With the frequent closures of the Alligator River Bridge, longtime contributors George Barr and Rick Brass offer alternatives to the Alligator River portion of the Waterway. Information on all the marinas mentioned below can be found on Cruisers’ Net’s Homepage under CRUISING NEWS AND REFERENCE DIRECTORIES – North Carolina. See /?p=147457 for more discussion of alternate routes.
To any northbound cruisers in the interim. The alternate route starts at Oriental ‘¦down the Neuse River and into the Pamlico Sound heading north. Possible stops/marinas are Silver Lake in Ocracoke, Big Trout Marina in Englehard (45 miles from Oriental on the Western shore of the Pamlico), Manteo Waterfront Marina off Shallowbag Bay on Roanoke Island 45 miles from Big Trout’¦and then north through the Albemarle to Coinjock 35 miles away. The passage is open and deep and has only one fully 65′ bridge and is 17 miles shorter than the ICW. Of course, weather must be considered as it is less protected. Hope this helps in the interim. George Barr
If northbound cruisers are on a schedule during the bridge repairs, and need an alternate route, I would suggest leaving the ICW at the crossing of the Pamlico River (at about SM 150) and swing east. You will go through Pamlico Sound, with potential stops in Engelhart on the west side of the sound and Manteo on Roanoke Island, and return to Albemarle Sound and the ICW on the north side of Roanoke Island. Manteo, BTW, is a nice cruising destination and well worth the trip. If you have time to wait for the bridge to be repaired and are looking for an hospitable spot to wait and explore, swing west about 25 miles on the Pamlico River and visit the Washington Waterfront Docks. Easy access with deep water slips. A number of good restaurants and places to explore. A good place to provision, with West Marine and a number of parts suppliers and repair opportunities. And if you need a free slip without power and water (but with nice heads and showers, and laundry facilities for boaters) you can mention this post and I will waive the 48 hour limit on free dockage. Rick Brass Dockmaster Washington Waterfront Docks
Washington, NC, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is one of the most delightful ports of call on the North Carolina coastline. The town is located off the direct path of the AICW, but it’s a pleasant 30 mile cruise upstream on Pamlico River from the Waterway’s passage across this body of water to the Washington City Docks.
A NEW LIGHT OVER THE PAMLICO New boating facility evokes Pamlico Point Light
A rare occurrence has taken place on North Carolina’s Inner Banks as a new lighthouse now shines its beam across the harbor of Washington, NC. The lighthouse is not intended as a navigational aid, but will welcome mariners and landside visitors to this historic riverfront town. Construction of the new boating facility was completed in June. The lighthouse was designed to evoke the architecture of the Pamlico Point Light, which once marked the entrance of the Pamlico River. The structure includes shower and laundry facilities for boaters, as well as public restrooms and, on the second floor, new quarters for the Dockmaster and Dock Attendants. The Washington waterfront harbor, formed by the broadening of the Pamlico/Tar River, has been Eastern North Carolina’s hub for waterborne commerce since colonial days. As the closest deep water harbor to the metro areas of Greenville, Rocky Mount, and Raleigh/Durham, it now supports a large recreational boating population. In addition to space for long-term and transient dockage, the Washington waterfront now provides a wide variety of public amenities including a waterfront promenade, nature boardwalk, playground, concert stage, and public seating along the water. The Lighthouse Boating Facility is the latest milestone in a decades-long effort to make the Washington waterfront one of the area’s premier recreational destinations for tourists and residents alike.
McCotters Marina and Repair Yard is located on Broad Creek (off the Pamlico River), a few miles downstream of the Washington, NC waterfront. McCotters is one of the largest marinas in North Carolina, and its repair capabilities are impressive. And, despite those persistent, seasonal spiders, McCotters is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! and, as Skipper Merriman attests, a fine place to be in a storm!
