We leave our dock at 5:20 am. There’s a full moon lighting our way up the river.
We meander up the twists and turns until we reach the South Mill lock for the 8:30 opening.
There are 3 boats in the lock.
We exit the lock and head to the Dismal Swamp Canal. This is my favorite part of the trip north.
I sit out on the bow seat, and take in all the sights and smells!
There are many dragonflies, butterflies, waterfowl, and birds. The air smells of honeysuckle and magnolia . Turtles are sunning in logs along the bank.
It takes about 3 hours to get to the Deep Creek Bridge and lock.
We arrive early for the 1:30 opening, so we tie up along the wall, and head to Hardee’s for lunch!
Our favorite bridge/lock tender is working today. His name is Robert . He’s quite entertaining!!!! He has a new puppy named Bull, so we get some doggie love while in the lock.
Once we exit the lock, we head for the Gilmerton bridge.
Boat traffic in Norfolk is insane!!! Weekend warriors buzz by us with huge wakes!
When we get to the Chesapeake Bay, we raise both the jib and the mainsail.
The bay is a beast—- waves are on our beam— dead outta the East.
We endure the washing machine for a couple of hours. We hoped to make Mobjack Bay before dark, but we change course, and head up the Back River to anchor for the night.
We’ll try again tomorrow to conquer the beast of the bay.
We’ve had enough for today.
Quick dinner, strong drinks, early bedtime. WE.IS.TIRED!!!! Night!!