The last bit of North Carolina - Elizabeth City and the Dismal Swamp


Elizabeth City, NC
After crossing the Albermarle Sound with perfect sea conditions, we had a decision to make as we cruised north.  We could continue to Elizabeth City which would mean we would go through the Dismal Swamp or head toward Coinjock and continue to Norfolk via what's called the Viriginia Cut.

  We chose Elizabeth City.  The dockage rates were a little different from other places.  Many walls to tie to were free (but without power) or they charged a flat rate no matter the size of the vessel.  We chose a small marina since it was hot and we wanted electricity.  




A park next to the water was a beautiful place to take prom pics for an area high school.  




A mason jar makes a nice drink glass. Got this picture while the bartender was mixing a drink - seems like a generous pour.


When we left Elizabeth City on Monday morning we got the 7:30 am opening of this lift bridge to start on our way to the Dismal Swamp Canal. In this photo, if you look closely, you can see a sailboat's mast as it passes beneath the bridge.


Homes in downtown Elizabeth City.


Heading out of Elizabeth City and beneath the bridge pictured earlier.


Leaving Elizabeth City for the Dismal Swamp Canal. The canal is only 50 feet wide and about 6 feet deep.  There is only room for boats going in one direction.  The swamp is lined with dense cypress trees and other foliage.


Docktails in the Swamp


The Visitors Center is quite unique. On one side of the building you have a typical highway rest stop and related parking lots. But on the other side is the swamp canal. Here you can see all of the boats as they travel through.



5 boats rafted up for the night for free on the visitors center wall. Since you enter a lock to go into the swamp and go through a lock to leave the swamp, it is very safe to stay on the wall because the last lock is at 3:30 and no one else is let in for the night.  It was very quiet and calm and peaceful.



Yes, George Washington cruised the Dismal Swamp. He later surveyed it for commercial purposes.


Great bike trail to get what we were told were "great cheeseburgers" but were kinda disappointed with them.  The 10 mile bike ride was great though!







You pass a state line in the swamp from North Carolina to Virginia.



Locking out of the Dismal Swamp Canal - Deep Lock - going down 10 feet. The Lock Master's office is pictured above. He opens a bridge and then drives down about half a mile in his pickup and opens the lock. As a result, there are only a few scheduled openings each day.


Meg and George on Viridian in the lock in front of us waiting for the water to start going down and to start the journey toward Norfolk, VA and the Chesapeake Bay.

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