On October 23, we got up and moved into the first lock on the Dismal Swamp Canal. There is a lock at the beginning that raises the boat eight feet and a lock the end that lowers the boat eight feet. It was pretty easy after all our experience on the Erie Canal. This is Jackie on the bow of Heritage.
After getting through the lock, the parade continues. There really is not room to pass, so everyone just falls in line and travels the same speed.
On the way, we said good bye to Virginia and hello to the Tar Heel State.
The scenery is very pretty, but has a kind of sameness.
We stopped that afternoon at the Welcome Center and then the boats really came piling in. By the time nightfall came, we were rafted four deep at the docks. Everyone was friendly and cooperative about tying up and crossing over other boats to get to shore.
In the morning, we were off the dock and on the canal at 7:15. Everyone wanted to make it to the end lock for the 8:30 am opening. When we got to the lock, there were 13 boats lined up and the lock master said over the radio, "come on in and we'll get y'all through." So we did.
Soon after leaving the lock, the canal converges with the Pasquotank River. It opens up and becomes curvy and twists through the swamp.
Soon we got to Elizabeth City and took one of the free docks. This city goes out of its way to welcome boaters. There is a welcoming party, complete with wine, beer and cheese at 4:30 pm. Each of the ladies gets a rose, presented by the Rose Buddies. The former mayor came down to welcome us and tell us a little about the area. He also invited us to attend the free dress rehearsal of the Sound of Music, performed by the local theatre group. We attended, along with nearly all of the other boaters, and everyone had a good time.
This was this morning's sunrise. "Red in the morning......."
Everyone is listening to the weather forecast to try and figure out what Hurricane Sandy is going to do. We have decided to move a little way back up the river to an anchorage that offers excellent protection.
It looks like we will be there several days. That is fine because Dan has a follow up appointment on Tuesday with an oral surgeon after having a tooth extraction today after losing a crown last night. It was amazing that a dentist worked him in, then called the surgeon who also made time to do the extraction.
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Location:Elizabeth City, NC
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