On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 131.5 – who has had the good fortune to visit with Captain Mary at Dowry Creek Marina, north of AICW/Pungo River marker #5? Please give us a full description of what you found. Were you able to find transportation to nearby Belhaven for dining or provisioning?

Responses follow:

Dowry Creek is a nice stop. It is a clean friendly place. They supplied transportation for trips into town. The only downside to the Marina is, it is less then 30 miles south of the Alligator River anchorage and that is not a days run for me. On the way south, everyone stops at Alligator River mile 103, so they at least want to make it to Belhaven, before they stop.
Edward Hart

Without question, this marina is a must stop traveling N. or S. Excellent facility, fuel, clean restrooms, vehicle for your use, easy access with help from the staff. Great hospitality room for potluck meals. Relax!
Captain Steve Atkinson

Dowry Creek was a fabulous place to be! We were there with about 12 other boats waiting for Hurricane Sandy to pass! Mary and her staff could not have been more cordial or helpful! We had full use if her pool house and were told we could stay there if we felt uncomfortable due to the storm. We had cocktails or a potluck every night and seminars during the day! We felt like kids at Camp Dowry Creek with Mary as our Camp counselor. There was a courtesy car to use for shopping or dining. The showers and laundry were clean. The sailors quickly became close friends and shared experiences!
We made friends there who will be friends forever! Mary offered us all a great rate due to the storm. She and her staff went out of their way to make sure we were all safe and happy! We hope to return in May northbound!
Happy to have chosen Dowry as a safe place. It is protected from NWE but in far enough that we hardly rocked!
Tomfoolery

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Dowry Creek Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dowry Creek Marina

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Upper Cape Fear River – who has departed the AICW, and cruised upstream on the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington, NC waterfront? Did you stay at the city docks?

Responses follow:

We traveled up the Cape Fear River in Sept 2012 to stay at the Wilmington City Dock and enjoy the sights of this charming mariners city. Docked across from the Battleship North Carolina, the City dock is affordable with water and power, but no other services. Great location to tour the city (shops and restaurants). Loved the Front Street Brewery – great food and drinks. Only concern here is debris in the river. Pulled 3 TREES out from under and between my running gear so be careful. Worth the trip and would definitely go again.
Tom Callan

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Wilmington City Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Wilmington City Docks

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 181 – any descriptions of Oriental’s other several marinas and repair facilities would also be helpful to your fellow cruisers.

Responses follow:

I leave my boat at Whittaker Point marina for several weeks which is in the aforementioned creek. Easy in if one stays in the channel. I had a problem with my windlass and the folks at Sailcraft shipyard (right across the creek)sent over a mechanic who removed the broken unit and repaired. Continuing north in a week.
Windward

Sailcraft [Services] on Whitaker Creek is a really great place to have your boat worked on. Fair prices and good workmanship as well as great staff & management. We had our Endeavour there for what we thought was a minor leak. It turned out our rudder stuffing box hadn’t been maintained at all, even before we purchased it. They were able to drop it and repair it for far less than than we were expecting.
When we head back North, we definitely would stop if we needed any work.
Susan & Elden Leaf
s/v Soteria

Oriental is a small town where the people are as wonderful as the sailing. Oriental has a lot to offer from great sailing waters to boat sales and services, to some good eating. My first hand experiences there have been so great that my first mate and I plan to make it our retirement home. Being a relatively new sailor, just about everyone I have met has been very helpful in anything I needed.
Bentley’s (?) seems to be the favorite [dining spot] of a lot of the residents. I have eaten there numerous times. The food is good and the prices reasonable. For Wednesday night meals I highly recommend the “Silos”. They have a killer steak that will satisfy most appetites and numerous other options. On Wednesday nights they have open mike night where anybody can get up and sing or play an instrument. Makes for a fantastic evening.
The “Sheila B”

