Voyage 2006-2007: Chapter 2

21 Oct 2006, Day 7: The Norfolk Ordeal, 36 44.966 N/ 076 20.216 W

We left Jackson Creek at 0715 with NW winds at 10-15 kts. We had lots of miles to cover as we wanted to be at the Dismal Swamp Canal (DSC) before dark. Jule III chose to motorsail with jib alone. Moony motored under mainsail until he got out in the Bay. Then he did the wing to wing thing using one of his whisker poles for the jib. Wish we had thought of that! He got about an hour of pure sailing. As we approached the Norfolk area, the winds died and the current started to become a problem.

As we approached the main channel into the Norfolk/Hampton/Portsmouth area we found a foul current running at 3+ knots. Maybe we ought to look for an alternate anchorage. Bob said no; that we would get to the Deep Creek lock before nightfall. We arrived at Hospital Point at 1600. As it was Saturday the Jordon and Gilmerton bridges opened upon request. We turned into the DSC route at 1715. We now think we will make it. At 1815 hooks are down in front of the Deep Creek lock. Life is good. Moony got an unpleasant surprise a couple of hours later. Two boats (one French catamaran) decided they wanted to anchor real close to Moony. Moony was not happy.

22 Oct 2006, Day 8: Deep Creek Lock to EC, 36 44.934 N/ 076 20.308 W

It was cold and a bit foggy as we readied ourselves for the first lock of the Dismal Swamp. At 0815 most of the 8 boats hauled their anchors and we 'milling' about waiting for the lock to open and not hit each other. At 0830 the lock opened and the procession began with 5 tying up on the starboard lock wall and 3 on the port. Jule III was the last on the starboard.

The lockmaster closed the large 26 ton doors and we began our 9 foot rise. While we were waiting, the lockmaster handed a coffee pot to Wolfgang and asked him to offer us coffee. So off he went. Next the lockmaster offered us pastries and a serenade on his conch shell. Not bad. By then we had finished locking and began the slow march to the bridge. The lockmaster left the lock and became the bridge tender. Up the bridge went, and we were off for the next lock which was about 4 hours away.

Of course it started to rain. We have never been southbound on the DSC without some pretty good rain. Did we mention it was very cold? We had plenty of water and the Corps of Engineers has done a good job in maintaining the swamp. Of course, our politicians are bickering on whether they can afford $800,000 to keep the Swamp open for FY 2007. They decided to delay a decision until after the election. What a surprise! Anyways, we arrived at South Mill lock in time for the 1330 passage, headed down the Pasquatank to Elizabeth City. The EC bascule bridge opened for us at 1700, noticed that the free docks were full and headed for the Pelican Marina. We tied up at 1730 and declared happy hour at 1800.