I stayed at McCotters Marina 3-5 July 2014. The first problem I had was identifying which marina was McCotters. Then I noticed two subjects waving me in. These two individuals got me onto a finger pier where I tied in. I found out they were not McCotters employees, but a couple of guys that had boats in the marina. I made contact with the office and they were very friendly and helpful for the rest of my stay. McCotters has a small pickup truck as a courtesy vehicle that I was able to use to go to Little Washington. Again I want to stress that the employees were very friendly and helpful. Having said that, [spiders are a big issue at this marina]. They are everywhere. As I walked the docks looking at other boats, my initial impression was, `Don’t people come here and take care of their boats?’ Most of the boats had 3-5 clearly visible spider webs on them. Some had more. I later found out that the problem is there are so many spiders that they build new webs almost as fast as you can destroy the old ones. I was back at my home port for 3-4 days before I got rid of the spiders that had taken up residence on my boat. As a final note: Hurricane Arthur (Cat 2) came through while I was at McCotters Marina. I put extra lines on the boat and road out the hurricane without any problems. To the best of my knowledge there was no damage anywhere in the marina. During the hurricane the water rose more than a foot. Afterwards, the water was blown out of the marina and several boats sat on the ground all morning. A couple boats pulled out into the open area of the creek and anchored during the hurricane. They were still there the next day. So I would rate this marina as a good hurricane hole. W. Merriman
Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, producers of the notable “Great Books of Anchorages” series, confirms what MANY have said before. It’s well worth all cruisers’ time to get off the familiar confines of the AICW, and cruise upstream on charming Pamlico River to the excellent city docks on Washington, NC’s downtown waterfront. And, these fine folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET sponsor!!!
We enjoy side trips off the ICW instead of just rushing north and south. One recent side trip we took was to Washington, NC. The free town docks are in a well protected basin and across the street from the historic district. Susan Landry
How are the plans going for the new shower facilities in Washington? I think they would really help make the trip worth the extra effort. Dick Parker
McCotters Marina and Repair Yard is located on Broad Creek (off the Pamlico River), a few miles downstream of the Washington, NC waterfront. McCotters is one of the largest marinas in North Carolina, and its repair capabilities are impressive. Of course, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
As a circumnavigator I know boating embraces all manner of people and places. If you want the Hilton, McCotters Marina isn’t it. However, if you want a laid back, easy to work with marina with old fashioned values, this is it. Mark Henley was responsive and responsible, and took care of our trawler when we weren’t around. Most of all he was honest, that rarest of traits in a now-we-see-you-now-you’re-gone business world. The facilities are simple, the environment at the marina, serene. Overall it’s quiet and relaxing. Serenity and simplicity mixed with quality service when you need either one. Lee Gunter
My family kept our Post sport fishing boat at McCotters back in the 60’s and 70’s, many great memories as a kid around that dock in those days. I remember a character with a boat named `So Good Foamy’. Boat never left the dock as far as I can remember although he was there every weekend in the summer with the hatches up working on the engines, cold one in hand! That was his therapy, what’s yours? Matt Richter
Both Washington, NC, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and Bath, NC, are some of the most delightful ports of call on the North Carolina coastline. Both are located off the direct path of the AICW, but it’s usually a pleasant 30 mile cruise upstream on Pamlico River from the Waterway’s passage across this body of water to the Washington City Docks. The Pamlico’s waters are usually not as rough as its sister stream to the south, Neuse River. Along the way, you will first pass Bath Creek, on the northern bank, followed several miles farther along by Broad Creek, also indenting the northerly banks, and home of Washington Yacht Club and SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, McCotters Marina. Susan and Chuck’s superbly written article below will whet the appetite of any true cruiser, and bring on an irresistible craving to explore Washington and Bath. We heartily suggest you heed the call! Read on! We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and copious photographs, set below! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!
