Dismal Swamp Canal - NC Visitor Center - 19 Oct

 

   Another very early start, anchor up and underway before 7am.  We have to get through the Gilmerton auto bridge and Railroad bridge #7 and then down the river to the Deep Creek Lock before 0830. If there is no delay its a 1.25hr trip.

   Had a very quiet night off Portsmouth/Norfolk. The Carnaval cruise ship departed just after midnight. Guess all the guests are onboard by then.

   Through all the bridges with no delays. Turned out the Railroad #7 bridge closed about 10 minutes after we passed through. That would have stopped us from making the 0830 lock opening.  All good so far this trip.  

(Of note, the photo is Railroad Bridge #5 for those interested). #7 is around the bend next to the Gilmerton auto bridge. No pictures of it as that is a congested area where we are doing circles waiting for the opening. 

   In the lock and ready to ride up 8ft. There were 4 boats in the lock for this opening. We heard Great Bridge, the alternate route to the Dismal Canal route, is averaging 25-30 boats per opening as they are on restricted opening hours. Glad we are over here. We aren't advertising it but more boaters should take this route - as long as they have a protected prop. Plenty of logs along this route.

   The Dismal Swamp route is definitely a prettier transit than the Virginia Cut but, there are shallow spots, overhanging trees and, sunken and floating logs to avoid.

   We saw two medium size floating tree trunks and had one very minor bump along the route.

   North Carolina has a very nice Visitor Center along Route 17 and the Dismal Swamp Canal route. There is a very interesting Nature Center here at the State Park.

   Key feature for us is the easy access to green grass where Rivah can do her business. Otherwise she has to go on the bow on her potty rug.

   Tides Inn tied up at the Visitor Center. There is room for 3 boats on the dock, then others will start rafting up to the moored boats. We got here early after passing though the first lock opening of the day so we get an inside berth which is great for Rivah to hop on and off the boat. Others arriving later in the day will have to raft up outboard of us. 

  A movable pedestrian bridge at the Visitor Center allows you to walk over to the State Park where the Nature Center and multiple walking trails are. The Nature Center is pretty interesting place with lots of info on flora/fauna of North Carolina and the Dismal Swamp.

      Tides Inn tucked in at the end of the dock. Arriving boats are starting to raft up and by the end of the day we had two boats outboard of us. 

   We need to leave at 0800 tomorrow so all 3 of us will be getting underway early in the morning. 

   Had great weather today, the wind picked up to 15kts and higher in the afternoon but down to near zero after dark. Rain is coming through tonight at midnight with wind and gusty conditions but, back to light winds by morning. 

   We're off to Elizabeth City in the morning.