Perquimans River to Pasquotank River: Most of the launch sites for cruising the Albemarle Sound are located two to four miles up one of the ten rivers that feed the Sound. Perquimans River has 2 public ramps: one at downtown Herford across from the Police Station and the other on the west side of the river at New Hope. The Hertford ramp has limited parking on-site but offers a large lot about a block away. If you wish to raise the mast on the hard you have to do it on a slope right at the ramp, or on the street next to a whole set of NO PARKING signs. Best to avoid the weekend when sport fishermen keep the ramp crowded. The New Hope site is a double ramp. A single channel was recently deepened for access to the main waterway. The excavator used to dredge the channel crushed the south side ramp. The north ramp is short but steep for easy launching. The challenge is to warp the boat around and get out without snagging overhanging bushes and trees while staying in the channel. It seemed a good idea to raise the mast after launching and motor past the trees into the river. With the masthead in a temporary X-frame gallows I can use the rudder for better maneuverability. The butt of the mast is cinched down on the pulpit. When the waves are less than a foot it is easy to raise it as long as you remember to walk in a straight line down the center line of the boat. Widely placed steps induce unnecessary rocking which is not fun with the mast ½ way up. Once on the river it was a short 5 mile reach to the Sound and then a 10 mile beat to the Pasquotank River. With winds about 8 knots it was possible to sail the 2’ chart contour approximately 300 yards off-shore and enjoy the scenery. Rounding the daymark at the Pasquotank I headed to Big Flatty Creek where I hoped to anchor. I seldom discourage people to use their M-15 for gunkhole exploration but Big Flatty is not recommended. If the shoals don’t get you the mass of wire grass can bring you to a stop. Although I tried to follow a crab boat into the local fish house he made more turns than I could follow. The good news was that a sheltered anchorage was only 5 miles away in Little River. With winds aft it was a fast 4.5 knot finish to the day. Sunday also brought 8 knots winds for a fast trip (i.e. minimal tacking) back to the ramp.