Having kept a boat in Oriental for 30+ years I can tell you this is really a neat place. Brantly’s, as mentioned above, is a favorite or the locals and serves really good, inexpensive meals. Closer to the harbor (downtown Oriental) is M&M’s which is my favorite. Lots of traditional choices plus various kinds of seafood in season. Also in that area in The Trawl Door and Tucan Grill. You couldn’t go wrong with any of these.
Oriental has become an artist hangout and there are several art galleries in town worth your time exploring. Several gift shops are in town and marine hardware and other boat supplies are available at West Marine, The Inland waterway Treasure Company, and Village Hardware. There is a grocery store which is about three quarters of a mile from the harbor.
For transients, there is room for about 5-6 boats to anchor in the harbor and three marinas in the harbor area and two in Whittaker Creek which puts you about a mile from the downtown area. Also, for major or minor repairs, Deaton Yacht Service is located right next to Sailcraft mentioned above and also provides top quality work.
Sykes DeHart

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Whittaker Pointe Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Whittaker Pointe Marina

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 205 to 203 – someone please give us some Morehead City dining recommendations. In particular, has anyone eaten at the Ruddy Duck lately?

Responses follow:

Ruddy Duck’s is completely awesome and eclectic. Worth the stop. The Sanitary has upfitted it’s outside dinning… tables outside and a bar with stools running the entire front of the dock with gas lanterns. Inside… a piano and bar now on the water side. Menu is still about the same, but it’s a great place for fresh fish of the day.
Beth Blake
Managing Editor
Carteret County News-Times

Ruddy Duck is still its wonderful self. We Always stop here. There is a short term dock just west and of course at the restaurant itself. At our mid April 2013 stop they were totally rebuilding the float at the restaurant. In the good old days we spent the night but that is not allowed now.
There is something about the seafood preparation here that creates lightly fried, flavorful shrimp, scallops and fish. I always get the combo platter and have it for two meals.
Gregory Han

We dined there [at the Ruddy Duck] when we stopped at Morehead City Yacht Basin on our way South Fall 2012. Great food, especially the fish tacos and margarita pizza. Drinks were reasonable, especially during happy hour. Would recommend this restaurant in a heartbeat!
Susan & Elden Leaf
s/v Soteria

Floyds 1921, next door to Morehead City Yacht Basin is a high quality restaurant with a very pleasant atmosphere in a renovated old home, offers outstanding food. It is an experience that should not be missed.
Glen and Jill Moore
DeFever 40 Last Dance

Two weeks ago,(April 2013) While Making our way north on the ICW, with high anticipation to stop after a long cold day at Sanitary Fish Restaurant. We made the call, ‘sorry we close at 8pm’ our heart sunk as we made it to the dock at 3 minutes after 8. Well with no other boats on the dock, we called it home for the night.
We walked out to see the surroundings and there it is, The Ruddy Duck, Sweet. We had a great dinner, with great beer and rum. We loved the duck, great wait staff and food.
Early morning with know one in sight we untied the lines and off north again.. Many thanks for a free night at Sanitary Fish that was very highly recommended .
Steve & Laurie
S/V Running Free

Tried Ruddy Duck twice, food, service, all very disappointing. May try one more time since everyone else raves about the place. Did try the Sanitary again for the first time in about 25 years. It has certainly changed. Food was fresh and perfectly prepared, Service, excellent as it has always been. If you haven’t been there in a while, skip the Duck and give the Sanitary a try. Another good place on the waterfront is the Channel Marker. Great food and view.
Klaus Hoog
Oriental, NC

Floyd’s … to the west …within sight and short walk from Morehead City Yacht Basin….Consistently very good… food and service.
Enjoy
Doug Jacoby
Aboard m/v CHANGER

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morehead City, NC

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 201 – who has anchored on Taylor Creek while visiting Beaufort, NC. Did you find enough swing room for your vessel amidst the many craft on mooring balls here? Where did you dinghy ashore? What depths did you discover in this anchorage?

