Monday, May 25, 2015

Dismal Swamp Welcome Center

We left early because we wanted to cross Albermarle Sound before the wind picked up. The last time we were here it was very windy and the waterway was very rough. Even though it was nice having the water so calm, we still had to dodge thousands of crab pots. After crossing the Albermarle Sound we went up the Pasqoutank River to the Dismal Swamp. We went up 8 feet at the South Mills Lock to enter the Dismal Swamp. We stayed overnight at the free dock at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center.

We took a ride on the canal with the dinghy. Further north there is a canal that goes to Lake Drummond. The lake is higher than the Dismal Swamp Canal so there is a dam between the lake and the canal. Normally there is a tram to transport the dinghy over the dam from the canal to the lake, but the tram was out of order, so we couldn't go onto the lake. It was a fun ride and we saw many turtles and 2 snakes. The round trip dinghy ride was almost 20 miles. I think that is the furthest we have ever taken the dinghy.

Tomorrow we will be in Virginia.   



Sunrise over the Alligator River

Hanger for a zeppelin 

The zeppelin 

Waiting for Elizabeth City Bridge to open

Only one side of the bridge was working

Railroad bridge

Pasquotank River




The South Mills Lock brought us up 8ft.

After the lock master let us through the lock, he hopped in his truck to drive to the bridge, to raise the bridge for us.

Dismal Swamp Canal

Floating pontoon bridge before the Welcome Center

The bridge swings open to let us through


Trail by the welcome center

At the welcome center

The canal to Lake Drummond


The dam for the lake

The tram was out of order so we couldn't explore the lake









1 comment: