Day 59 - Oct. 13

Day 59 - Oct. 13

Said our goodbyes to Gus this morning and made our way out of Elizabeth City and across the Albemarle Sound to Alligator River Marina.  We motored most of the morning, but were able to sail nicely across the sound.  For the last two days our engine has been overheated when we reached 1700 rpm's.  We would have to slow down to let it cool and then continue, so the sailing was a real engine saver.  We arranged to stay on the dock at the marina and they gave us the name of a mechanic and two guys came by this afternoon.  They were both super great and really seemed to know what they were doing.  Turns out the coolent belt was too loose, causing the engine to overheat.  He also fixed up the stuffing box that was dripping just a little too much for Greg's liking and even fixed our tachometer that has only worked part time since we bought the boat.  Feel very good about continuing now, especially since there will be a lot of motoring through the ICW.
The people here have been so friendly.  In all our stops, we've only had one place that was unwelcoming (Provincetown).
Thank you Mallory for reminding us that today is Thanksgiving.  We were so excited when we got into the marina and saw it was a Shell station with a restaurant.  Thinking it would be like home, our mouths were watering with visions of a roast turkey dinner with cranberries and mashed potatoes.  Turns out it was more of a take out with limited menu.  The hamburgers were delicious!
I'm starting to feel like one of those dogs that has to pee on every tree it sees.  Every time we get somewhere that has a shower, I have to try to out.  Never know when the next long, hot shower will be.  :)
And Scott, I've decided I want to be a real sailor, so I'm taking your advice.  I am no longer knitting a sweater... I'm splicing one together... Loved that!
So once again..... Happy Thanksgiving to All!!!
 ( we'll enjoy Turkey Day in November with our hosts)