Well the days are really rolling into each other and it’s so hard to keep track of them
and where we stayed. So we’ve realised that it’s really important to try and stay
up to date with our blogs. However, of course that’s not always possible when
there is no internet access or power for that matter!
We had a wonderful day today after a very quick start this morning. As Lance has
mentioned we were all rafted up at the Visitor’s Centre and last night had
talked about a 7am start in order to make the bridge opening and the lock at
8.30am. Of course we weren’t sure if we’d be able to leave then as we had five boats in front of us and two on our outside!
But anyway Lance had set the alarm and when it rang he said it was 5.45am. So we lay in
bed for a while thinking we had heaps of time before leaving at 7. Well after
about half an hour we thought we still had plenty time until we heard goings on
outside and realised the alarm had actually rung at 6.15am. So it was a mad
scramble and it was amazing to see so many boats, 10 of the 12, untie and head
off at such a rate of knots. That meant of course that we were free to go too
and we joined the single file of boats heading further down the Dismal Swamp.
We all made the bridge and the lock – and this time round it seemed so much easier. 
Before long the Dismal Swamp canal joined up with the Pasquotank River which we followed down to Elizabeth City where we are tonight.
We were also very happy today to finally catch up with Linda and Steve from Baltimore “Yesterdays Dream”. Just before rounding the last bend in the river before having to go under the bridge to Elizabeth City we heard Steve’s voice over the radio saying they were watching us on Spot and could see us approaching. They were tied up alongside a dock just before the bridge and although there were three other boats there they were sure that if they moved all the boats forward there would be room for us too.
By this time it was really very windy and Steve seemed like an angel from heaven. :-) The tie up is also free tonight which is a huge bonus and the only condition is that we eat at one of the local restaurants and hand in a review before we leave. So that takes care of
breakfast tomorrow.
Helping Steve and Linda with our tie up were a Canadian couple, Karen and John. Then
not too much later we noticed another boat looking to come in behind us. We
went out to help and it turned out to be Chip and Pat of “Sea Room” who we had
rafted up to last night at the Visitor Centre. They had aimed for the 11am
bridge and lock opening.
Well it turns out there wasn’t sufficient room to tie up behind us so instead they are
rafted up to us for the night.
At 4.30pm there was a welcome cheese and wine gathering on the waterfront for all the
boaties. I think it’s a daily gathering as long as there are boats in town. The ex mayor gave an overview of the town, its attractions and the restaurants. It was very good. We met up again with Carol and Jack from “Tribute” and lots of other people too. Everyone is so friendly and it really is an amazing community.
Almost every boat is heading down south and on to the Bahamas – so we’re in great company. We’ve been exchanging lots of boat cards.
The weather is not forecast to be very good for the next couple of days so everyone seems
to be staying put until Sunday.
And on another note – we have called Dave in Baltimore several times. He is still
hoping to be on his way within the next couple of days. So we’ll keep checking
in with him.
Lovely to read your reports Mary. It seems there is so much comeraderie with all of you “boatees” & I’m sure if anyone got into a spot of bother, there would be someone to help out very quickly. Hope the weather clears for you soon. Happy saling & love to Lance.