October 16th- Dismal Swamp/ Elizabeth’s Dock, VA to Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, NC

There is only 22 miles between the two locks on the Dismal Swamp Canal but we like to spend some time in the jungle admiring the flora and fauna.

The duckweed was plentiful but we didn’t draw much into the engine filter. We hit a few big logs shortly after leaving the dock and were on the lookout for the remainder of the day. The canal debris seemed less further south. Since it was a short day I kept our speed down. There was a sailboat behind us that later told us he could see our green bottom paint on the first log we rammed. There is a something to be said about heavy old boats with thick hulls.

Deep Creek draw bridge.

On watch.

We crossed into North Carolina and docked at the welcome center. We wanted to dock right at the only water spigot to fill the tanks. I was very focused on the dock and forgot to look up. No damage done but many branches, leaves, and acorns on deck. I think we hit the same tree with Catalpa. I guess we took out some branches higher up this time.

We had lots of interested visitors throughout the day. This is also the North Carolina visitor center for route 17. Cars pull in and people walk down to the dock to see the boats. We met many friendly people today. Ollie is ready to jump onto the dock at a moment’s notice. We toured some of the state park grounds and the Dismal Swamp museum.

Evergreen docked at The Dismal Swamp welcome center.