Just past the Gilmerton Bridge is the dividing point on the Intracoastal Waterway, straight Virginia Cut, right Dismal Swamp. The Virginia Cut is quicker and more developed with more available amenities. The Dismal Swap route is a bit longer but more scenic with almost no services. We made a hard turn to starboard and headed down The Dismal Swamp:
Small house on the Dismal Swamp:
We had to go through two locks, the first is Deep Creek Lock. The lock raises you up about 8 feet so you can continue down the swamp canal:
Lock doors opening:
Flooding the lock:
Up and out of the lock:
Then through Deep Creek Bridge. The bridge is run by the same person that operates the lock. Once the lock is closed he drives to the bridge and opens it:
Southbound on the Dismal Swamp Canal:
Old canal superintendent’s house:
We were not able to make it to the North Carolina Visitor’s Center by nightfall, a usual stop on the canal, so we pulled over and tied up to an old bridge abutment. The owner came out and greeted us, took a picture of our boat, and told us we were welcome to stay the night.