Day 71 – September 9th 2011 – Broad Creek – 36 10.978N:75 56.167W
The lock was supposed to open at 08.30, so we were awake and having coffee when the lockmaster (Robert) was on the radio and said we could come in. Once inside the lock he started telling us about the Dismal Swamp’s history and we talked about his dog "Abouturn" and how the swamp had only just been opened due to fire and then the hurricane. We then met George who came by to tell us that the swamp was full of chickweed so thick that it was blocking the water intake and advised us not to proceed. I was very disappointed but Doug and I did not want blockages and overheating so decided to turn around and take the Virginia Cut. It is now 9.00 so off we head back toward the split. The Viginia Cut is not that bad, not sure if it is because of the hurricane or that we are travelling south early but it was not busy. The first bridge, we had a little wait and then again a tug was going through and we followed right behind. They have priority over normal opening times and can book ahead. The next bridge and lock we had a motor cruiser go through with us and eventually we were through the canal and out into the Currituck Sound and motored on through the Coinjock Canal, we anchored in Broad Creek North Carolina and oh my, it was so quiet, not a soul in sight, no boats, no houses just us. What an amazing feeling, so peaceful. Sausage and mash for dinner, watched the sun go down and then a movie.