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Voyage 2005-2006: Chapter 5

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02 May 2006, Sea Dog Log - Hard Aground in Dismal Swamp, 36 21.800 N/ 076 15.110 W

SCP's previous log entry describes the grounding incident but he left out a couple of parts. The reason were going 'pedal to the metal' to get to the South Mill Lock was to put Seadog back on schedule to allow me to attend my daughter's high school honor society ceremony (we have since devised a Plan B that will still get me there). Another thing he left out was the seamanship of a master captain: When we took the wrong fork to the lock we found ourselves entering a narrow river with a rapidly decreasing depth. SCB executed what I can only describe as a brilliant maneuver and turned Jule-III, a 38 ft boat, completely around in a river measuring 40 feet bank to bank! "Disgraced Captain" my ass!!
After this 180 turn we went aground trying to turn into the right channel. We were in 5.8' water but Jule's keel drops down 5.5'. It took several hours for a tow tug boat to come pull us out, therefor we were committed to an overnight anchor in the Dismal Swamp. This was a mystical experience. The Dismal Swamp in an alternate ICW route and a place that should not be missed. It consists of a narrow river- canal through some of the most beautiful and serene country in North Carolina and Virginia. Both banks are populated with centuries-old trees and foliage. The many Cypress Tree's turn the water ebony. This black water acts like a mirror and when it is smooth, you cannot tell where the trees stop and the water begins.
The night spent on anchor was pitch black and eerie. The silence was broken only by the rustling, flapping or slithering sounds from either shore. It felt like a magical place. Dawn the next morning saw us back underway. The water was black and still as glass. The sun burned off the ground fog and the next 10 hours was like riding through an organic cathedral.

If you ever have the opportunity to travel the Dismal Swamp in any type
of vessel, do not hesitate.  The government is talking about cutting off
funding for this waterway.  Gov't funding only amounts to $800,000/yr. 
If this goes away before you get to see it, it would be a sin. 

02 May 2006, Sea Dog Log - Final Thoughts, 36 21.800 N/ 076 15.110 W

We are entering Maryland waters and will be traveling the Chesapeake throughout the night and day tomorrow. I probably will not have time for any more updates so want to put some lasting impressions I have of this journey. Please check back in a few days for the photo updates.
This has been an amazing journey for me and it has far exceeded my expectations. The coasts of North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland are some of the most beautiful and hospitable places on earth. Boat people and sea people are some of the friendliest, fun loving and glad-to-be-alive folks I have ever met. The four crusty old sea dogs I met at the Pelican Marina made me smile at their constant badgering of each other as to who could feed the most sea turtles with their homemade recipes. I laughed out loud at the tradition of hanging the toilet seat on a nail on the wall in the outhouse at R.E. Mayo Marina (I also followed tradition).
The Great Dismal Swamp was an awesome experience. Once, for a seven mile stretch a Great Blue Heron flew along with us. He would fly over our bow and lead the way for a while, then perch on a tree branch until we caught up, then over the bow and ahead again. He repeated this for seven miles then disappeared. We saw absolutely no trash or debris throughout the two day journey, testament to boat people. The mesmerizing movement of a snake swimming alongside the boat and the feeling of peace with the fluid gliding of a ship over glassy waters. The tremendous power of the ocean, wind and rain is absolute. I was never more aware of my surroundings, never slept deeper nor never enjoyed a night sky as I did aboard the Jule-III.
This journey satisfied one of my life's goals, of which I have many. Cruising the ocean, sounds, bays and the Intercoastal Waterways in a magnificent vessel as Jule III has been a marvelous experience. However, my need for speed is not satisfied at 9 mph (actually 6 knots). For my next life dream I would love to drive a Ferrari flat out on Pacific Coast Highway 1. If anyone needs a Testa Rossa or Enzo delivered anywhere, anytime....... Please get in touch with Sea Dog.
I have a few special thank you's to deliver: My wife Netty (Mrs. Sea Dog) for the enthusiasm, faith and support you have shown in letting me take this trip. To my daughter, Lianne, who shares my zest for life, for her joy in sharing this journey vicariously with me. To my son, David Scott, for telling me the powers of the pressure point wrist bands - even a day late - and saving me many hours of abject misery. To my close friends who made the experience inimitably more enjoyable with their comedic jibes and remarks on the guestbook and via email. To Captain Ann, for sitting out this trip and letting me go in her place. To Sea Captain Bob, for staying calm when I was screaming "WE ARE GOING TO DIE" but mostly for your friendship, capability, skill, grace and hospitality. I will happily travel with you anytime and anywhere, and more importantly I would trust you as a skipper for my family. To the Grand Lady, Jule-III. You brought us through with style, grace and dry (mostly).

And you, dear reader, for the company the past ten days and 600 (actually 425) nautical miles.

SeaDog (aka Dave Domenic)

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