We entered the "Dismal Swamp" canal which is 22 miles long and STRAIGHT. It is anything but dismal - locals long ago used to dub any swamp area a "dismal". It was quiet, calm, glassy, jungle-like and really only one boat width wide. We tied up at the Welcome Centre for the night after an extremely hot day - temps in mid 90sF. Colin took the temperature of the wharf decking with his heat sensor (new toy) - it was 135 F. We didn't go for a walk. At dusk we saw huge swarms of large dragon flies and some insects carrying torches. (The biting flies coming to find us).
The next day we completed the Dismal Swamp which is the oldest continuing working canal in USA. The work was originally commissioned by George Washington and investors in 1767 hoping to log the whole area which was only partially done. We passed through another bascule bridge (the lifting ones) & the Great Bridge lock, (we have now done 8 locks) and tied up at the Atlantic Yacht Basin 12 miles south of Norfolk City. We came here to get some work done & to collect a parcel that had been mailed ahead for our collection. Neither eventuated and to add to our disappointment we were hit by a fierce hurricane like gale (forecasted at 40 gusting 60 knots) at about 10.00pm that blew straight onto the stern and water found its way through the stern door and onto my side of the bed. . (No pictures). Fortunately it had all stopped by about 11.30 & so had the drips.
Today the electrician arrived early and checked our batteries/alternator problem. The decision was made to replace the aging alternator. We walked into the town of Great Bridge and found this had some interesting history. The Battle of Great Bridge changed the course of history when the town was captured by the American militia and forced the British to retreat and gave the Americans the naval base of Norfolk from which to work from.
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