The North Carolina Estuarium in Washington, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is exploring an essential element — water — with the Water/Ways traveling exhibition, a part of Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program.
For two days and nights in October 1878, the 11th hurricane of the season thrashed the North Carolina coast and ships offshore, with dramatic ocean rescues and loss of life.
Until his recent untimely death, Robert Peek served as Lockmaster of Deep Creek Lock on the Dismal Swamp Canal for 24 years. See In Memorium Robert Peek. Our thanks to Donna Steward, Director of Dismal Swamp Welcome Center and longtime friend, for sharing this 2012 Facebook article on a typical day in Robert’s life.
The stories of Robert Peek’s “customer relations” are indeed legendary throughout the cruising community. Here is a man who loved his job and did not hesitate to share that love with boaters locking through Deep Creek Lock. Our thanks to Donna Stewart of Dismal Swamp Welcome Center for this notice and to Kim Russo of AGLCA for sharing Robert’s obituary.
Our hearts are heavy, as we mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Deep Creek Lockmaster Robert Peek. Please keep his beloved wife Jackie and family, friends and co-workers in your thoughts in this time of loss. No one will ever fill his shoes.
Robert of Deep Creek Lock squeezed 18 boats in the lock yesterday – we were like sardines in a can. I found the whole thing quite hilarious! Arnold Parkinson
Robert smiling.
Robert getting ready to play his conch shell, for which he was famous. Phil and Karen Barbalace
I am sending this email to inform you Robert Peek who has been the lockmaster at the Deep Creek Locks in Deep Creek Va on the Dismal Swamp Canal died October 1, 2020.
Robert was an icon with the boaters for years. His caring personality and dedication will always be remember. If you could info the boating community through your publication this would be greatly appreciated.
I am Penny Leary Smith (retired) former Director of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Please feel free to contact me for any further information. Thanks.
We first met Robert in 2013 as M/V Yinzer passed through his lock. As we departed the lock, he saw that our Homeport was Pearl Harbor, HI. He picked up one of his conchs and yelled “I bet you know what this is” as he blew it. In Hawaii, in bygone years, the blowing of a conch signaled the coming of royalty. Several years later we took two of our younger grandchildren (ages 8 & 10) on the Albemarle Sound loop and as we returned to the Chesapeake stopped for the night at the free dock located between the Great Bridge bridge and his lock. I told Robert via channel 13 that we were spending the night there and that I had two apprentice conch shell blowers onboard. He naturalling inviting us over for coffee and pastries the next morning. The children took our shells with them. He said that the “blow hole” was too big for the children lips so he picked up a couple of smaller shells and promptly made ones sized for them. We will always remember and cherish the moment.
If you met Robert once, you were a friend. For life. We met, chatted with and were invited to breakfast several times. He was generous with his time, his knowledge and, of course, coffee and danish. Because of storms, dredging and lock repairs we were unable to take the Dismal for couple of years. We were looking forward to seeing Robert this year. Shocked and saddened by this news. It is a terrible loss for the entire boating/cruising community. Our best wishes and condolences to Jackie and his entire family.
You all are in the boating world and know the giant shoes Robert Peek wore for our beloved Dismal Swamp Canal. He was lockmaster, host, grounds keeper, maintenance man, historian, ambassador, entertainer, and most importantly, genuinely caring of his boaters. Everyone was a friend, and he wins a trophy for Hospitality. Everyone knows Robert, and if you didn’t, you wanted to meet him.
So you all know how devastated we are in sharing the news of his sudden death yesterday morning. I like to picture him laughing with God, having a cup of coffee and sweet breakfast treat, debating a few matters and having a good laugh while enjoying the heavenly companionship. I’m sure he has reeled in a few angels who could not stay away from the engaging conversations. Robert is just that way. He was a dear friend, and he will never be replaced.
Please remember his beloved wife Jackie and their family in this time of shock and loss. Also his co-workers at US Facilities and the Norfolk District USACE. If you would like to send any form of condolences please send them to:
Jackie Peek and Family
c/o US Facilities, Inc.
2509 Reservation Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322-5217
We have been assured they will be given to Robert’s family. Jackie has given me permission to tag her on our Facebook page, although we are working out those wrinkles. So anything you share from our page she will have knowledge of. Please feel free to tag us with comments. There are already thousands of people who have seen the post late yesterday afternoon.
