Left a bit after 9am--the nearby bridge only opens twice between 7 and 9, and the weather forecast was for improving conditions in the afternoon. Gypsies Palace and One Eye Dog left earlier from Coinjock, and they reported good conditions from the Albermarle.

Our line was more due south, theirs northeast to southwest. We found swells from the east on our beam and hedged west a bit to improve the ride. Not perfect but not bad. Quick passage through the bridge, then 1-2 on our stern down (actually up) the Alligator River. More beam as we turned towards the Pungo Canal. On anchor by 3:30 or so. About a dozen sailboats anchored in sight. Conditions have improved since, lovely and still.