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| Tannic acid released from decaying vegetation of the cypress and juniper tree leaves and roots makes the water look tea colored brown in the Dismal Swamp Canal. They say Priority's bow will have a brown mustache souvenir but it has been worth it. We'll scrub it clean again. |
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| We are preparing to enter the South Mills lock following a trawler and two more sailboats coming behind us to exit the Dismal Swamp Canal. The Canal is rich in history having been originally planned by George Washington to drain the area so it could become farmland. Then it was decided the canal was needed to move goods to market from Elizabeth City to Norfolk. It also became an escape route for the underground railroad to help free the slaves who were forced to dig it. Now we tourists keep it busy. |
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| Our new trawler friends snapped our photo in the lock as we waited for the two sailboats to enter and tie up. No conch shells, no dogs chasing geese off the yard, no teasing of being newbies but we did have a very gentle ride back down 8 feet. It was very smooth but not as colorful with a much quieter and more serious lock master. We missed Robert from the Deep Creek Lock. |
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| Jay captured this image of the lock where we wait to be lowered down to continue our ride to Elizabeth City, N.C. |
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| All lowered back down and leaving the lock. It was interesting to read the written notes on the lock walls from folks who had traveled through before us -mostly boat names and dates. |
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| We tied up in a slip at the Elizabeth City Town Dock where they offer 48 hour free dockage. They listen for boats to come through the bridge and help you tie up. They point out the places to visit, where to get things and invite you to a 4:30pm welcome party down the dock. Very friendly, helpful and generous hoping you all will come to visit Elizabeth City. We recommend it! We visited the Museum and learned all about the Albemarle Sound we'll be traveling through when we leave. |
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| Here we found a replica of a shad boat used in the Albemarle Sound for the surrounding fish industry. Also learned about the timber and shingles shipped out of the Dismal Swamp up the Canal to market in Norfolk. |
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| Returned to the dock for a Rose Buddies sponsored welcome party with wine, cheese & crackers for all the 25 or so boaters tied up at the town docks. All of the ladies got a rose from the garden planted right by the dock. This hospitality tradition started with two boaters years ago who welcomed new fellow boaters who came into port . The two men have since passed away but the Harbor of Hospitality group continues the tradition to encourage folks to visit their city. |
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| Jay is talking with a fellow boater sitting down and a former mayor of Elizabeth City standing beside him. The former mayor is also a boater and gave a very entertaining welcome speech to all. The tent was perfect since we had rolling thunderstorms coming through and pouring rain during the party. We enjoyed a quiet evening on the boat. We are ready for bed each night, just plain tired out. We think it could be that the planning and newness of each day takes more energy than normal days of sailing on the Bay. We are having an "exhaustingly good" time! |
