The Salty in the Great Dismal Swamp Canal

This morning, after checking our transmission and topping off the fuel tanks, we eased our way back out into the Intracoastal Waterway from the Alligator River Marina. We checked the transmission fluid several times and the leaking seems to have stopped. We headed north to Elizabeth City where we entered the Great Dismal Swamp Canal. We found that none of the marinas in Elizabeth City sell fuel anymore, so we were forced to visit Lamb's Marina, the only fuel dock before the Virginia state line. This is another of NC's fine combination vehicular gas station and fuel docks. Armed with the knowledge that there was between 0.5 and 0 feet below our keel in the channel, we eased our way into the marina. Thanks to some deft maneuvering and the judicious use of dock lines and fenders, we were able to pull the MV Salty up to the fuel dock, where we were able to fill up our tanks.

Further up the Great Dismal Swamp Canal we encountered the South Mills Lock. Our friendly lock operator, who sported the tattoos "Love" and "Hate" on his knuckles, informed us that we were the only boat to lock through that day. We have not seen another vessel for the past 2 days.

Tonight we are docked at the Great Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, located between US Hwy 17 and the Great Dismal Swamp Canal. It has been featured on numerous national television programs as the only combination nautical and vehicular rest area in the nation.

Here are some pictures from today's journey:

The treacherous channel at Lamb's Marina

A blimp hanger at the Coast Guard Air Station

Entering the Great Dismal Swamp Canal

After clearing the South Mills Lock, we had to wait for the lock operator to get in his truck and drive down the street to:

...this bridge; he was also the bridge tender.

The pleasant view from the stern of the Salty at the welcome center