We are in North Carolina

We finally left Solomons Island on Monday, Oct. 19 and headed to Deltaville Va. We spent quiet night in a small anchorage in Jackson Creek. All the houses surrounding the anchorage had private docks, but we managed to take Packet ashore at a small marina. On Tuesday we left for Norfolk Va. It was cold in the morning but we had a quiet motor sail into Norfolk. We stayed at a marina (Waterside) due to the fact that we were going to have get up early. Behind the marina was a food court with a Hooters, and Outback(where we ate) and other restaurants. There was also a park with water fountains. We were at a place called Hospital Point where the Inland Waterway actually begins. This mile 0. Wednesday was our first experience with being at a bridge at a scheduled time for the opening. It was a little stressful as there were many boats waiting for the bridge to open. Dave did a great job keeping Lafalot in line. After the bridge we had to go through a lock, which proved to be very easy. We arrived in Coinjock, NC in time to tie up at the marina(there is a marina on each side of the ICW here) and go to the restaurant at Coinjock Marina to have their famous roast beef(32 ounces for Dave, 16 for Barb, needless to say we took some back to the boat). On Thursday, Oct. 22 we arrived at the Alligator River Marina. This was our last night with our friends Helen and Ray. It is a small marina situated just before a swing bridge. It has a gas station and small restaurant and a field where Packet could roll in the grass(he was a happy camper). We had a delicious pork roast dinner that Helen cooked and said our good byes. They are headed home to Florida after being on the boat since last May. We will see them again when we get to Florida. We are now in Dowry Creek, NC. We took an extra day here for rest and relaxation, but also because we had very high winds today. Tomorrow we leave for Bath, NC and then up the river further to Washington to see some friends. The weather is finally starting to be warm(I am going to put away our winter hats and gloves that we needed while in Maryland) and the flies and mosquitoes are telling us that yes you are in a warmer climate.