GL: Dismal Swamp condition report

[Jim Healy]

Sanctuary and crew decided to travel the Dismal Swamp Route south this fall.
To avoid the morning bridge restrictions on the Elizabeth River, we spent
last night on the hook at the Deep Creek lock.  There were several other
boats there with us.  As of today, there are two lockings per day; 09h00 and
15h00, at both Deep Creek and South Mills.  We were the third boat in line
at the lock, and we passed a sailing cat because they were stopping at the
North Carolina Visitor's Center and we weren't.  We followed the first boat
(trawler) at a distance of about 1/2 mile.  We traveled between 6 and 7 mph.
 
The canal from South Mills to the "Administrators House" has been dredged,
and we saw nothing less than 8 1/2 feet of water.  South of the
"Administrators House," we saw areas of 7 ft.  The rest of the route to
Elizabeth City held at least 7 ft.  
 
There are a lot of dead heads, and a lot of flotsam.  We saw one 15"
diameter by 10 ft free floating log.  We bumped something once, but at slow
speed so no damage.  Stay alert!
 
The lockmaster at Deep Creek (not Robert) said the reason for the restricted
locking schedule was a fire in the swamp in May that severely depleted Lake
Drummond's huge water reserve.  The lockmaster at South Mills confirmed
that, but said the folks at Great Bridge "were totally swamped" with traffic
because of the Dismal Swamp restrictions, and said he'd been told they would
go back to 4 locking per day "next week."  Those of you headed south who
might be interested in the Dismal Swamp route should keep an eye on that.
 
We were warmly welcomed at Elizabeth City.  The Rose Buddy party is still
running under the auspices of the Visitor's Welcome Center.  It starts at
16h30 weekdays.  All the slips were full when we arrived, but there was
space at the wall to the southwest.  No problems.
 
Others will disagree, but we heartily recommend "the swamp" to those who
might not have tried it.  It's a very lovely trip; some of the wildest
country on the A-ICW, and no go fast boats!!!  Go slowly (placidly); you
will be rewarded with nature at it's best and no damages to props.
 
Peg and Jim Healy, aboard Sanctuary
currently at Elizabeth City, NC