North Carolina Loop Dismal Swamp to Elizabeth City

This morning on the dismal swamp looked to be clear and crisp.  Dave, who apparently loves to cook, surprised us by making breakfast for the 7 of us.  Then we took a walk, across the pedestrian bridge, and over a boardwalk "loop" to see the swamp.  It is sure hard to imagine working in that swamp to hand dig a canal!  I heard lots of wildlife but, sadly, the only sighting was of a bunny and a little green "garden" snake.  I guess alligators aren't a big problem here!  There are supposed to be bears and wildcats... glad I didn't see them!

While underway, though, we did see a large water snake, lots of turtles and, we think, a beaver (could have been a muskrat).

Movin' on up... as we go south

Almost immediately after the visitors center is the second lock which we handled like pros.  It was still a thrill even if we didn't grin from ear to ear, thinking..." look at us, we're negotiating through a lock!"  I wonder if this will get "old" or if it will always be a bit nervewracking and exciting.

We stopped midway in a side creek and rafted up to enjoy a leisurely lunch.  Rob went out with Bruce ("River Horse") in his dinghy to take pictures, then Bruce decided to explore the cut while the rest of us napped and read... it was so peaceful and the day stayed slightly cool but very sunny.  It was a lovely run.

Anchoring out for lunch and a nap

Our stop at the end of the day was Lamb's Marina in Elizabeth City.  This marina is out of town but had a courtesy car and gas (which the marina in town doesn't).  And we didn't get berths in town because this weekend is the very famous "Potato Festival" which is a big deal here.  We saw potato fixed many different ways, along with all the usual festival fare.  Not good for my low carb diet!  There was even a potato peeling contest earlier today, and once again, we ran into a corn hole tournament.  I guess we've been missing out on a tradition in the Carolinas as this is our second sighting of corn hole tournaments?

We had dinner at a nice little restaurant which was excellent and avoided the food booths.  I still, however, could not resist the french fries.  It was the principle of the thing!

Elizabeth City has many lovely old homes, some run down, some that are being beautifully maintained.  It is the main city in these parts and has the federal and county court houses, and old churches established in the early 1700's.  It is known for its hospitality to boaters... particularly the "Rose Buddies", volunteers who meet and greet boaters visiting the area.  Overall we weren't that impressed with either Elizabeth City or Lamb's Marina... but we loved the Dismal Swamp.

Gorgeousness in Elizabeth City

Gingerbread House

Elizabeth City Potato Festival.. Music!

Dismal Swamp

Elizabeth City, NC