Kim Jo IV: Friday, April 29, 2011

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Friday, April 29, 2011

Friday, Elizabeth City, NC, to the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center, NC: Three boats left to make the 07:30 bridge opening-Tony M, Chris Lea, and Kim Jo III. It was a little chilly early this morning but when the sun came out it turned into a beautiful day; a big change from yesterday's winds and storm. We went up the Pasquotank River to the Turner Cut and then went through South Mills Lock and the official beginning of the Dismal Swamp. I can remember reading about the Dismal Swamp Canal over a year ago and thinking why would anyone want to go there. It turns out to be a beautiful route. I also remember reading about the depth of the swamp and they were not kidding when the said it is a constant 6 feet deep. We were OK but Rich on Chris Lea has a 5 1/2 ' draft and he hit a few time but thinks he is fine. There is enough room for 3 boats our size to tie up at the visitor center and it is free. We have 4 boats so far so Chris Lea is rafting to Tony M. We visited the center and museum and took a short walk in the swamp. It was a very nice afternoon. The Dismal Swamp opened officially in 1803. In the late 1600s, the Dismal Swamp was much larger than today's swamp. Early explorers, such as William Byrd II, thought the swamp should be used for agricultural use but the task proved unprofitable. Also, during the time of slavery, the Great Dismal Swamp offered a refuge to runaway slaves.

N36 30.402
W76.35587

CO's comments: I did bump the bottom once going through the Dismal Swamp. Ever since we have been on the East Coast it has been very hard to keep the boat clean. It seems like dirt just falls out of the sky. In the past we have seen boats with a gold coloring on the bow which looks like a mustache. Now we are starting to get one; it comes from the acid in the waters we are traveling.