PEKABU 3 Cruising: The Dismal Swamp in Fall

This little boat surprised
us coming on our port side

Love the warning

The forecast is more favorable today, definitely not as cold as the past few days. The high should be around 70, going down to 58.

SEVILLA crew had problems overnight and met with the mechanic this morning. Thankfully, the water pump was a simple replacement and the electrical problems wound up not being a problem at all.

Did the laundry and filled the water tanks, while Pete worked. The last thing on my “to do” list was to flat iron my hair. My thick, course hair doesn’t do well in humid conditions. It always seems to triple in volume. Pete was finished working as I returned with the laundry. He promptly disconnected the power and started the boat. No chance to get my hair under control. The next few days, it will be clipped tight.

PINNACLE planned to leave tomorrow and take the Virginia Cut. With their deeper draft and higher mast, they feel more comfortable taking that route. Hopefully, we’ll meet up with them later.

The trouble making
Belt Line RR Bridge

Bailey 1st view of the Dismal Swamp

Pete

We left Tidewater at 11, anticipating waiting with lots of other boats for the scheduled noon opening of the Belt Line RR Bridge, which is receiving emergency repair and creating havoc for the hundreds boats heading south. Fortunately, there was no wait for Gilmerton Bridge, as they are working with the RR bridge schedule. We made the next right turn and were headed into the Dismal Swamp.

At the Great Bridge Lock, our lock/bridge tender, Mr. Peka, was entertaining with his directions and warnings. As we were filing out of the lock, SEVILLA suddenly dropped anchor as the engine alarm was sounding. Since BRUNELLE was in the lead, they pulled to the dock once through the bridge, lowered the dinghy and went back to assist SEVILLA. Since things were handles so quickly, there was a special opening of bridge to let SEVILLA through.

Entering Great Lock

Maureen

Secured for the night

SEVILLE and BRUNELLE to one
side allowing a boat to head north

Knowing that the Welcome Center, mile marker 28, would probably be boats rafted “wall to wall” across the canal, we decided to stop at a new rest area at MM 18.5. It easily accommodated all 4 boats, the dogs could be walked right there (rather than having to try to take the dogs across rafter boats at the Welcome Center) was beautiful, and had a picnic table just for us! We shared stories over appetizers and drinks.

While enjoying our visit, Pete received a call from his mom’s realtor. . . . Her house finally has an offer after 6 months! Needless to say, Mom was ecstatic.