Day 338 South End Alligator River to South Mills Lock Dismal Canal Sunday April 21, 2019

Day 338  South End Alligator River to South Mills Lock Dismal Canal Sunday April 21, 2019

The night was mild and the winds faded and then picked up to 15 knots by morning.  The clouds from the passed storm remained to cover the sunrise but passed to let the sun grace us again.  Temperatures started low 50s and warmed to upper 60s.

Note: Add your email above to receive email  of postings. Must be in "Desktop Version" to see Email sign up line. If using mobile. there is a link beneath the Home button at end of the post.  Be sure to verify confirming email - check spam if you don't get one.


Happy Easter to you all!!. While it was not the perfect cloudless sunrise, it is indeed a wonderful one. We had to make our own sunrise service as we got underway early to make a long ride to the entrance to the Dismal Swamp. 

The wind was up but now shifted more to the west and was fortunately off our port stern. Here we have traveled nearly 12 miles to reach the Alligator River swing bridge.

Once past the bridge we only traveled a few miles and entered the Albemarle Sound. This body of water is know to be very rough but the wind and direction made for a rather easy 18 mile crossing.

And on the other side we entered the Pasqoutank River that leads to Elizabeth City. On the way we found this very large dome building - turns out to be place that blimps are made including the Goodyear type ones as well as security ones.

And here is Elizabeth City. This was my desired stop of yesterday but we made a good decision to stop when we did.

And there is a lift bridge.

And some free docks

But soon after the limits of the city faded the river became very scenic with quickly diminishing development. It was one of the more scenic rides in quit a while.

And after about 8 miles we entered the actual dug Dismal Swamp Canal.
There is a lock at each end of the canal and they only open at certain times - the last one being 1530 that we planned to make.

And we did make it.

And because the Visitor Center dock, where we had planned to go, was full the group of us that locked though stayed on the wall above the lock. And to make things just a bit more interesting, four army landing vessels came through the canal at 2130 headed south.

Now that all the fun of the day has passed, it is time to say .............................

Good Night and May God Bless