Moving on

We waited the Noreaster in Hampton Roads VA,did some shopping and a little touring.  We continued through Norfolk harbor with the navy ships  and proceeded to the Dismal Swamp route on Thursday.  The Dismal Swamp is anything but dismal,  Francie was shooting pictures all the way.   We arrived at the visitor center close to dark thirty.  Low and behold it was packed with  14 boats rafted on a dock for 4 or 5 boats, we chose to anchor.  This Am was a mad scramble to get to the 0830 lock opening.  boats scattered along the canal for a mile.  We ended in the lock with 15 boats , 3 DEEP MOST OF THE LOCK.   Then the rush out the door after.  One of the boats, a 50 ft catamaran 30 ft wide caused quite a commotion.  They had come down the Erie canal to Albany Ny and down the Hudson same as we did, but did not step the mast as they wanted to do the ICW and they were over 65ft high for the bridges.  That is one large cat.  We arrived at the free docks in Elizabeth City along with most of the other boats and were met by the Rose Buddies for wine,  cheese and a rose that evening.

    Tomorrow we will continue and hope to reach the Pungo  by nightfall.  Not sure of  internet for a few days but will leave messages as we can.

   Our journey started, but we recied a call that Francie's mom, Marite,  had a fall and a heart attack. We turned around and called the "Rose Buddies", who were in constant contact and met us at the dock.  They helped greatly and gave me a ride to the car rental, where the last available car was held for us. We have the utmost appreciation for this City and the Rose Buddies in  in particular.  We highly reccomend stopping in Elizabeth City NC.