In order to avoid “The Graveyard of the Atlantic” better known as The Outer Banks, the Admiral requested that we go through The Dismal Swamp (one of my favorite and very serene places on earth).
But first we had to get through Norfolk, VA. which is a big Naval yard. We got up extra early to make it through the lock openings in the Dismal Swamp. Out of our hands, however, we were delayed a bit while a submarine arrived and docked. The radio warned all mariners to keep a 500 yard distance or they could use force…even deadly force. That is pretty intimidating. The water was a bit rough heading through Norfolk…check out our faucet below showing how much we are heeling:
Then we were held up at the two railroad bridges that are normally kept open because trains were going across. Here are some photos of our Navy equipment and Norfolk: The Battleship was really cool! The last photo is the Amphibious Transport Dock, the USS Mesa Verde and the first ship to be named for Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. The ship is designed to deliver a fully equipped battalion of up to 800 Marines.
Before arriving at our destination, we had to enter Deep Creek Lock.
The water churning looks like coffee bubbling in a percolator.
We had local bystanders watching the action!
More beautiful photos of the Dismal Swamp:
At Mile Marker 28 we made it to the NC Welcome Station. It offers Free Dockage but all the spaces were taken so we ‘Rafted Up’ next to a big powerboat called Serendipity. It is a visitor center for autos off the Highway and also to boats off the Dismal Swamp.
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