Hampton to the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center in NC

What a great stop.  We both agreed Hampton was worth the slight detour up the Hampton River.  We didn't rush away, but enjoyed the pleasant morning and finished a few tasks before heading off at 0945.  After a quick trip dodging cargo ships, tugs pulling barges and staying clear of lots of military vessels...

(Obligatory Norfolk pictures!)

we started up the Elizabeth River.  A little over two miles up the river,  we passed buoy #36,  It is considered Mile Marker ZERO for the ICW.      Time to get out and assemble the large BRUNELLE banner that we'll hang off the dinghy on the stern davits.  We learned first trip down that it is a courtesy to have your boat name readable from astern so faster boats wanting to give you a "Slow Pass" have a name to use when they hail you on the radio.  

Dan is a wizard with PVC piping, he built the banner frame 5 years ago and it breaks down neatly into a small package for storage when not gracing our stern.  He built our enclosure frame in a similar fashion.

We managed to time things correctly and made the Wilmerton Bridge for the 1230 opening  and made it to the Deep Creek Lock for the 1330 opening.  We were the only boat being "lifted"  the 5 1/2 feet that took us up to the Dismal Swamp Canal level. 

We entered at 1330 and twenty minutes later we were out the other side and heading down the Dismal Swamp Canal.

It's amazing how straight - - and narrow the canal is.  A very peaceful and beautiful trip (except for a few submerged logs that cause a thump now and then.

We arrived at the Welcome Center at 1700 and were greeted graciously by the two ladies that run the center.  There was only one other boat tied up the the free dock.  Another great and reasonable spot to stop.  ~~~_/)~~~ M&D