Responses follow:

I moor up Taylor creek east of the city docks. I have to dinghy in anyway so going a quarter mile up the creek always finds a good clear spot where I can anchor mid creek. This is better than trying to squeeze into the space out of the channel in front of the city dock. Holding is good in firm sand.
Gregory Han

Depths were fine, 6-9 ft, as we have a 3 1/2 draft, but finding a space to anchor was almost impossible with all the local mooring balls, local liveaboards and sunken vessels. All were spaced to limit only small vessels. We have a 32 ft. sailboat and barely fit. A fellow cruiser with a 37 ft. sailboat traveling with us was unable to find a safe area to anchor and spent several hours motoring around looking for a spot. Would not recommend this anchorage to anyone. Rather would send them to Morehead City Yacht Basin as Beaufort City docks are too expensive.
Susan & Elden Leaf
s/v Soteria

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Taylor Creek Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Taylor Creek Anchorage

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 157 – who has spent the night tied to the R. E. Mayo Seafood docks, south of the Hobucken Bridge? Please describe what you found here. Did you purchase any fresh seafood at the dockside store?

Responses follow:

R E Mayo – we stayed there for one niight, about the end of April. Were able to buy some great, freshly caught flounder fillets, and the dockage was only $10/ft. Nightime traffic was quiet. The only problem was obtaining water, as a large shrimper blocked the only faucet. Their 110 volt electric showed reverse polarity, so we didn’t use it and chance the cost of electrical repairs.
“Footloose”

I spent the night at Mayo dock for the first time this spring. It was blowing so a good dock was welcome. There is a 250′ or so alongside fixed dock. It was in good repair but the electric was not working well. There were two power points with 30 and 15 amp plugs. One had the 30a missing and the other did not work. The 15a worked fine. I came in late Sunday so there was no one there to ask or help out. Still a bargain at $0.40/foot. We did not try to buy any seafood.
Gregory Han

I have spent 4/5 nights at RE Mayo and the best thing going for it was the price, I think it was about 0.60 a ft. and the cheapest fuel on the ICW. The docks are built for shrimp boats not yachts.
Edward Hart

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 311 – OK, I really, really need your help on this one. Immediately west of AICW marker #8, a cooling canal makes into the Waterway’s northern shores. This is one of the only anchorages in NC, that I have never had the opportunity to personally research and sound. I have been into this stream by boat (not my own, and this vessel lacked a sounder), and I observed that vessels anchor in the squared off cove along the western banks. However, I’ve also been told that there is an entrance bar with a low tide, shallow water problem. I would really appreciate it if as many of you as possible contribute a full account of this anchorage and its depths.

Responses follow:

We anchored here mid April 2013. Getting in was no problem. As I recall we were close to low water and the depth was 6 ft or more. We anchored beyond the Ramp, just where the stream narrows down. Did find one spot with 4.5 ft a bit west of the canal but beyond the ramp. It was about 7 ft where we anchored. There were quite a few boats in the wide area before the ramp. Quiet and protected.
Jean Thomason

I’ve anchored in the cooling canal four times. Anchoring in the actual canal is fine, holding, depth and protection are good although it can be tight when wind blow 90 to the canal. A minor issue are the passing boats going to/from the boat ramp, but that dies down at night. Anchoring in the basin however is a different story. The first time I tried the basin I was able to find good depth away from other boats. Since then I’ve always been unable to find good depth away from the permanently moored boats (we draw 3ft). I no longer try to anchor in the basin.
Roger Arrowood

Regarding the canal at Marker 311, during my first year cruising I moored there for a few days – woke up at 4am toacrashing sound and to find me at 45 degrees in the dark!
The bottom is hard sand in some areas – but soft mud elsewhere. I just drifted off overnight. Had to wait 10 long hours but she self righted in the end and floated off as if nothing had happened.
Having learned that lesson, I’ve moored there several times since without incident. Use a heavier anchor and make sure it’s firmly set……
[Minimum depth I observed] was around 5ft low tide – there is a floating red marker to keep to starboard when entering the canal.
There is a nice park there with toilets. Also a bike ride away, plenty of shops including a great fresh fish shop and a cheap barber and a great pastry shop. It’s a well weather protected basin – but watch that anchor!
Hope you are well
Arnold

There is a shoal bar which may possibly, depending on your draft, be cleared at high tide. But then you have to time your departure to safely exit. Holding is ‘average’ and during higher winds you will see boats dragging anchors and “beached”. To be forewarned is to be forearmed!
Bill Gregory

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Cooling Canal

Well, we cannot really comment intelligently on the upstream reaches of the NE Cape Fear River, upstream of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts – Cape Fear Marina, as none of us have ever cruised that far upstream before. Hope to remedy that oversight in the future. In the meantime, anyone else who had explored these rather obscure waters, please let us hear from you!

