Heading down the Dismal Swamp Canal towards South Mills Lock. Have to watch out for overhanging trees along this section.
Another beautiful day with blue skies, after a quiet night at the Visitor Center.
There are objects to avoid in the canal. Just north of the lock was a large patch of grass floating in the middle of the canal. Just enough room for us to sneak by the side.
We made it past the grass island but, that wasn't the end of the ordeal. We had to wait at the lock for the northbound traffic to enter, lift and exit the lock. When the lock filled, it created a current in the canal which brought the floating island down current right into us, while we had to hold our position. Sucked up a little grass into our engine cooling water but, the filter took care of it.
Into the lock finally. All good. Down 8 feet, then into the Pasquotank River enroute Elizabeth City.
The Pasquotank is one of the prettiest sections of the IntraCoastal Waterway, along with the Waccamaw River in South Carolina.
Patches of duckweed plants along the shoreline but a clear path down the middle. The trees are already beginning to drop their leaves in October. It will be more vibrant green in the Spring when we return.
We were lucky to find an empty spot to park at the MidAtlantic Christian University dock. They provide free dockage for 48hrs for boaters spending money at the Elizabeth City businesses. We will be visiting the coffee shops, brewery and restaurants while visiting friends here. One of our favorite stops.
Sue and Carol, our friend since our days as neighbors in Guam, 1976. Amazing, friends for going on 50 years.
Good live music and beer at the Pine Porch brewery.
Thursday night was Open Mic at the Seven Sounds Brewery and Carol's son-in-law, Mike, invited me to play along with him. It was a fun time but my fingertips were soon growing blisters after not playing bass guitar since joining the Navy in 1974. Need to do some more playing to get those fingers toughened up.
Seven Sounds Brewery is a great spot right on the Elizabeth City harbor.
We ended up staying in Elizabeth City for 4 days helping Carol prepare for a craft fair. Sue had time to make some sour dough cinnamon rolls for us.
We had beautiful weather the whole visit with sunrises into blue skies each day. Looking across the river from our dock spot.
After 4 days (thanks to the dockmaster that let us extend our stay - it was surprisingly not very busy, lots and lots of boats traveling down the Virginia Cut route instead of Elizabeth City - a poor choice in our opinion - except it was great for us without the crowds), it was time to get underway for our next North Carolina town to visit.
Another great weather day, not much wind for sailing, but smooth waters for motoring west to Edenton.