Approaching the Washington City Docks and Downtown Waterfront
The Towns of Washington and Bath, North Carolina by Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
Washington, NC About 30 miles upriver from the spot where the Intracoastal Waterway crosses Pamlico River lies the town of Washington, NC. For the many boaters that speed south to reach their winter destinations, missing these side trips is a shame. We have been just as guilty in the past, but decided that on this transit of the ICW, we would stop and smell the fish fry. The Pamlico can be daunting and a careful eye on the weather is required. The payoff to visiting this well protected harbor and yet another historic site along the North Carolina waterway is more than worth the additional time and miles.
The Washington Harbor entrance is marked by a very old railroad bridge that is always open unless a train is coming. The channel is narrow, and once inside the harbor it’s best to call the town dock Harbormaster on VHF Channel 16 for docking instructions and slip assignment. There are two options for staying at the town dock. One is the free docks along the lovely promenade and park that lines the harbor. Docks G through K are side ties and we stayed on G dock which was reported to have the shallowest water. We found 14 feet on approach and 7-8 feet alongside. There are no tides to speak of, but the winds from one direction or another for prolonged periods can raise and lower the water levels. The second option available is to take one of the slips at the other docks which have power and water. Those slips are rented at $1.00 per foot per day plus $3.00 per day for 30 amp and $6.00 per day for 50 amp service. Water is included on the paying docks but not on the free docks. Free docking is good for 48 hours, but if you want to stay longer, the charge is 75 cents per foot per day.
Washington City Docks
The Dockmaster was on the dock ready to assist us as we arrived. The harbor is well protected from all directions and docking was straightforward and easy. Once the boat was secured, the Dockmaster filled out a simple form to register us and gave us a brief rundown on what to find in the area, along with a warm welcome. A very nice brick walkway runs along the seawall and is very popular with friendly local folks that always took the time to wave and say hello. A few even stopped to chat a while. There are restrooms attached to the park near the free docks, however they are locked in the evening. The showers and restrooms for the docks are a long walk down the promenade and are located in a trailer behind the Dockmaster’s office. They are accessed by a code provided by the Dockmaster, so are available at any time.
It wasn’t long before we were off exploring this quaint river town. Our first discovery was Scoops Ice Cream & Candy near the waterfront. Several of the shops and restaurants back up to the waterfront with an entrance there as well a front entrance on Main Street. It was a little sad to see so many storefronts and shops closed and empty. This seems to be a fact of life in many of these small towns. Washington appears to have been hit rather hard. There are still many interesting stores and restaurants to spend your time and money. We sampled the cuisine at Down On Mainstreet, directly across the street and parking lot from the boat and also visited a number of shops downtown including Nautilife, with its nautical themed gifts, River Walk Gallery and Arts Center, with great pottery items and paintings by local artists and Little Shoppes, a large building containing 20 little individual vendors all under one roof. It was impossible to walk away without making a few purchases for Christmas gifts.
Bath, NC A 2-3 hour trip back down the Pamlico brought us to the entrance to Bath Creek. It is well marked by G `1’ and immediately followed by R `2.’ Then head north up the creek to G `3’ followed shortly thereafter by R `4.’ Near the fixed bridge with 13 feet of clearance you will see a small marina with a number of smaller sailboats. Just before you reach the marina you will see a long dock with a T-head marked with a green sign reading `State Dock.’ Depths at the creek entrance were approximately 14 feet and continued with adequate depths all the way to the dock. The depths at the end of the dock were 7.5 feet while depths halfway down the dock where Beach House tied were about 6 feet. As with Washington, depths can vary here with any significant winds for a period of days, either raising or lowering the depths in the creek.
Bath State Docks
A sign on shore instructs you to complete a form and drop it off at the Visitors Center, a short walk up the street to the left on Main, to Carteret then to the right, to register for your stay. A maximum stay of 72 hours is requested to allow other boats to have the opportunity to tie here. There is no water or electric provided, however there are trash cans and a recycling bin at the top of the yard to the right near the road. Once you are registered, the town will provide you with a small map which shows the historic sites of interest and other information you might need.
