4/30/22
The route from Belhaven to Alligator River Marine starts in the Pungo River then transitions into the well protected Alligator River Canal before opening up in the less protected Alligator River, where we experienced 3 foot waves coming directly at us for the last 15 miles of our day. You may remember on the way down we learned the river is named for its shape, not because it is full of alligators!
After entering the River, we noticed a small 23 foot Ranger Tug following very closely astern. The most comfortable speed for us(through the chop) was about 9.5 knots and the little tug hung with us all the way into the marina. When we went into the office/convenience store/gas station/restaurant someone asked if anyone in the crowd was from SkipStone. Kathy acknowledged and the older gent said ”Appreciate you taking the tops off the waves for us”. Well, glad to oblige. The next day we were preparing to cast off and saw the little tug circling the docks. As they passed by the captain said, ”We’re waiting for our buddy boat”, it took a moment to realize he meant us. Our “little buddy” stayed right on our stern all the way to Coinjock, where I refrained from calling him Gilligan.
