VA to NC

Lauched on Monday morning which turned into a workday as we had to get all the many systems working (or so we thought). Engine wasn't moving enough cooling water, generator battery was dead, air conditioning pump was water locked, etc. Got that sorted out but then Tuesday weather was 20-25 kts from the SE with 2-3' waves in the Cheasepeake - so we decided to be wimps and stay another day. Thought we'd have a cook-out - hired an expert.

Wednesday morning we were up and gone by 6:15AM - good-bye to the Yankee Point Marina - great place and great people.

Down the Bay past one of the several lighthouses far out into the bay protecting shoals - this one is the "Wolf Trap".

Made it into Norfolk Harbour about 3:00PM, rolling seas made for an uncomfortable ride into the harbour and then past one of the largest US Naval stations in the US. A lot of big boats.

And then into the relative quiet of the Dismal Swamp Canal system to anchor just below the first of two locks.

But first the girls have to go for a dinghy ride and trip to shore.



Then next morning off through the Dismal Swamp Canal - first surveyed by George Washington in 1763 and finally completed in 1805 - the oldest continually operated canal in America. And it's not real wide.

But sometimes it's empty.

But you are making some progress:

Rule is, you go up a lock, about 8 feet, through a bridge and then 20 miles or so later you do the reverse.

But as you drop the next last 8 feet you read the sign and realize you are not even close to home.

Then it's off to Elizabeth City and a night at a dock in the downtown area. Next morning we get going early and see the latest(?) in naval spy planes.

A Blimp? With it's own hanger? Cool.

Then down the Albemarle Sound, sometimes treacherous, but just another rolly ride this time and into the Alligator Canal, not quite as nice as the Dismal Swamp.

But it does have wild life.