Headed south

[doc jim]

Having retired am moving my 1981 Hunter 30 from Baltimore to Hilton Head via the intracoastal waterway in May. Am going to use the Dismal Swamp route. Have read the guide books but would be interested in any suggestions or must sees from the readers of this list. Thanks in advance.
Doc Jim

 

[Kermit]

If you'll be passing through Beaufort on May 15 you could attend our nephew's graduation from Parris Island.

 

[uncledom]

Where ya gonna dock it Jim when you get there?

 

[CATBOAT WILLY]

The French Frigate L'Hermonie will make a historical tour of the United States stopping at Yorktown, VA on June 5-7. and continue to visit ports of historical significance to the boat until July 15th when she will again sail back to France. This is an exact replication of the boat that took Lafayette to the Colonies and has been a twenty year build project in France.
There is too much to go into here but you might pick up a copy of the current Wooden Boat Magizine (May /June) for a great background story and the exact schedule. I'm flying from Florida to Baltimore just to see her.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wor...can-War-of-Independence-sets-sail-for-US.html

 

[doc jim]

windmill harbor

 

[NCNoviceCouple]

Keep us updated on your progress as you go south. I am in Elizabeth City, NC where the Dismal Swamp canal meets the Pasquotank River. Elizabeth City is the "Harbor of Hospitality" with two nights free docking for migrating boaters. There are plenty of friendly people around the waterfront, but if know when you will be here I will make sure to stop by to see if you need anything.

 

[Mulf]

Sources of ICW information

Some useful links:

http://cruisersnet.net/

https://activecaptain.com/index.php

http://www.waterwayguide.com/shipstore/
Look at both the Atlantic ICW Guide and Skipper Bob's

http://www.waterwayguide.com/explorer?latitude=33.78584423788942&longitude=-78.49182128904998&zoom=6

Have a great trip!

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Re: Sources of ICW information

From Norfolk to Elizabeth City (great hospitality and free dock) is 2 days. NC has a free dock at it's Welcome Center right on the Dismal Swamp Canal. Good anchorages as you exit from the Pongo Canal before you get to Belhaven. A stop in Oriental is nice and you can anchor very near town or if lucky get space at the town dock. Beaufort, NC, is worth a stop. Morehead has a well protected anchorage near all conveniences. There are plenty more places along the way and a good look at your guides should provide more info.

 

[Jim Beck]

If you anchor or dock in Oriental, try the Bean coffee shop on the waterfront. M&M's restaurant is good for dinner.

 

[uncledom]

Jim, I really enjoyed the second floor restaurant at the Tidewater Marina in Norfolk. They were very pleasant and accommodating at the marina.

 

[charliegrau]

Norfolk has its annual Harborfest waterfront festival June 5-7, lots of free entertainment, and you can anchor off Hospital Point at Mile Marker Zero, or stay at Tidewater or Ocean Marine. Easy day trip from there to Elizabeth City...or you can overnight at the visitors center in the canal. Other stops: Cape Charles Town Harbor is a great place to stop. Quaint town, walk to restaurants, shops. Downtown Hampton is another great spot, and not out of the way as you head toward Norfolk. Lots of stuff within walking distance.