We chose to spend our first full day in Bath touring the historic sites. The recently refurbished Palmer-Marsh House is directly across Main Street from the dock. The Van Der Veer House contains a museum and is just across the parking lot and around the corner from the Visitors Center on Harding Street. A short walk down Harding takes you to Craven and the St. Thomas Church, one of the oldest churches in the country, built in the early 1700s. The Bonner House, on the corner of Main and Front, has been lovingly maintained and continues to maintain its vigilant watch over the Bath Creek entrance from its hilltop perch. A pleasant surprise on the walk back to the dock was the Pirate’s Treasure gift shop, located in the two front rooms of a private residence on Main Street. The Christmas ornaments made from shells and starfish were too irresistible not to purchase a few.
We needed to mail some packages and top off our provisions with fresh produce. A ½ mile or so walk east on Carteret will bring you to the post office and a small ABC package store. A little farther along on the opposite side of the road brings you to the Country Kitchen, one of 2 sit-down restaurants in town, and the Bath General Store. The store had a small but fresh selection of fruits and vegetables and a surprising interesting selection of wine. The owner even asked if we would like a free bunch of overly ripe bananas with which to make bread. We accepted.
Strolling Bath's Quiet Streets
We had our usual ice cream hankering while in Bath and were able to fulfill the craving at a little store/marina, the Quarterdeck, at the bridge on Back Creek off of Bath Creek. The store sells ice cream, non-ethanol gas, grills food for all 3 meals and has a variety of marine and novelty items. If it’s warm enough outside, you can have your meal in one of the rocking chairs or picnic tables provided.
The next day left us wanting lunch after a hike over the bridge toward Washington and we choose to stop at Blackbeard’s Slices and Ices, very close to the State Dock, just next to the bridge. We can recommend them for tasty club sandwiches, burgers and fries.
Our detour up the Pamlico River has been well worth the time and fuel. We only regret not doing it sooner.
Bond Creek flows south from (what else) South Creek’s marker #3. South Creek makes into the southern shores of the Pamlico River, east of charted Indian Island.
We spent a windy night here in July 2013. Excellent holding in mud and great protection from all but northerlies. No apparent landing. Jim Lea
Washington, NC City Docks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, has proven to be well worth the journey up the Pamlico River to “Little Washington”, as Captains Colleen and Stan can attest!
Greetings, we loved going to “little” Washington, NC, free docks with restaurants and everything within walking distance, folks friendly and old town village atmosphere, although a Walmart, marine stores, etc only a few miles from the docks. There is a great consignment store on Main Street as well as many galleries, etc. We simply fell in love with this town. Cheers, Colleen, Stan and Maybea2 on the Next Endeavour
Love little Washington. NC Estuarium is epic! 3 story interactive sculpture of complete water cycle, donated by artist! Great volunteers. Closed on Sunday. Wooduck
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 146 ‘“ who has abandoned the AICW, and cruised upstream on Pamlico River to Washington, NC? Did you stop at Broad Creek, and visit with McCotters Marina? If so, please give us a description of this facility. Or, did you continue upstream to the excellent Washington City Docks? Again, if so, please describe this municipal marina. Did you find any good dining choices in downtown Washington? Is this a side trip you would recommend to fellow cruisers?
Responses follow:
McCotter’s Marina is a good facility for repairs. Bob is the chief facilitator, Mark Henley the owner, and Shirley Long the sail maker and canvas person. All are very easy to work with and accommodating. They have a rather complete ship’s store and if they don’t have it they will get it for you post haste. They do mechanical work and repairs of all sort and Shirley has a complete sail/canvas operation. Unfortunately, no fuel. For fuel one must go next door to the Washington Yacht and Country Club which sells fuel to the public, both diesel and gasoline, and is the only place easily accessible and the only place for diesel west of the Pungo River at Belhaven. Most of Cotter’s docks are new after the terrible fire of a few years ago and the docks are fully serviced. Bruce Billings `Coaster’ Chocowinity, NC
On 5/9/13 as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 146 ‘“ who has abandoned the AICW, and cruised upstream on Pamlico River to Washington, NC? Did you stop at Broad Creek, and visit with McCotters Marina? If so, please give us a description of this facility. Or, did you continue upstream to the excellent Washington City Docks? Again, if so, please describe this municipal marina. Did you find any good dining choices in downtown Washington? Is this a side trip you would recommend to fellow cruisers?
