Pulled out of Elizabeth City in time to make the lock opening at South Mills. The Pasquotank River really narrowed down, and it was a beautiful ride on the river.
The Pasquotank River
We were really anxious about taking SeaGlide through her first lock, but this was the perfect lock for our first experience - not much lift, wind, or current to deal with.
The South Mills Lock
We were only lifted around 8 feet to get into the Dismal Swamp.
Here we go into the great Dismal Swamp...
but first the bridge tender gets into his pickup
and rushes downstream to open the bridge for us.
Now we're set to continue the adventure -
only 33 miles to Norfolk and about 5500 to complete the loop!
Jeff at the helm.
Stayed at the free Dismal Swamp Welcome Center dock.
The Welcome Center is unique in that it is also a Welcome Center for highway traffic.
Seven of us rafted up together to enjoy the free dock,
interpretive center, and hiking and biking trails.
Hiking trail
Went on 12 mile bike ride down this beautiful trail.
Saw deer and lots of animal tracks along with a ton of butterflies.
Met two other looper boats - Q's Cabin and Always Lucky Again.
They joined us and Bucket List for Docktails at the end of the day.
The next day we're back underway on the Dismal.
Hard to believe the canal was actually hand dug by slaves.
Slave owners sent their slaves to do the work,
and thus allowed the Underground Railway to get its start here.
Psychedelic Waves
We decided to make the 3:30 lock opening at Deep Creek
and anchor out before making the final push to Norfolk.
Deep Creek Anchorage - looks desolate, but actually lots of road noise...
as this bridge was just around the corner.
Making our push into Norfolk in rainy, foggy, windy weather.
We're definitely traveling with the big boys now!!
Made it to Waterside Marina in Downtown Norfolk.
Home sweet home for the next week as we attend the
America's Great Loop Cruisers Associations Spring Rendezvous.
Waterside Marina
SeaGlide snuggled in between battleships and buildings.
No comments:
Post a Comment