Day #298 – Norfolk, VA

Today is the day to travel on the Dismal Swamp.  We left at 5:40 am with about six other boats all headed the same direction.  The sun was just coming up and there was barely a breeze.

We were lucky enough to be lead boat as that boat gets the undisturbed view.  We began in North Carolina and ended in Virginia.

We went through two locks and several bridges before we ended up in the Elizabeth River and made our way to Norfolk.

Patti was doing the “snake dance” as there was a snake wrapped around the ladder right next to their boat.

The Dismal Swamp was first a vision of George Washington and other prominent businessmen in 1763.  Together they purchased 40,000 acres with the thought of draining the swamp and harvesting the timber for shipbuilding and shingles. Washington later sold his portion and eventually in 1909 it was purchased by a commercial lumbering company.  At one time it was said to be the home to over 1,000 slaves.  Now it is a National Park.

We have seen glass calm waters and unbelievable reflections that come right to the waters edge.

There is so much tannin in the water that the color is deep brown.  It has changed from the color of latte to the color of espresso.

We have seen turtles, a red bird, a yellow bird, butterflies, frogs, snakes, bugs the size of small birds and a few kayakers.

We have also smelled pine needles, jasmine and magnolias. We are glad we made the slow and twisting trip.  It is an experience and we feel lucky to have been able to do.

As an afterthought, we saw this house.   It was the Superintendent’s House.  We weren’t sure if this was a perk or not.

After we exited the swamp we entered the Elizabeth River and Norfolk/Portsmouth harbor.  One of the sailboats we locked through with ran aground.

What a contrast.  Boats are everywhere and lots of Memorial Day traffic on the water.

Getting to our marina we passed through Naval shipyards and industrial areas.

We will be staying in Waterside Marina for two nights and are looking forward to exploring the area.  It is located right downtown.

Norfolk is mile Marker zero on the ICW.   Traveling 50+ miles and ten hours, we are glad to be here.  Bob and Deb were here again to catch our lines.  We like this tradition, just not sure how long it can last.