Responses follow:
If time permits a visit to little Washington would be a treat. Dockmasters, water & electricity, decent showers and very few transients competing for your time. Several convenience stores close as well as West Marine. Within easy walk restaurants recommended: Grub Bros Down on Main On the Waterfront Don’t miss a visit to the Estuarium for an education on the second largest estuary in the U.S. Gray & Betty Riddick
Washington has very nice docks with or without electric. One needs only to radio Washington City dockmaster on channel 16 to gain accommodation. There is also a mooring field directly across from the city docks and the city has a dingy dock. Sanitary facilities are located in a trailer at the west end of the docks pending a new building in the next year or so. There are numerous restaurants on the Main St., about a block away, which cater to most any taste and budget. All locals have their favorites so it would be best to inquire of the dockmaster relative to the various venues and their offerings. Groceries, Wal-Mart, and the ABC store are more than a mile plus away so transportation is necessary for supplies. West Marine is in town and is within walking distance. Directly next to West Marine is Washington Crab & Oyster Co. which claims to have the largest selection of seafood in Eastern NC. Unfortunately, no fuel is available in Washington but there is a pump out facility at the docks. Washington has numerous small boutiques, stores and galleries on Main St. but aside from Main St. there isn’t a lot to see or do. It’s basically pretty quiet. When venturing to Washington be sure to follow the channel which is well marked being aware of Grandpap Island which is just east of the railroad trestle and is semi-submerged with but a few dead trees showing. Be careful going through the railroad trestle which is quite narrow and can be difficult depending on wind and wave. West of the trestle is a no wake zone all the way to the docks and/or mooring field. There is plenty of depth west of the trestle. Not so to the east. Bruce Billings `Coaster’ Chocowinity, NC
Cruisers who are willing to take a 6.4 nautical mile sojourn off the AICW, west on Pamlico River, can center broad South Creek, off the (what else) southern shores of Pamlico River. The marked entry channel lies east of Indian Island. Shortly after entering South Creek, Bond Creek will come abeam along the southern banks. Like Captains Phil and Aven (see below), for many years we have found a very secure place to drop the hook on these waters. However, even though you will spot a few private homes from these waters, there is not really a place to go ashore, and certainly no provisioning nearby!
If you don’t mind being on your own ground tackle, we are in Bond Creek, just up the Pamlico River on the port side. It is a great hurricane hole with lots of room protected from all sides. Regards, Phil “TrawlerPhil” & Aven Rosch
I just visited Bath Harbor Marina in April of 2012, and, while the grounds could use a little straightening, I agree wholeheartedly with Captains Jim and Talley, that you will not find a warmer welcome anywhere!
Cruising News: Bath Harbor Marina, just at the bridge crossing Bath Creek, feels like coming home again. Paul Minor and his lovely wife do everything to make you feel `right at home.’ Paul met us and helped tie us up in the pass through slip at the end of the pier. Everything here is just what you expect and hope for. There is a large cabaña with a couple of BBQs and lots of shade. It is the coolest place with its gentle southern breezes and pleasant conversation. Water and electric included in the transient fee. Clean bathrooms and showers. Well worth the trip up the Pamlico. Jim & Talley Powell
Read Captains Jim and Talley’s newsy note below, and you will discover more reasons than ever to leave the familiar confines of the AICW, and journey upsteam on the Pamlico River, to the Washington downtown waterfront. This SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR has sooo much to offer the cruising community. Tell them we sent you!
