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Manteo
Lutz Creek to Manteo:
After a pleasant night at anchor in Lutz Creek, we continue south crossing the Albermarle Sound before the winds pick up. Once across the sound, we leave the ICW and take a hard left toward the Outer Banks. Our destination today is the historic town of Manteo on Roanoke Island. We have wanted to visit the Outer Banks for several years but the weather never seemed to cooperate. With good weather forecast for the next few days, we should be OK.
The one mile long channel into Manteo is a little daunting. The dockmaster gave us detailed instructions to avoid the shallow water. The channel is well marked but we must hug some of the markers for enough depth. As our depth sounder decreases down to six feet, we hold our breath while making a sharp right hand turn into Shallowbag Bay. The dockmaster is on the docks waving us into the long face dock. IT is soon secure and now we can relax and explore Manteo.
We secure a rental car from the local Ford dealer for a trip to the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Having heard and read about it our whole life, it is fascinating to see the birthplace of powered flight. We are able to walk along the runway where the first four flights of Dec. 17, 1903 took place.
Our next stop is the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke Island. In 1587, 117 English settlers arrived here to colonize the eastern seaboard of the New World. Virginia Dare, the first child of English parents born in America, was part of this settlement. Governor John White sailed back to England for more supplies. Upon his return three years later the Colony had disappeared completely without a trace. To this day no one knows what happened to these settlers.
Before returning our rental car, we make one last stop at O’Neals Seafood. Shrimp, scallops, and soft shell crab are purchased. They are soon vacuum sealed and our freezer is well stocked. Tomorrow we will say goodbye to Manteo and push on to Ocracoke Island.
Total miles:: 32
Total Miles this year: 2436