Where to start?

The Dismal Swamp has been a perfect ending to this little cruise along the Intra Coastal Waterway. Lovely beyond the ability of this photographer to capture; quiet, and a variety of wildlife.

We’d just gotten underway from  our anchorage near Elisabeth City when we were startled to see a bald eagle cooly observing us. The cameras were at hand, but not yet set up, it being barely after sunrise.

We’d just fired off a few quick shots when Mr. (or Mrs.) Baldy decided on a morning constitutional. The fact that the photos turned out at all is pure luck.

The controlling depth is six feet (1.85 meters), a foot more than we draw. However, the bottom is littered with debris – mostly tree trunks – and these, combined with occasional shallower depths, kept us  on our toes.

Water surface ran from clear to obscured. When the latter prevailed we tried to keep moving.

For most of the canal along this stretch there is little or no evidence of man to interfere with the animal kingdom neighbors. A variety of birds, big and small share the forest with bear, raccoon, wildcats, snakes, and other creatures.

The floatsome, in due course, filled our dual intake strainers.

The width of the canal averages 80 feet, but with overhanging branches and shallow banks, there was nowhere we could have turned around if it was necessary. Combined with the previously mentioned shallow depths, and occasional thumps on the keel, and other projections, this was not a relaxing trip.

Our stop at the centrally located Visitor’s Center seemed perfect for cleaning out the sea strainer.

For the past month regional fires have made for poor air quality. However a substantial downpour cleaned things up and for a day at least, the air was wonderful.

There are two sets of locks, the first taking you up eight feet (2.4m), and the latter (above) dropping back down.

Boat speed was five to a maximum of six knots. The narrow trench exerted so much drag that increased RPMs did nothing to enhance progress.

We’ll leave you with a few random shots to  keep it  interesting.