June 3-4, 2014 The Dismal Swamp.

June 3: With a little help from Mike, Bill and his crew, and Judie, we squeezed R Island from her slip and into the channel. Beautiful cruise up the head-waters of the Pasquotank river to the start of the Dismal Swamp. Very few markers but really only one way to go.      

Traversed our first lock of the trip, an 8 foot rise into the canal. All went well, but need to remember to keep our fenders horizontal when locking and get large "ball" fenders.

Tied up at the "Dismal Swamp Visitors Center" adjacent to a rest stop for Route 17. Nice facilities but no boater showers or power. Had picnic lunch at a table under the trees that line the canal. Later crossed a floating bridge to the State Park and toured the exhibits. Spent much of the afternoon visiting with two guys traveling on a sail boat that we met at Alligator River Marina and some passing motorist with no "Off Button" traveling to Fernandina Beach FL. Had "dock-tails" and munchies at 5:00 with Judy and Bill from Seaquel, Inch N Along and the sail-boat guys. Lasted until about 7:30.

Quit water - silence.

The churn from the engines - tannin causes the water to turn brown in the rivers.

 the Amazon!

From lock to bridge

 

typical of the route

R Island and Inch N Along at dock

the floating bridge being opened for Seaquel

Animals of the Swamp

...and friends.

June 4: First 3.5 hours were 5 MPH going down the Dismal Swamp Canal. very isolated most of the way - almost "Amazon-like". probably only 50-80 feet wide, 6 foot deep, and lots of trees. Saw a Great Blue Heron with fish in his mouth, Summer Tanager bird, and a deer searching for food.  As we neared the north end, it got a little back to civilization with a nearby road and bike riders and hikers - all friendly! At the north lock, Seaquel gave us a little scare when she released her stern tie way too early.  Loaned Rick on Persistence our new 24" pipe wrench to fix his jammed anchor - success.            

The crew performed well today thru 2 locks, three lift bridges, docking for fuel and pump-out, and finally docking into slip. Only went about 20 miles today - but took 7 hours (a lot of slow going and waiting). Took very welcome showers, turned on the A/C, had spaghetti and meatballs, and died!

Leaving the dock with Persistence and Seaquel rafted up.

You can read this sign either way!

Bambi