May 23, Day 332 – Elizabeth City to NC Welcome Center

We decided to leave around 9:00 this morning and slowly make our way to the South Mills Lock. It was approximately 20 miles from Elizabeth City so we figured we could easily make it for the 1:30 opening. There were four of us traveling up the canal: Potest Fieri, Karen Anne, Salt Shaker and us. The weather was overcast with an occasional patch of blue sky. However, about the time we reached the lock it was starting to look pretty nasty. We got to the lock about an hour early and the gates were closed. Potest Fieri tied up to a set of pilings right outside the lock and everyone rafted up to them. Soon the lockmaster contacted us and said he would open the gates and lock us through early in hopes of beating the severe weather that was forecast.

It had been several months since we had gone through a lock, but this one was pretty easy and we had no problems. However, shortly after locking through and clearing the bridge there was a torrential downpour along with lightning and thunder. The thunder really echoed in the narrow channel. We checked our XM satellite weather and saw that we were in a pink/yellow area – very heavy rain.

We pressed on to the free dock at the NC Welcome Center. There was only one boat at the dock, which left room for most of us along the wall. As it ended up, the other three boats docked and then we rafted up alongside Potest Fieri. Fortunately, the rain let up while we were docking.

Later in the afternoon we all gathered on Potest Fieri for happy hour and snacks. We shared stories, laughed a lot and made plans for tomorrow. Then it was back to the boat where we had a light dinner, watched a little TV and then off to bed.

Ready to shove off. Here's Potest Fieri ready to depart aided by David and Judi of JeJuda

Going through the bridge at Elizabeth City

Headed up the Pasquotank River -- Potest Fieri in the lead followed by Salt Shaker

Passing through the railroad bridge. This bridge stays open unless a train is coming.

We spotted a high chair along the river

Here we had entered the Dismal Swamp Canal -- it's very straight and narrow

This was a make shift boat house. Basically just a very low roof with a boat parked underneath.

Sign to the South Mill Lock

Arriving at the lock -- the gates were closed

.... so we rafted up to wait. Here are Karen and Roger on Karen Anne. We rafted up to them.

Here we are locking through. It had been many months since we had locked. (Our last lock was in Alabama back in November)

The lockmaster's house

During the heaviest rainfall, this is about all we could see

It finally stopped raining just before docking

This is the foot bridge at the Welcome Center. It closes so you can cross and go to the Dismal Swamp Museum across the canal.

This is the NC Welcome Center (actually we're just about to leave NC as we're northbound)

All the boats at the dock

There was an interesting sunset at the end of the narrow channel, along with the reflection in the water