Entering the Dismal Swamp Canal lock at the NC end, how far we have traveled from the Keys, and at the Welcome Center dock with S/V White Pepper.Underway Saturday (19 July) up the Dismal Swamp Canal - an absolutely lovely trip with the dark tannic acid water reflecting everything on the water like a mirror. Each end of the canal(North Carolina and Virginia) has a lock and bridge operated by the lockmaster with the bridge lift coordinated with lock opening times. Both ends have places to tie-up or anchor to wait for lock/bridge openings.
Just a few miles south of the NC/VA border, is a North Carolina Welcome Center (off Route 17) with a free dock to overnight (water available under north end of dock). The Welcome Center has a boater's lounge, internet and 24-hour restrooms. The state park service operates the Dismal Swamp Visitor Center on the other side of the canal, accessed by a bridge (monitored and opens for boats in the canal), with nature lectures on weekends. There is also a paved bike/walking trail at the end of the parking lot for the Visitor Center. We traveled the canal with Karl and Jan Stein of S/V White Pepper (met at Elizabeth City docks).
After staying overnight in the canal, both vessels head to Virginia. At the quay wall before the Deep Creek bridge, we tied up and enjoyed lunch at the Mexican Restaurant right there awaiting a bridge opening. Propane is available at hardware store nearby. S/V White Pepper headed into the Deep Creek Lock, but the Star tied-up at the free town dock before the lock (part of a park) to overnight.
By Monday (21 July), we are locked out of the Canal, heading through Portsmouth, Norfolk, and out into the Chesapeake Bay. Our immediate destination is the York River (Sarah Creek, on the Glouscester Point side) to visit with Army friends (Dan Murray, Darlene May, Mike and Mary Wichterman). Thanks to each for grocery shopping, mail, engine oil and filter.
Just a few miles south of the NC/VA border, is a North Carolina Welcome Center (off Route 17) with a free dock to overnight (water available under north end of dock). The Welcome Center has a boater's lounge, internet and 24-hour restrooms. The state park service operates the Dismal Swamp Visitor Center on the other side of the canal, accessed by a bridge (monitored and opens for boats in the canal), with nature lectures on weekends. There is also a paved bike/walking trail at the end of the parking lot for the Visitor Center. We traveled the canal with Karl and Jan Stein of S/V White Pepper (met at Elizabeth City docks).
After staying overnight in the canal, both vessels head to Virginia. At the quay wall before the Deep Creek bridge, we tied up and enjoyed lunch at the Mexican Restaurant right there awaiting a bridge opening. Propane is available at hardware store nearby. S/V White Pepper headed into the Deep Creek Lock, but the Star tied-up at the free town dock before the lock (part of a park) to overnight.
By Monday (21 July), we are locked out of the Canal, heading through Portsmouth, Norfolk, and out into the Chesapeake Bay. Our immediate destination is the York River (Sarah Creek, on the Glouscester Point side) to visit with Army friends (Dan Murray, Darlene May, Mike and Mary Wichterman). Thanks to each for grocery shopping, mail, engine oil and filter.
At the Deep Creek Bridge quay wall, tied-up at the town dock before the Deep Creek Lock, and the Navy at Portsmouth/Norfolk, Virginia.
