Dismal Swamp

Here we are rafted up.  
Melinda and I kayaking.



I went kayaking with Melinda on a Charley Girl.
                         An old locomotive steam engine.

 After 2 rough days, the Dismal Swamp was a great reprieve!  We stayed in Elizabeth City at Mid-Atlantic Christian University Docks, which is a great stop off before entering the Dismal Swamp.  Captain Dan, a former looper, was the dock master and he was so nice and accommodating.  He caught our lines, let us use his truck to get supplies and even provided a welcome bag. Since it was a university, we had access to bathrooms and showers (at certain times). There were many places to stay in Elizabeth City but I’m glad we stayed here.  It also got us past a bridge that had to be raised; we were in a good position for the Dismal Swamp tomorrow.  

There were a few loopers, whom we crossed Alligator River and Albermarle Sound with, that came to Elisabeth City. Some loopers chose to go to Coinjock, NC, instead of the Dismal Swamp. Usually bigger vessels, that are worried about their draft and possibly hitting bottom in the Dismal Swamp, choose Coinjock. Going to Coinjock has bigger boats that go fast and create lots of wakes - no thanks.  However, Coinjock Marina and Restaurant is know for delicious Prime Rib!

I’ve heard much about the Great Dismal Swamp, especially after starting the loop.  Some people love it but others claim there’s too much debris, which can damage a boat.  There were debris, but we could dodge it.  Actually, the swamp was like a ditch running alongside a road.  There was actually an accident on the road the required a helicopter to land near the road.  And on the opposite side of the visitors center was rest area for vehicles. 

They had boat docks at the visitors center (about midway) and we stayed there one night.  The visitors center was nice and there were some trails, which gave us some time to stretch out legs an explore. Since we had quite the flotilla, we rafted up and enjoyed a peaceful night.   It was Katie B, Sweet Dreams, Boomerang, Boundless, Stay Cool, Charley Girl & Sea the USA. 

                        Our friend, Nagui, on Boundless.
                                        Beautiful sky!
 Stay Cool, us, Boundless, Sweet Dreams, Katie B & Charly B



                        Cottontail - maybe a swamp rabbit!

                              An old still for moonshine.
                                 Dismal Swamp Trail
                                      Dismal Swamp.


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