So the alarm went off again at 0700. We had some maneuvering to do in order to get the dinghy from the bow of the boat back to the stern and then to get CS'ta Time out from between the pilons. Good thing there was no wind!

We got into Norfolk/Portsmouth Harbour shortly after 0800 and after a scenic tour around the harbour (not paying attention to where we needed to go) we got on the right path down the Elizabeth River. And not a moment too soon - warships and aircraft carriers were on the move! The harbour was busy both with boat traffic and radio traffic.

Hey, south is the other way.

Warship in Norfolk.

 

Aircrafter carrier.

 

We got to the first bridge and had to wait approximately 25 minutes for it to open. While waiting a navy police boat kept all the waiting boats a specific distance from a navy ship in for repairs. We were in a group of trawlers all headed south. At the next bridge of course the trawlers were able to proceed but we had missed the opening by 7 minutes. The operator however said he had a bit of leeway and was able to open it for us, otherwise we would have had to wait for 53 minutes as it only opened on the hour. Phew - no fun waiting.

We passed under the last bridge before the Dismal swamp at about noonhour. Once we turned into the canal we encountered duck weed which we were warned about - a green, velvety floating stuff that has been known to clog the water intake system. Luckily we had no problems with it in our system. We arrived at the first lock (the canal only has two) at 1225 and had to wait until 1330 for it to open. Lots of time for lunch. Two trawlers and two sailboats went through but it took us 50 minutes to lock through. I think the lock filled with water through a drinking straw. The lockmaster was great though a little too chatty!

The next bridge was right after the lock, opened by the same lockmaster and after that the duck weed became much less evident.

The canal reminded me of the Erie Canal, narrow, lots of vegetation, a pretty straight line, dead heads and we even followed a sailboat with a burgundy enclosure (just like Diana and Gilbert).

Duck weed in the Dismal Swamp Canal.

Heading south.

Heading north.

 

We decided to stop at Mile 28 - the Visitor Center. There was a dock that could accommodate about 4 boats easily but the more the merrier. People were standing on their boats waving at other boats to raft up, so we did, in the end 3 boats wide! And as we arrived at 1700 we were in time for happy hour. All the boats took their drinks and appetizers to a picnic table under some trees right next to the welcome centre that served the highway and the canal. We had happy hour until 2000. We were one of the last boats to arrive so we have to be one of the first boats to leave. The boaters we are rafted up to want to make it to the next lock when it opens at 0830, 5 miles or about an hour travelling. Guess we will be up earlier than usual!

 

Dismal Swamp rafting.

Happy Hour.

 

Tomorrow's destination is Elizabeth City. There is a tradition in the city that if more than 5 boats arrive, the ladies are greeted with a rose and wine and appetizers are served to welcome the boaters. Got to love the hospitality!