Cruising News: So much fun coming to Washington N.C. by boat, rather than so many times by car. This little town is just on the edge of renascence, and they want cruisers to be part of it. The Dock Master, Guy Blackwell, also works at the local West Marine, and is full of information and local history. The city merchants have put together a `Welcome to Washington’ bag stuffed full of coupons, business cards, flyers and advertisement for businesses all within a four block walk of the docks. We even ran into people we know. Charming town full of friendship, promise, great restaurants, and art galleries. Come here. You’ll love it. Jim and Talley Powell
Bath Harbor Marina is located on the eastern shores of Bath Creek, north of flashing daybeacon #4.
Cruising News: Bath Harbor Marina, just at the bridge crossing Bath Creek, feels like coming home again. Paul Minor and his lovely wife do everything to make you feel `right at home.’ Paul met us and helped tie us up in the pass through slip at the end of the pier. Everything here is just what you expect and hope for. There is a large cabaña with a couple of BBQs and lots of shade. It is the coolest place with its gentle southern breezes and pleasant conversation. Water and electric included in the transient fee. Clean bathrooms and showers. Well worth the trip up the Pamlico. Jim and Talley Powell
Washington, NC is a long-time and much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 14, 2012, WASHINGTON, NC The Schooner Jeanie B, a 72′ tall masted sailing vessel, will be coming to the City of Washington and become a fixture to the community of Eastern North Carolina.
The Washington Harbor District Alliance helped to formulate the new partnership between the City of Washington and The Schooner Jeanie B. This partnership creates a relationship that couples the vibrant waterfront in Washington, NC with the educational and family sailings of the vessel. Schooner Jeanie B will reconnect the rich history of Washington’s past which was active with tall ships with the present when she arrives March 21. The Schooner Jeanie B is a traditional sailing vessel that sails with Camps Sea Gull and Seafarer during the summer months and Boy Scouts of America and the Pamlico Sea Base during the spring and fall months. Jeanie B teaches principles of sailing, ship handling, and traditional navigation including using the stars to find their way. Team and character building are another benefit the campers, scouts and students experience living aboard the boat as they travel around the Inner Banks of North Carolina visiting various ports such as Manteo, Ocracoke, Washington and Beaufort. The Jeanie B also provides sailing excursions during the week and weekends from the docks in Washington, NC. She can take up to 25 passengers for afternoon and evening sunset or star gazing sails. The captain and crew of Jeanie B can put you at the helm of the 72′ vessel, allow you and your friends to raise her sails and navigate along the Pamlico River or just sit back and enjoy the peaceful sail of an afternoon or evening. To celebrate the arrival of Schooner Jeanie B, the City of Washington, NC welcomes her March 21 – 24 with an array of activities. Jeanie B will arrive in Washington on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 21 and that evening a lecture entitled, “Equinox, Solstice, Hallmark and Hershey. A talk on astronomical events and how they merge with our lives” will be given by Dr. Lee Sutton, owner and operator of the schooner. Jeanie B teaches celestial navigation and her arrival, to coincide with the Vernal Equinox on March 21, couples that teaching to her new home. The lecture will take place at the North Carolina Estuarium along the Washington waterfront. Thursday and Friday, March 22, 23, the vessel will be offering free tours from 10am until 2pm. Saturday, March 24, Jeanie will be offering free to all the public multiple sailings from the docks of the City of Washington. After this arrival celebration, the schooner will make Washington, NC her permanent home and be available for corporate, family or group sailings throughout the year. For additional information, please contact the Jeanie B at 804-519-0174 and schoonerjeanieb@gmail.com For more information Contact Lee Sutton at 804-519-0174 or Beth Byrd, Director Washington Harbor District Alliance at 252-947-1487, whda@washingtononthewater.com Beth Byrd Director Washington Harbor District Alliance 102 East 2nd Street PO Box 1988 Washington, NC 27889 Cell: 252-947-1487 Email: whda@washingtononthewater.com Web: www.whda.org Much appreciation goes out to our Corporate Sponsors and the City of Washington for their support:
Carolina Wind Yachting Center is located on the north banks of the Pamlico River just upstream of the Washington City Docks.
