Big Trout Marina

 We learned early on that there are docks masquerading as marinas - some are delusional and some are just crafty.  We left Manteo at 7 am to take advantage of the calmer seas in the morning and made the 5 hour cruise to Engelhard NC which is a spot in the road over on the mainland side of the state. This town seems to have fallen on hard times and the “marina” is no exception. Michael’s parents bought it in 1989 and from all accounts, it was a  cute little marina with a fuel dock. His mom died last December so he moved his family into his parent’s house and his dad moved to a small house at the rear of the property. Needless to say, nothing has been kept up and it’s pretty sad. Michael, however, is such a nice person and it was so cheap to dock here for a night.  We felt safe, out of the wind and had power - what else do we need? It was a halfway point between Manteo and Ocracoke and no matter what they call themselves, it was a long dock that could accommodate both boats.

Tom took his bike for a spin and said there really was nothing left in town - grocery closed and the restaurant Michael’s mom had is closed too. Weather looks good to cross the Pamlico Sound tomorrow and am so looking forward to being in the Outer Banks for a few days.




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