Finishing up the Chesapeake, and into North Carolina

It's been a busy week.

We made the run to Kilmarnock in quick time and found a beautiful, quiet anchorage just south of town. I put a bike ashore and biked to the American Diesel shop to buy some parts for our engine. (routine maintenance)

The next day, it was rainy, and we motored in to the Chesapeake Basin and took dockage for the night. Barb and Ranny were nice enough to drive out and have lunch with us on the boat. They also brought mail and packages that we had forwarded to their address. We had a great visit, which was over all too soon.

That evening, we had Fred Chance and Judy Horst over for wine and cheese. They had come in after us, and had anchored Wild Oats near us. They had sailed all the routes we are planning to sail, and we were glad to have the benefit of their knowledge.

Up at the crack of dawn the next day, but Fred and Judy were already out. We called them later on the radio, and found them a couple of hours ahead of us - we could just make out their sail on the horizon. But the wind abated in the afternoon, and we had to motor the rest of the way to Norfolk. We spent a noisy night at anchor in Willoughby Bay. I can remember swimming near Willoughby Spit as a boy when we lived on the Navy base. Now there is a major highway and bridge-tunnel running through it, and the traffic is quite noisy.

We spent the evening poring over our charts and guidebooks, calculating our travel time to the first lock at the entrance to the Dismal Swamp Canal. We set the alarm for 0530, but somehow didn't get up until 0630. We took off immediately, skipping breakfast, and made our best speed to the first bridge. Having made up the hour we had overslept, we were then delayed at the second bridge where a railroad train kept the bridge closed for 20 minutes.

Finally through that bridge, and under the rest, we turned into Deep Creek. We hustled along again at our best speed to make the 1100 lock opening. Since there were four sailboats behind us, all having waited for the same bridge opening, the lockmaster held off for our arrival. We all locked up into the Dismal Swamp Canal together.

The lock is narrow and not too long. We were surprised that all three power boats and 5 sailboats would fit. But we did. The lockmaster was friendly and helpful to us newbies, and we got through without incident. (although our fenders got slimed by the grundge on the sides of the lock.

Once out, we motored along at No-Wake speed. The canal is wild and beautiful, with thick vegetation closing in on both sides. By late afternoon, we had traveled the 28 miles to the visitors center, where we were greeted by folks on boats already made fast to the seawall. We passed them lines and rafted up. We were welcomed onto their boats, and invited to happy hour. Cruisers are such friendly folks!

Later, another sailboat came alongside, and then it was our turn to welcome them and help them get moored alongside us. No Problem, although we weren't really prepared for it, and had to scramble.

We spent a delightful hour aboard Hydrotherapy, with Bill and Sue Hitchcock of Harpswell, Me. Then supper and bed.

In the morning, we took our time getting off. Yesterday's beautiful sunshine had turned to frost overnight. We use the oven to heat the cabin. Lots of folks left early, but we were in no rush. We missed the 1100 opening of the South Mill Lock, so we tied up to the seawall for a couple of hours,which gave me a chance to change the engine oil. Then we locked through with one other boat. The wind had picked up to gale force, and most travelers had hunkered down in Elizabeth City. We anchored there, as there was no room left at the famous Mariner's Wharf. We hope to find an opening there tomorrow.

Tonight, we're snug at anchor, and hope the wind subsides tomorrow. We plan to spend the day ashore.