October 17, 2011 Monday Portsmouth to Elizabeth City NC

The Dismal Swamp is an interesting route to the Abermerle Sound. As I said yesterday, the leaves are beginning to change colors. There are few reds mostly yellows I guess because there are fewer maple trees in this region. The Dismal Swamp is but three miles longer than the Virginia Cut and both meet in the lower Abermerle Sound.

The first lock was an eye-opener since there were 15 boats ready and waiting to be locked through to the Dismal Swamp. This part of the journey was developed in the early 1800's to ship goods north-south. The canal was obviously hand dug and is very narrow with only room for a pass if both boats move to the outside edges of the canal. This is when a stump is usually waiting to take a bite out of your hull!

We were fortunate to arrive before dark in Elizabeth City, NC and to have our choice of two free slips to tie up. There were three men waving and pointing to the empty slips and all gave us a helping hand with our lines to safely get us tied up. We missed the free wine and cheese at 5:30 pm which is a daily happening here. There are 14 free slips and the city is very boater friendly. There is a free loaner car as well to shop and restock.

It was an extended day as we motor-sailed 75 miles! That's pretty unusual unless we are out on the ocean. I'm getting better at keeping up the blog and I will continue to post more pics!