As a little girl, I remember my mother waking me up in the morning with the saying "rise and shine, it's daylight in the swamp". Sure enough some 50 years later, I was waking up in the swamp (albeit a little before daylight at 0630 today). For once, Jorge and I were leaders of the pack! Usually we pull up the rear. We were the first boat to pull out of the raft up and head towards the lock. We got underway at 0700. The lock was only 5 miles away and we made it there within the hour. The lock opened at 0830 so we were able to have breakfast first. I think the whole group from last night travelled today.

In the 2nd lock of the Dismal Swamp.

Ditto.

 

Possum Quarter Lodge (abandoned) on the Pasquotank River (reminded me of the Red/Green Show).

 

Travelling was very similar to yesterday except it was a little overcast today with light drizzle late in the afternoon and evening. We had the enclosure open but the clothes were layered and for the first time my feet were a little cold in the morning.

After getting out of the Dismal Swamp we were into the Pasquotank River, a bit wider and deeper than the swamp and extremely winding. We encountered more of the duck weed here. We also caressed a submersed log - better than the rocks in the Georgian Bay.

We got into Elizabeth City around noonhour and tied up to the Mariner's Wharf (the town docks.) They allow 48-hour free dockage time. Washrooms but unfortunately no other amenities (full washrooms including showers are under construction). Jorge and I took a short walk to the pharmacy before the wine and cheese gathering hosted by the city which never materalized. As it is run by volunteers and it is past peak boating season, well it's sketchy if it happens at all but that's okay because we all got together and made our own! Boaters always have a plan B and we are never denied our happy hour.

Sign at the town docks.

Jorge and me beside the rose bushes.

 

Jorge and I joined two other couples after the happy hour at a local restaurant for dinner. Great people, great conversation and great stories. Back to the boat by 2100. The weather is looking iffy for crossing the Albemarle Sound tomorrow, winds from the wrong direction and too strong. Think we might take advantage of the free dockage tomorrow.

 

(Thanks for tuning in Darlene!)