Anchored by Goat Island

Elizabeth City has stood up to its name as the Harbor of Hospitality. We were allowed to stay beyond the 48 hours by more than another 48 hours. We went to First Baptist Church downtown and they were so incredibly friendly, they even said we could stay longer. That church was established in 1786. It is a beautiful sanctuary with large wooden doors and dark timber ceilings. Mostly though, we were impressed with the hospitality. Today's Sunday School lesson was on Jeremiah 10 and coping with discouragement, God's perfect timing for me.

I am glad we did not anchor out at Elizabeth City. During the short time we have been safely anchored at Goat Island, we have been listening to the plight of a poor gentlemen in a powerboat who tried to anchor off the yacht club and got into a 'bone yard.' We now know that a bone yard is old pilings and docks cleverly submerged 3 to 4 feet. He has been patiently waiting for TowBoat US to get there from Coinjock and he has been attempting to get local knowledge to help in the dislodging when the tow boat arrives. When he requested local knowledge from the US Coast Guard, they asked coordinates and decided to give him a visit. Apparently they have no local knowledge because they disabled one prop and damaged another, limping away leaving the power boat still hung up. It sounds as if the tow boat has arrived and I am sure they are speaking in person, since the radio has gone silent. Hoping all is well since darkness is falling.

Tomorrow we head for the southern lock on the Dismal Canal and hope to stay overnight at the Dismal Swamp Information Center. They have a 150 dock for such purposes, with restroom and fresh water.

It is cooler here than in Elizabeth City and we are hoping for a peaceful night's sleep.

I miss Shari, it was wonderful to have so many days with her, and with Paul. We could eat for two days on Shari's leftovers!

Love to all,
Dena

{GMST}36|20.703|N|076|13.496|W|very nice|Goat Island{GEND}