Voyage 2002-2003: Chapter 2

21 Oct 2002,Dismal Swamp, 36 17.930 N/ 076 13.090 W

We discovered that Celena was on the other side of the lock. They decided to wait until the next morning to transit the canal. On Monday, we were ready for the 0900 opening of the lock. There was only one other southbound boat waiting, M/V Mistletoe. By 1000 we met up with Celena and the three of us were on our way down the dismal swamp. Speaking of dismal, it rained (a lot). We were concerned with the depth as the controlling depth was reported at 6 feet. Hmm, 6 feet minus 5.5 foot draft only leaves 0.5 feet. We endured and never bumped but got awfully close. At one point our depth sounder read 0.1 feet!

The rain took its toll on us. We arrived at the visitor center by 1300. We had enough for the day. Celena and Mistletoe concurred. Time to light the diesel header and visit the folks at the North Carolina Visitor Center. The crews spent the afternoon chatting and comparing destinations. At 1800 the flotilla from the 1500 lock opening arrived. S/V Sea Lion and S/V Ming rafted up to us for the night. Sam decided stroll the area (un-chaperoned). She came back to the boat when we did. Hmm, better not happen again!

22 Oct 2002, Elizabeth City, 36 17.930 N/ 076 13.090 W

The next morning (Tuesday) Ming made raisin bran muffins for the raft. Warm muffins tasted good on a cold morning. We left the visitor center at 0730 heading for South Mills lock. Another uneventful locking would follow. The guys on both locks (and associated bridges) were most kind and helpful. It was a pleasant surprise from the more stoic lockmaster at Great Bridge locks.

We headed down the Pasqoutank River to Elizabeth City, the home of the famous Rose Buddies. We received a quick opening of the drawbridge at EC around 1215 and tied up to one of the available free docks at 1235. We were starting to dry out from Monday's rain and we went to Stalk's for lunch where we sat with Fred Fairing (one of the original Rose Buddies). He reminded us of the 1700 wine and cheese party that the Rose Buddies would have at dockside. Afterwards we went to the local grocery store, five and dime, and hardware store. It looked as if time stopped at 1960 for EC. A very delightful town.

At 1700, the crews from 15 boats arrived for the wine and cheese party. There was good old Fred and his assistant John welcoming all of the cruisers to EC. He said he has been doing this for nearly 20 years (he started a year after his beloved wife Florence died). (We will write more about Fred and the Rose Buddies under our Musings section). After an hour of eating, drinking, and talking, most of the cruisers went to Mulligan's for dinner. Fred invited us to his house for a warm fire and warmer conversation. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Fred. At 2200, we retired.