Our sympathy goes out to you, as well. We know Robert had many friends in the boating community who are feeling the loss, too. Please feel free to share this message with anyone you feel would care to know. On a personal note, I took this image of Robert when he was assisting with Paddle for the Border, and my husband, daughter and grandson are on the boat with him. His genuine laughter is just contagious, and his conch is front and center. One of my favorites.
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events including safe activities during the coronavirus pandemic. Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
The popular Cape Lookout Bight anchorage is practically in the shadow of Cape Lookout Lighthouse. In rough offshore weather, cruisers with shallow draft may choose to access the anchorage via Taylor Creek and Barden Inlet which separates Shackleford Banks and Core Banks. These shallow, sparsely marked waters require a constant eye on the depth finder.
Cruisers Net is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association whose lobbying work is crucial to keeping the Waterway navigable. Your membership dollars directly support their vital work. Please join and encourage your boating neighbors to do likewise, regardless of their homeport.
AIWA Virtual Annual Meeting ~ November 19, 2020
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association will hold our Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2020. We are pleased to present this virtual collaborative event to bring together our members and stakeholders and connect them with federal and state agencies who have leadership roles in managing the waterway.
This one-day schedule format will feature several sessions led by our industry’s leaders and practitioners offering vital information while covering a series of topics for all waterway users. Sessions will include:
State of the Waterway – Management & Maintenance Project Updates from USACE Districts
Updates from our Recreational Boating Community – Boat US, NMMA, MRAA, and others
Beneficial Use of Dredge Materials – New Applications and Directions
Updates to Charting and Mapping efforts along the AIWW from NOAA
Marine Industry and Commercial Operators, Port Authority, Contracting Corporations, and Engineering Design
Shifting to an online virtual platform has its advantages. Even though we all would like to see one another in person, we have the opportunity for increased participation and invite you to share this meeting with your colleagues! This is our annual opportunity to learn more together! If there is a topic or speaker you would like us to consider for inclusion on the agenda, please email AIWA Executive Director Brad Pickel.
Registration is available here for only a $75 investment and we thank you for your continued support, active participation, and look forward to seeing you on November 19th!
Sponsorships and group rates are available. Please email us for more information.
USCG Seeks Feedback on Shallow Draft Waterways
The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting an important assessment of the Shallow Draft Waterways System (SDWS), the fourth in a series of studies to determine the navigation requirements for mariners in the U.S. Marine Transportation System (MTS). The Waterways Analysis and Management System (WAMS) study will help the Coast Guard to determine the Aids to Navigation (ATON) requirements in the SDWS which includes all navigable waterways of the United States less than 12 feet.
AQUA MAP is partnering with the AIWA to offer 20% off their software bundles. We highly recommend the Aqua Map App 🏼 and hope our AIWA members will take advantage of this opportunity. Learn more from Aqua Map by clicking here.
AIWA The Unified Voice of the Waterway ~ Over 20 Years of Advocacy and Education
The AIWA is a national non-profit organization with the mission of securing funding and support for the maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. We are the only organization dedicated to ensuring the future of the AIWW and proudly represent all stakeholders of the waterway.
Contact: 5A Market, Beaufort, South Carolina 29906 (843) 379-1151
The second in a two-part series by author Kevin Duffus takes readers along with the Cape Fear lifesavers to save the crew from the wreckage of the Charles C. Dame on Frying Pan Shoals.
Author Kevin Duffus takes readers to the 1890s in this two-part series that looks at the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the daring rescues during dangerous storms by its crews on the North Carolina coast.
Oyster lovers will tell you that Carolina oysters are extra special. It is great that these oyster beds in Pamlico Sound are being regrown. The North Carolina Coastal Federation is partnering with the state Division of Marine Fisheries to add 15 acres of new oyster reef habitat in Pamlico Sound.
The beautiful Oak Island area is also home to three CRUISERS NET SPONSORS: Southport Marina, Deep Point Marina and Bald Head Island Marina – three more reasons to visit Oak Island. See Annual Oak Island Lighthouse Run for a rescheduled fall event.
All of these relocated buoys are in the shallow waters near Hatteras Inlet.
