Tuesday October 25: Dismal Swamp Visitor Center, NC

Yesterday was another early leave from Deltaville as we wanted to make Norfolk. Winds were predicted to pick up on Chesapeake Bay today so our goal was to reach the protection of the ICW which begins at Norfolk. Still lots of Naval activity as we approached downtown Norfolk. Some fun ship unloading equipment also!

Waterside Marina is right downtown (there is a Hooter's right at the Marina - always mads me think of Woodie :-)) We watched the giant cruise ship do a 360 degree turn inside this seeming small harbor- talk about the captain being good! Across from the marina are several Navy ships in drydock getting work done. This city must be all navy or related industries. Breafast at D'Egg Diner (they had tater tots!!!!!) and off we went. Destination: the Dismal Swamp. This route south was actually closed for a period of time due to fires west of here. I didn't see any actual fire damage so I think it was mostly the smoke.

Timing was good for both the drawbridge (only opens once an hour) and the Deep Creek lock. By the time we were through the lock, it had turned out to be a beautiful day. I'm sure it was VERY windy on the Bay though. I didn't catch a very good picture of the house which was the original home of the canal superintendent - it is a good thing it's no longer used! Steve took the opportunity to ice his arm on the flybridge as these quiet waters are much better than the waves of even a smooth Bay.

Crossing into North Carolina made us happy. We've also seen one dolphin (on the Bay) and a number of pelicans. I feel like we're definitely headed the right direction! The leaves are beginning to change here although there is still a lot of green. Our arrival at the visitor center docks was great as it was empty! There may be more boats coming later though. Night before last there were 16 boats tied up - they must have been rafted 3 or 4 deep to get that many in here. In the meantime, I enjoyed the couch for a few minutes inside the welcome center - nice place with lots of info about North Carolina.

Off tomorrow to Elizabeth City!