Jan 31, Long Day

We departed Elizabeth City this morning at 0720 and crossed the Abelmarle Sound as the wind increased to 20kts with gust to 30. It was quartering and not bad until the last 30 minutes. Because of the winds, our friends in the buddie boat, Carlene and DK had to leave early to get out of their slip due to low water. We ran until 0815pm to catch up, and you can see our location tonight at number 4. Beautiful sunset, and then we went aground as we entered the canal about mile marker 150 due to my running too close to the side of the channel. We got off pretty easily and continued on and met two rubber blacked out boats heading the other way. I coud hear their motors with no visual reference. When I turned my spot light on, they turned their nav lights on and sped past. As I put the anchor down for the night I heard them go down river, again with no lights. Navy or Coast Guard, I guess. Good night to all. S