We then started the engine and slipped our lines to begin our trek through the Great Dismal Swamp Canal.
Motoring through the canal was an unbelievable experience. The canal is as straight as an arrow and the water is maintained at a constant depth. So, it is very smooth to navigate. We were able to motor at about 6 knots and make good time.
Due to the overhanging trees which arch over the canal we needed to keep a constant watch at the mast to avoid hitting the tree limbs.
About an hour into our trip we saw a Great Blue Heron standing majestically at the side of the canal. Shortly after that we crossed the border between Virginia and North Carolina.
We kept a look out for the one other boat that was on the canal heading our way. At about 12:20 PM a trawler by the name "Lady Bug" passed us heading North. We waved to all on board and wished them a safe trip and they wished the same to us.
We arrived at the Great Dismal Swamp Welcome Center at 1:30 PM and spent some time in the air conditioned lounge while Rich used his computer on their free WiFi. He is working on a proposal for his business as we sail.
We left the Welcome Center leaving enough time to get to the South Mill Lock at the southern end of the canal for the 3:30 PM opening. We found that descending in a lock is much simpler and easier then rising in a lock. The gates opened and off we went on our trip to Elizabeth City, NC, about 18 miles away.
We arrived at Elizabeth City around 7:15 PM and pulled into a slip on the town pier that provides up to 48 hours of free docking.
The boat next to us was named "Faith" and we greeted the woman sitting in the cockpit. It was a Gulfstar 48 and she told us she and her husband were on their way back to Tasmania, Australia, by way of Brazil.
Shortly after, her husband, Ray, came over to us and told us about his boat and past journeys on the boat and the trip they were taking from Annapolis, MD, to Florida, the Caribbean, Northern Brazil , then through the Magellan Straits to the Southern Ocean, and through the South Pacific back to Australia. His wife is an ordained minister and many of her congregation are in Brazil and South America.
He told us that they had sailed from Annapolis the Cape Charles and then came to Elizabeth City "going around the outside." Meaning that they didn't come through the canals. We told him that we had planned to go to Cape Charles, but decided to save a day by not going there. We said that we were one day ahead of schedule. Ray said that they were 3 months behind schedule. Time did not seem to bother him. He didn't wear a watch.
As we were standing near the front of Cachalot chatting a couple came up to us and started talking about sailing and asked about Cachalot. He is a retired fire fighter and has always wanted a sailboat like Ed's. We chatted about the positives and negatives of boat ownership. I think we convinced them to start shopping for a boat.
We walked into town to listen to a concert that was going on at the town common. It was a USO Tribute to the men and women of the Coast Guard. Elizabeth City has the largest Coast Guard station in the US.
After walking around the concert we went to a restaurant and had a nice dinner. Rich and I were able to have a glass of scotch to enjoy before dinner and toast Ed with his iced tea on today's journey.
We are sitting aboard Cachalot tied to pilings at the town dock enjoying the evening breeze. This has been a very full and event filled day.
Tomorrow we leave for Albemarle Sound and the entrance to the Alligator River Canal.
Lat/Lon = N 37 17.9 W 076 13.0
OK
ReplyDeleteNow I geddit!
Peter