The trip from Norfolk to our home marina in Merritt, NC, is only about 120 nm, and quite straightforward, as we typically transit the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). This route avoids maneuvering around Cape Hatteras, which is weather dependent and can be dicey. The distance between the shoals off Hatteras and the Gulf Stream is very narrow in spots. And since the Gulf Stream runs up to 4 kn from south to north, we definitely don’t want to enter it heading South! It’s the proverbial rock and a hard place. In addition, as Humberto and Imelda have reminded us, it’s hurricane season. Even when the hurricanes themselves move far off the Atlantic Coast, the wind and waves they leave behind can be impressive.
The ICW from Norfolk to Merritt is familiar ground, and while not exciting, it is relaxing. We did short days and stopped at some familiar spots to overnight and get off the boat for a bit.
After transiting the ICW, we finished up about a week in our home marina, doing boat projects and boat chores. We have a never-ending tick list of upgrades and fixes, and there is plenty of cleaning to do, inside and out. This is especially true after a season of mostly anchoring. A proper boat wash uses too much water without being hooked up at the dock. It’s not all work and no play though — we catch up with sailing friends and swap stories about our seasons.
On October 2, we returned to Minneapolis for a combination of work (Anne), non-boat travel, and holidays with family. We will be back shortly after Christmas to head south to the Bahamas for another season. See you in January!