We did go about 50 miles up the NE branch the next day – got within 2 miles of the head of navigation (bridge) when we were warned of underwater logs ahead. We had already seen a 4.5 ft depth, so we turned back. Spent the night at anchorage and returned down river and got to Carolina Beach the next day. The NE branch is a beautiful river and very doable with depths of 8-15 ft most of the way, as long as one stays in the outside curves and follows normal precautions in running rivers. Lots of snags on the sides. I could go into more detail if you wish -let me know. This is a real cruising adventure. Our draft is 3.5 ft.
Jean Thomason

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Southerly Genesis of the NE Cape Fear River

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 229 – who has spent a night or more at Caspers Marine Service in Swansboro? Please give us your impressions of this facility.

Responses follow:

We spent a night here on the way up the ICW. This marina is right in town and very close to all the restaurants. There is not a lot of dock space here and you’re right on the ICW so it’s a bit rocky during the day from wakes, but it calms down at dusk. The staff is very friendly and helpful and there is a nice marine store.
Larry Freedman

Spent one night here two weeks ago. Nice docks, clean, basic. Shower(one)good. Owners on site. Food nearby. Fuel reasonable
Windward

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Casper’s Marine Service

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Casper’s Marine Service

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 229 – someone please give us some shoreside dining recommendations in Swansboro. Does Captain Charleys Seafood Paradise still have the best “fried” seafood on earth?

Responses follow:

I highly recommend Icehouse Waterfront Restaurant. It’s on a pier over the water, a short walk from either marina, and the food is excellent. I am a big fan of shrimp & grits, and theirs was the best I had on our trip up the ICW.
Larry Freedman

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Swansboro, NC

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Upper Cape Fear River – who has departed the AICW, and cruised upstream on the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington, NC, and secured dockage at Cape Fear Marina/Bennett Brothers Yachts, north of the Highway 133 bridge? Did you find this to be as first class a facility as we have always considered it to be?

Responses follow:

We always divert up river to this facility. The floating docks are very well maintained. Pumpout is routine on Fridays, or on request. Pricing is very attractive for dockage.
We rely on the expert yard for cogent recommendation and quality work.
Management: Tricia Bennett, Owner and Steve Wallace GM are immediately available if questions occur with which people at the operating level may need help.
Although there is no useful public transportation nearby, an Enterprise facility a couple of miles away has good pricing, and weekend specials. Wilmington itself has every level of store needed, including Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot. Many Department Stores and Specialty shops are also there.
It’s a great stop.
Stephen Deitch
Nightingale

We went up to Wilmington for repair work at Bennet Brothers. We have a cat 23.5 beam. They have a 24 foot travel lift. The work was professional and price for repair work were given before the work. Two issues are when you go up the Wilmington River is try to plan it with the tides, and the bridge to Bennet Brothers opens 6pm to 6 am on demand, then at 10 am , and 2 pm.
John Pholeric

We stayed one night at Bennett Brothers in early April. The facility was fine. If the current is strong, it might be a little tricky getting into the slip. We talked with a gentleman who works at the marina about continuing up the Northeast Branch of the Cape Fear. He was very helpful.
Jean Thomason

We keep our boat in Southport and brought it to Bennett Brothers for some pre-cruise work in January of this year. I have to say that the quality of service was excellent – both technically and for the project management. Steve Wallace is an outstanding Manager. In short – friendly folks, great service at a reasonable price and without unhappy surprises. Before we departed south Steve told me to contact him if we had any questions or problems on out trip. I did so on a couple of occasions and he came through with solid information and, in one case, a source for a failed pillow-block. I highly recommend them.
Hank
S/V Haanli

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Upper Cape Fear River – who has departed the AICW, and cruised upstream on the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington, NC waterfront? Did you stay at the city docks? Did you find any good places to dine or shop ashore? How about a recommendation for any Wilmington sightseeing attractions?

