The Great Dismal Swamp

[sailaway78]

Now were in the Great Dismal Swamp. Thanks to some balky bridges this AM, we didn't make the North Carolina free dock place before dark. Missed the lock opening by about 15 minutes, and had to anchor up and wait almost two hours for the next opening. Tied up tonight at a little mickey mouse dock, directly across from the Lake Drummond feeder ditch.A little over 21 miles in, and three miles north of the North Carolina state line. But nice and secure. Absolutely no one around, and dead quiet. Sure beats the hell out of rockin and rolling all night. Weather forecast for the next couple of days is pretty snotty. I'm hearing winds of 30 to 35, with gusts 45 to 50. But we have no open water coming up, so should be fine. And it is warming up just a little. We plan on making it into Elizebath City tomorrow night, and I think we will lay up there a couple of days. We have to do some grocery shopping, and wash some clothes. And need some propane for the heater and cooking. A rest won't hurt either one of us either. Ran in a chilly rain all afternoon today, but at least it wasn't freezing. More from Elizebath City if cell service available.

 

[shaun]

I miss the swamp

Your posting brings back memories... I lived on the edge of the swamp for 6 years.... loved navigating the canals...kids loved it... fishing was great... the nature was unique... and a quiet setting... Hope your travels treat you well in the canal....

 

[Don s/v Tellico]

Canal is the best best going..

you can't avg much more than 6 over in the ICW anyway with all the slow downs for power boats (which I always respect and appreciate), and the layover options are much much better in the DSC. I've spent nights at both ends and at the rest area on the line. (BTW - north is excellent for shopping - food lion accross the street, mexican rest right on the canal about anything else you need. Much closer than in E-cty. It's usually my main restocking point on the usuall Annapolis - NC run.)You better watch the weeather. Forecasts are serious high winds out of the West, which will be deadly on the Albemarle - sure you know that.

 

[Phil]

Cape Fear

If you intend to go outside, do not go out above Cape Fear. Its named that for a reason.

 

[Paul Akers]

Look for my friends!

N&E. I received an email this morning from some friends who are in your area. Steve and Elaine are on a H430 cruising down the ICW from New England and are near the GDS, now. The name of the boat is "The Depot".