5/3/10

Hey! Here we are in VA. We are in the eastern branch of the Corrotoman River, which comes off the Rappahnock River. There, now you know as much about it as I do. Let me get you there from our last posting. Last we spoke (geez, Chuckie, that's only a figure of speech) we were anchored in the Little Alligator River just south of the Albemarle Sound waiting, & hoping, for the wind to die down. Wasn't bad in the morning, so off we went, past the nasty shoal between G9 & G7 and into the sound. Wow! What a ride! And that was before the winds kicked up. Sorry, no pics, I couldn't let go of the helm. Besides, you've seen one big breaking wave beside you, you've seen them all. Suffice it to say that we were really glad to get the crossing over with. That led us up the Pasquotank River thru Elizabeth City, NC. We did not stop here, as we wanted to make the 1:30 lock opening into the Dismal Swamp Canal. Could've, 'cause we didn't. The trip up this river, thru the woods was a real eye opener. Top left is a picture of the river just north of Elizabeth City; basically the beginning of the leg to the canal. Under that is the river midway thru the upriver journey. It is gorgeous, lots of greenery, wildlife, & curves galore. Always a surprise when Bubba comes blasting around a tight corner in a full bore bass boat turn. As you will see, there is not much room. It got tighter as we progressed; but still an amazing trip that brought us to the South Mills Lock. This lock is the first lock when going north in the canal. One makes a hard right turn, then an immediate hard left turn, all blind turns due to brush and find yourself sitting in front of the lock; as did Scooter and crew. Hot 'n sticky were the operative words that afternoon. The lock keeper shows up, opens the lock, you tie up to the wall, he fills the lock up, opens the gates, jumps in his truck, & runs down the road to open the drawbridge. From there Scooter entered the Dismal Swamp Canal enroute to the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center. Great complex; had AC! We rafted to a Canadian boat for the night, as we were just a bit to long for the available dock space. Next morning, off we went, headed for Deep Creek Lock & Bridge. This leg was about 18 miles long; all of which is run at NO WAKE speed, about 6mph. While a lovely trip, it is, I must say, different. As you can see, it is a tight squeeze for a 38' boat that is 13' wide. Won't be any turning around if the bugs get bad! Thru the Deep Creek Bridge, then into & thru the lock; incidentally this lock is the oldest operating lock in the US. From there it is a mere hop, skip, & jump to Norfolk harbor & mile marker zero. Thus endeth the ICW portion of the trip. We continued winding our way up the Elizabeth River, past the Navy yards & base to the Poquoson River. Anchoring again in Cheasapeake Bay water felt pretty good in the present, sad in the thought that the trip is ending. Ah, well, press on! Today's leg took us from Chisman Creek on the Poquoson, to our present spot. Tomorrow may well find us in Olverson's marina off the Potomac River. We'll need fuel, some groceries, etc & his facility has a courtesy car & the dock is free to MTOA members. We'll see how it goes.

Be safe, be happy; we'll catch you on the flip side