So although we had decided to stay three or four nights in Elizabeth City and wait out the weather by mid morning it was clear and calm so we decided to pack it up and move onto the dismal swamp (follow the link to one of our videos of the swamp). It is important to note here that the word dismal does not mean depressing or dreary, but rather it was a term that was used interchangeably with “swamp” or to mean where water stood for long periods of time. So actually the name is swamp swamp?!?!🤪. We were alone traveling the swamp all day and were able to take advantage of no boat traffic or static on the radio. Quite a peaceful and beautiful place to spend a few days. The first night we stayed at the welcome center and met up with a couple who were sailing to Elizabeth City. We shared stories and dinner and information about Norfolk and Elizabeth City.
Early the next day we took the time for a short hike at the national park and visited the museum here. It was interesting to learn that George Washington was instrumental in developing the swamp with hopes to make money from draining the swamp and selling off the lumber. Needless to say this plan did not work thankfully and the swamp remains home to a variety of flora and fauna. Here we saw the bluest (is that even a word) bird that we have ever seen. It was either an eastern bluebird or indigo bunting.
Our second night we stayed at the free dock before the Deep Creek River Lock, the second of only two locks on the canal and probably our last of this trip!! Yeah!! (Yes there was hootin’ and hollerin’ going on!). We took a short walk to town and then spent the night having dinner on the boat and counting the number of box turtles that came up to the dock to greet us. Definitely one of our top 10 places that we enjoyed while on this trip.
We were also made aware of the fact that our trip is almost over! With only ~500 miles to New York, we will soon “cross our wake” near the statue of liberty. Although it has been a fun adventure we are beginning to long for the stability of home-family, friends and places that we are more than ready to see again.
Our trip over these two days.