Responses follow:

Visited by rented car from Southport. Really enjoyed Dock Street Oyster Bar. Best raw oysters. Took tour of the Coast Guard cutter Diligence. Many nice shops and restaurants along the river. Take the carriage tour and see some of the many interesting buildings in old Wilmington. New marina being constructed. Could be a great stop when finished but don’t look for it in 2013.
s/v Skye

Loved the Front Street Brewery – great food and drinks.
Tom Callan

In town…..lots of places to eat and drink.
Slainte for Irish a few doors down from Front Street Brewey.
A block or so away is Hell’s Kitchen….very much a two thumbs up place for food and drink….was my favorite hang out.
Ralph Chappell

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cape Fear Marina/Bennett Brothers Yachts

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Fear Marina/Bennett Brothers Yachts

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Wilmington City Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilmington City Docks

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 173.5 – who has visited River Dunes Marina, just off Broad Creek? Did you find this facility as wonderful as it has always been? Did you dine ashore in the club-house, and, if so, how was the bill of fare? Did you find landside transportation into nearby Oriental?

Responses follow:

Today is 5/12/13. Am writing this from River Dunes. We give this marina the highest rating for best facilities, help and over all a first class operation. A courtesy car is available to go to Oriental. Food store is limited. We ate several meals in the club house and the food and service are also first class, although somewhat limited. Reasonable dockage for this type of facility. Been here before and plan to come back.
s/v Skye

Fantastic hurricane hole! If we had to go north, this would be the place. Good rates and there is a van available for 1 hour, no charge, for marina visitors.
Susan & Elden Leaf
s/v Soteria

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Dunes Marina

My family has made the trip from the charted anchorage at Hospital Point in Norfolk to Elizabeth City a number of times in a single day, including an hour or so at the Visitors Center, with no problems. If you have had similar experiences, please let us and the crew of Rainshadow hear from you.
The Dismal Swamp Canal, the AICW Alternate Route, departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6.

Elizabeth City, at the south end of the Dismal Swamp route, has been charming cruising visitors to the City Docks since 1983 and it’s wonderful that some things do not change! The city docks are officially called Mariner’s Wharf and dockage is free for 48 hours. We are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Will be making south passage through Deep Creek ICW in early June. Looks tricky for timing to get to the northern lock in time if leaving from Norfolk. Our goal is to get to Elizabeth City in one day. The bridges will be obstacles for marine traffic during rush hour. Seems like it would be better to stay overnight near the ICW split than in Norfolk. Any ideas on what works best for this?
Rainshadow

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Deep Creek Lock

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Creek Lock

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Elizabeth City’s Mariners’ Wharf City Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Elizabeth City Waterfront

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 102 – anyone anchored on the waters of Alligator River, near Deep Point and marker #43? Did you find this to be an adequate anchorage? What depths did you discover?

Responses follow:

We have anchored here several times in the past when the wind was from the right direction (south to southwest). Just follow depths on chart. This April, with strong winds from the west to northwest forecast, we decided to go up the upper Alligator for an anchorage. A GPS helps on this trip. We anchored up past Cherry Ridge Landing in 10 feet of water.
Jean Thomason

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Deep Point/Alligator River Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Deep Point/Alligator River Anchorage

The narrow (compared to other Albemarle Sound rivers) but deep Roanoke River, is the southwesternmost of the nine rivers which feed into Albemarle Sound. In years past, cruising upstream to the community of Plymouth, NC, was frustrating for those looking to find wet slip dockage. There were some city piers, but they were forgettable, to say the least.
Now, below we hear a very brief report from Captain Jean Thomason that Plymouth has invested in new docks for visiting cruisers. WE WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO HAVE MORE DETAILS ON THESE FRESH FACILITIES. If ANY of you have stayed at Plymouth since their new wet slips opened, PLEASE share a full account with your fellow cruisers.
You can use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Contribute Cruising News” link found on the upper right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages. Many, many thanks in advance!

