The Dismal Swamp Canal was conceived in the 1700s by politicians and entrepreneurs that included George Washington. This canal was envisioned to transport Atlantic white cedar, destined to be cut into shingles, out of the great swamp. Washington had hoped to drain the swamp and farm it, but that scheme did not succeed. The money was in the trees. Work began on the 22 mile canal in 1793 and more or less finished up in 1805, providing a sheltered route between Norfolk and the Pasquotank River and Elizabeth City. Over generations the canal has prospered and suffered; today it's a national historic landmark that is used mostly by recreational boaters. The canal's water primarily comes via the Feeder Ditch from Lake Drummond at the swamp's center. We took off early in the morning to start our adventure down the Dismal Swamp to make the 11AM lock. Back to locks again!
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| Foggy morning in the swamp |
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| Erika Lynn and CBay waiting at the lock |
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| We left Key West in February, travelling 1217 miles and heading to Norfolk, Va, just 33 more miles |
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| Brandy IV on the lock wall |
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| Pasture land along the canal |
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| CBay, Erika Lynn, Loop Dreams and Brandy IV at the Dismal Swamp visitors center |
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| We enjoyed a cookout at the visitors center after our hike through the swamp |
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