Dismal Swamp 2

With the shorter days and our slower speed we knew we would not make it to the regular stopping point along the canal so we just pulled over.

This is a sliding bridge that a farmer uses to move his implements and cattle across the canal:

We tied up to the concrete on the other side from the bridge:

Nightfall on the canal:

It was cold that night and when we came out to get underway we found the boat covered with frost:

Underway again on the Dismal Swamp Canal:

Heading south. The depth in the canal between the two locks is supposed to be six feet but we bumped bottom several times:

North Carolina border:

Sunrise passing the North Carolina Visitor’s Center:

Just past the welcome center there is a small pontoon bridge that opened for us without calling:

Another random house along the canal:

Bridge across the canal:

South Mills Bridge ahead, which is operated by the South Mills Lockmaster. This is the second of two bridges and locks we had to go through:

Entering South Mills Lock:

Lock doors closing behind us:

Tied up, water level dropping:

South lock doors opening:

Departing South Mills Lock:

Another random house on the canal:

Southbound again in the Dismal Swamp. South of the south lock the water was deep and wide, we had at least 10 feet of water all the way to Elizabeth City.

Winding through the swamp:

Having fun in the cold:

Wrecked boat:

Railroad bridge just north of Elizabeth City NC:

Bridge just north of Elizabeth City NC:

Another Pearson 424 right in front of us:

Arrived. Free dock, nice!

We have been talking about going down the Dismal Swamp for years and it was better than we expected. The canal was very desolate but very scenic, natural, and unspoiled. What a trip!

From here we are running south, across the Albermarle Sound, down the Alligator River and…