I was a live-aboard at Carolina Winds (Haven’s Warf) in 1995-1996. Wonderful town and great people. The staff at Carolina Winds are fantastic and know their stuff. Your only major challenges to the town are the railroad bridge. When I lived there, the bridge was `hand cranked’, so if the wind was blowing, they could not get it open. Line Dempsey
Editor’s Note – Carolina Wind Yachting Center suffered damage from Hurricane Irene. Be sure to call ahead and check on services availability before committing to a plan which call for coiling your lines here!
We are delighted to learn that this well-known business in Oriental, NC will remain open. For years, it has been the place to get boat gear and clothing in Oriental. McCotter’s Marina, which suffered a devastating fire earlier this year, is located in nearby Washington, NC and is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
A new owner, McCotter’s Marina of Washington, NC has decided to restock and keep the Inland Waterway store open. The decision was made last Monday and it was open for the Memorial Day weekend. Stock will take a while to rebuild. Skipper Jim Duggan
The Inland Waterway Provision Company re-opened in April of 2011 under new management. The folks from McCotter’s Marina (Washington, NC) are now running the store. Captain Ben
And from the new owners:
Inland Waterway Provision Company, ICW Mile Marker 181 Newly re-opened in the heart of “downtown” Oriental! Visit us for all your boating and fishing needs. We have marine hardware, electrical and plumbing components, cleaning supplies, charts, line, and safety gear. We are the local dealer for AB dinghies. We offer clothing, Sperry shoes, and nautical gifts. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, we can order it for you, usually with free overnight delivery on parts. We can help you with fishing equipment, ice, and bait. The helpful advice is free! Inland Waterway Provision Co. is conveniently located on the Oriental harborfront, right between the Town Dock (free dockage for 48 hours!) and the town anchorage. We have free loaner bicycles for visiting boaters. We’re an Oriental landmark! Come see why. Monday-Saturday 9-6, Sunday 12-4 Phone: (252)249-1797 iwpc@dockline.net
I am so glad that Inland Waterway is back in business and I really hope it can stay that way! Show them some love if you’re in town. Jeffrey Sampson
Bath Creek Anchorage lies on the centerline of Bath Creek, north of marker #4 and south of the the fixed, 13-foot Bath Creek Bridge in Bath, NC. Bath Creek itself cuts into the southern shores of the Pamlico River, between the AICW and Washington, NC. This is the very first we have heard about any sort of anchorage time restriction on these waters, or most any other North Carolina waters for that matter. If ANYONE has more info on this time limit, PLEASE click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information
I was told that there is a town ordinance prohibiting anchoring longer than one week in Bath Creek. I left my boat on the hook there for two weeks and was threatened with a `violation’ by some town official. Paul Minor at Bath Creek Marina was nice enough to come out and warn me. Doug Bond
Is this even legal??? Never heard of this before. S/V Colleen Mae
Upper Goose Creek Anchorage lies due north of Pamlico River’s, Blounts Bay marker #8. Cruisers’ Net does not recommend that cruising size craft enter this creek. It has an unmarked shoal surrounding the entrance. Only adventurous captains using a GPS chartplotter should attempt entrance and ONLY then if they are willing to risk finding the bottom! Obviously Skipper Keith is a risk-taker who loves to explore. (See Swanquarter posting.) Do not confuse this Upper Goose Creek with the “Upper Goose Creek Anchorage” off the Neuse River as found in our NC Anchorage Directory.
I just took my 4 1/2 foot draft sailboat well up into Goose Creek State Park (between Bath and Washington) and never touched bottom even with the wind tide about 1 foot low. I anchored near a primitive campground which has a small dock that I could row to for water and a bathroom. It was a GREAT spot. Y’all take care and thanks for the great website. Skipper Keith Sullivan aboard S/V Saga
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