Because our marina (Cypress Cove, formerly IYC) is at Columbia, we often cruise west on Albemarle Sound. Plymouth on the Roanoke River has just opened new town docks. We hear they are nice and free. Plymouth has shops, a museum (with replica of the Abemarle, a Confederate ironclad) and a lighthouse in the historic part of town along the waterfront.
Jean Thomason

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Plymouth City Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Plymouth City Docks

We wish more cruisers would choose to depart the familiar confines of the AICW, and cruise west on Albemarle Sound to this impressive body of water’s many anchorages and ports of call. The Scuppernong River, which makes into the sounds southern banks, west of Alligator River, is one of the best destinations for Albemarle Sound cruising, and the free (for 48-hour) Columbia Town Docks are a great place to rest from your travels. Or, you could choose to pick up a wet slip at Cypress Cove Marina (see below). Either way, it’s well worth your time, IF the Albemarle does not have its dander up!

Because our marina (Cypress Cove, formerly IYC) is at Columbia, we often cruise west on Albemarle Sound. It’s a nice trip if the waves are 2 ft or less and the wind is behind you. Edenton is nice but so is Columbia which has a free dock, a relatively new shower building and a pumpout available. Nice town to stroll around – waterfront boardwalk – several restaurants. Cypress Cove is improved over its former life as IYC – the folks are friendly and helpful and many repairs can be done on-site.
Jean Thomason

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Columbia City Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Columbia City Docks

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cypress Cove Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cypress Cove Marina

On 5/19/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 127.5 – who has anchored on the upper reaches of Pungo River, abandoned by the AICW, north of marker #23? We have always found these waters to be idyllic. Did you have the same experience? Where did you choose to anchor?

Responses follow:

We frequently use this anchorage which is convenient at south end of the ditch. Minimum water is about 8 feet just behind marker 23. Good holding in either suggested anchorage. Were in there last week with 5 other boats.
Gray Riddick
Gray Ghost

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Upper Pungo River Anchorages

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Upper Pungo River Anchorages

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List,we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 84 – who has spent a night or two at Alligator River Marina, just north and west of the Alligator River Bridge? Please describe your experience and impressions at this marina. What sort of depths did you observe between the Waterway and the marina entrance? Did you dine ashore, and, if so, how was the food?

Responses follow:

In 15 years of cruising coastal NC we have probably spent more nights here [Alligator River Marina] than anywhere else – probably 25% were weather related delays Our stays with Miss Wanda have always been good but realize some visitors have not shared our opinion. Food in the convenience store-truck stop –marina is well priced, fast and welcome break from the boat.
Gray & Betty Riddick

I saw no issues with depth entering this marina (at least 8 feet everywhere). The staff was very helpful with docking. There is a lot of very nice grass for the dog to run and a nice clubhouse and laundry facility as well. There are limited hours for service in the small restaurant attached to the gas station out front, but the food was very good. I particularly enjoyed the alligator bites appetizer (couldn’t resist). This is a perfect stop to wait out any weather before crossing Albemarle Sound going northbound.
Larry Freedman

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Alligator River Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Marina

On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Dismal Swamp Canal Route, Statute Mile 50.5 – who has had the good fortune to spend a night or two at Mariners Wharf (City) docks in Elizabeth City, NC? Were you greeted by the local volunteers? Did you find this to be one of the friendliest ports of call on the AICW? How about some shoreside dining and/or sightseeing recommendations?

Responses follow:

Stopped in Fall of 2012 at city dock and Rose Buddies/volunteers were no more – still good stop (without dock hands or electricity) with good size city resources including a great museum.
Gray Riddick
Gray Ghost

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Mariner’s Wharf (City) Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mariner’s Wharf (City) Docks