DISMAL SWAMP CANAL WELCOME CENTER IN NC TO HAMPTON, VA

Sunday, May 17th, 2015

Day 286
Miles Traveled: 42
Total Miles Traveled: 3823


  As our trip on the Dismal Swamp Canal continued, we once again traveled with "Mighty Fine" and "Horizon Chaser".  The scenery in the canal this day was very similar to that seen the day prior (with a few exceptions).  We passed by a sign welcoming us to Virginia, and, we got a close view of the Superintendent's House.

Welcome to Virginia - entering yet another state

Superintendent's House - Oh My!

  We arrived early at our second and final lock of the Dismal Swamp Canal, Deep Creek Lock.  These locks open at scheduled times four times a day.  Right near the locks are low bridges that have to be opened in coordination with the lock.  This time the bridge was first.  We had a line of 7 boats waiting for the bridge to open.  We all had to maneuver our boats to stay in about the same location for 30 minutes.  This can be difficult to do with wind and current.  Fortunately, there was little to no current, and, the winds were calm.  Once in the lock, we were glad to see that the lockmaster had better accommodations than the Superintendent.

Deep Creek Lock lockmaster's office

  After leaving the Deep Creek Lock, we entered Deep Creek and left the Dismal Swamp Canal behind.  Unlike the canal which was shallow, narrow, and straight, the Creek was deeper, wider, and had some curves and bends. 

entering Deep Creek

  As the day went on the bodies of water keep getting larger and the scenery became more urban.  We began to see many naval warships as we neared the Norfolk Naval Station.  This naval station is the largest naval installation in the world, and it is homeport for the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet.

several Naval warships (only a few of the many that were seen on the waterways in the Norfolk, VA area)  

  We passed by Norfolk, VA.  We had visited this city back in May 2014 when we attended the AGLCA 2014 Spring Rendezvous. This would be a great stop for those who are traveling The Great Loop, and, the AGLCA Rendezvous's are always filled with great information and lots fun.

  We reached a milestone at Norfolk, VA.  This is were the Atlantic ICW begins at Mile Marker 0, but ends for us, since we were traveling the opposite direction. than it is numbered. We have finished our journey on the Atlantic ICW.

Bye - Bye Atlantic ICW

  Cruising along the Elizabeth River, we continued to see many naval warships, from aircraft carriers to destroyers.  Guarding the boats were many small patrol boats cruising back and forth in front of the ships.  The wind had increased just after leaving the Dismal Swamp Canal, but, before entering the larger water of the lower Chesapeake Bay, the wind diminished.  We had almost flat water while crossing the James River, which is almost unheard of on the Chesapeake.  

crossing the James River in the lower Chesapeake Bay

  We entered the Hampton River, off of the James River, to get to Hampton Public Piers.  This city owned marina is in downtown Hampton, VA.  

approaching Hampton Public Piers

  We arrived just before a rain shower started.  After checking in with the harbor master, the six of us (Craig & Donna of "Mighty Fine" and Dan & Jacque of "Horizon Chaser") all walked into town for dinner.  While walking back to the marina, we came upon a Reggae Festival and stopped to listen to the music. 

Reggae Festival in Hampton, VA

  It was a great day filled with completions (finishing the Atlantic ICW) and new beginnings (starting to explore Chesapeake Bay).