Belhaven, NC. It will be approximately 70 miles through the ICW.
We travel through some canal like waterways, but for the most part, it feels more like an open water run.
We arrive around 11 AM, after the start at 7 AM. We made great time, averaging about 17 mph, mainly due to increasing our speed in the open waterways. Since we are the first to arrive for the night, we are given the “sunset” dock. The dockmaster/owner is very hospitable and gives us some dining tips (the best restaurant in town is closed on Wednesdays, which is today, of course) and a lowdown on the marina and the town. It is small marina in a small town, but they are big on hospitality.
The marina also boasts of its very own proclaimed, “Best Bundle Deal on the ICW!”. For just $18, you get three items. First item is your choice of : one beer, one wine, one bag of ice OR a jello shot. Your second item is a choice between, one t-shirt, one hat, one bag OR one cigar. Finally, your third item is not negotiable…everyone gets a koozie. What a deal!
Belhaven is a very small town. As of year 2020, their population was 1,239. Remotely situated in the inner banks of North Carolina, Belhaven likely sees most visitors arriving by outboard motors than anything else.
Onto Coinjack, NC we go!
Yes Belhaven. First time there was January, 1999 on our way south from St. Michaels on the ICW. Horrible cruise from Coinjock crossing the Albemarle. Weather beautiful to start at 8AM and went downhill fast. Son Matthew was 4 and very miserable down below. Docking in 25 plus at Belhaven a real experience I never want to encounter again. Think we were at a different marina. Had a small hotel there where we stayed for two days as storm conditions only worsened. Spent two more days there until we were able to continue south with 4 other boats.
Your pics are great and narrative super. Look forward to your reports. Need any thoughts on Norfolk north on the Chesapeake let me know.
Russ
Thanks Russ! This is all new water for us, so would love any expertise!
Jackie