Friday, May 4, 2012

CHESAPEAKE, VA

Trip Day:            61      Latitude:          36°44.36' N              Locks Today:  1
Miles Today:        5     Longitude:      076°17.78' W              Locks Total:   8         
Total Miles:      1,261     Location:        Chesapeake, VA – Top Rack Marina/ free dock


Resident spiders left evidence of their handiwork on the dock, our docking lines and the backstay overnight. 

    


The Deep Creek lock tender, Robert, invited us for coffee this morning so our first order of business was to make biscuits as our contribution.  With our duffle packed with biscuits, butter, jam and honey we joined Robert for breakfast and another history lesson on the Great Dismal Swamp.  Robert is very much a history buff and a tour guide for the Dismal Swamp and Chesapeake area having lived here all his life. 





After some good tips on restaurants, entertainment and places to see in Norfolk, it was time to leave Robert and the Dismal Swamp behind.  We locked through Deep Creek at the 11:00 a.m. opening and noted with interest that we are now closer to New York than Charleston. 







Having exited the swamp and rounded the bend , the Dismal Swamp route meets Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal which is the other route north from the Outer Banks.  A line of trawlers who opted for this faster paced route immediately emerged.  It was quite a shock after having been in the slow lane of the Dismal Swamp for three days. 







In need of fuel and water we are staying the night at Top Rack Marina where we can stay for free with utilities as long as we eat at the Amber Lantern Restaurant .  .  . An offer we can’t refuse.

 Tomorrow we are off to Portsmouth, VA to explore the western branch of the Elizabeth River across from Norfolk.   


You know the drill .  .  .Google map us by clicking on the address after Location in the footer below.  Over and Out!

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