CCGD5 BNM 492-20 NC CAPE HATTERAS – HATTERAS INLET (CHART 11555) 1. THE FOLLOWING AID TO NAVIGATION HAS BEEN RELOCATED. A. BARNEY SLOUGH CHANNEL BUOY 3A (LLNR 28721.6 [35°13.4891N / 075°47.2234W, 35.224819 / -75.787057]) HAS BEEN RELOCATED TO APPROX. POSITION 35-13.391N 075-47-14.176W (35°13.3910N / 075°47.2363W, 35.223183 / -75.787271)
CCGD5 BNM 493-20 NC CAPE HATTERAS – HATTERAS INLET (CHART 11555) 1. THE FOLLOWING AID TO NAVIGATION HAS BEEN RELOCATED. A. HATTERAS INLET BUOY 12B (LLNR 28733.1 [35°12.2021N / 075°43.9067W, 35.203369 / -75.731778]) HAS BEEN RELOCATED TO APPROX. POSITION 35-12-11.824N, 075-43-55.492W (35°12.1970N / 075°43.9249W, 35.203284 / -75.732081)
CCGD5 BNM 491-20 NC CAPE HATTERAS – HATTERAS INLET (CHART 11555) 1. THE FOLLOWING AID TO NAVIGATION HAS BEEN RELOCATED. A. HATTERAS INLET CHANNEL LIGHT 19A (LLNR 28765 [35°12.2594N / 075°43.2737W, 35.204323 / -75.721228].1) HAS BEEN RELOCATED TO APPROX. POSITION 35-12-22.182N, 075-43-15.216W (35°12.3697N / 075°43.2536W, 35.206162 / -75.720893) . B. HATTERAS INLET CHANNEL LIGHTED BUOY 12A (LLNR 28732 [35°12.6338N / 075°43.9497W, 35.210563 / -75.732495].1) HAS BEEN RELOCATED TO APPROX. POSITION 35-12-19.060N, 075-43-54.971W (35°12.3176N / 075°43.9162W, 35.205294 / -75.731936) . C. HATTERAS INLET CHANNEL LIGHT 19 (LLNR 28765 [35°12.2594N / 075°43.2737W, 35.204323 / -75.721228]) HAS BEEN RELOCATED TO APPROX. POSITION 35-12-14.587N, 075-43-16.377W (35°12.2431N / 075°43.2730W, 35.204052 / -75.721216) . D. HATTERAS INLET CHANNEL LIGHTED BUOY 12 (LLNR 28732 [35°12.6338N / 075°43.9497W, 35.210563 / -75.732495]) HAS BEEN RELOCATED TO APPROX. POSITION 35-12-36.785N, 075-43-55.362W (35°12.6131N / 075°43.9227W, 35.210218 / -75.732045) .
Bath State Docks are located on the eastern shores of Bath Creek, north of flashing daybeacon #4. For an in depth report on Bath. Our thanks to Almond Drake for this update,
Due to damage from Hurricane Isaias, the State Dock at Historic Bath is closed at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience and are we are working hard to open it back up as soon as possible. Almond Drake
New Bern Grand Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, lies in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina, along Trent River’s northern banks between Trent River highway and railroad bridges. See News for more news from New Bern Grand Marina.
Pump Out Boat Is Being Serviced
The Pump Out boat will be down for maintenance from Friday afternoon to Monday morning. We will not be available to do in slip pump outs over the weekend but our pump out dock is available. Please call the office to if you need to use the pump out station.
Thank you,
Jeremy & Team
Need To List Your Boat…
Please call John Peterson with United Yacht Sales of the Carolinas. John is the marina’s in-house yacht broker and can be reach at (910) 546-5760. John has won numerous awards with United and is now also a broker with Pocket Yachts. Perhaps you’ve noticed those beauties on the side lot next to the dockmaster’s office? If you’d like to view one of his listings or you are considering upgarding, please give John a call today!
TWO MORE BOAT SLIPS WENT UNDER CONTRACT THIS WEEK! They did and our ownership program is growing at a healthy pace. Way to go Thomas…Thank you for all your hard work!
NOW IS THE TIME TO OWN. You can SAVE BIG ON G DOCK…The first three boat slips to sell on G DOCK are being offered at a substantial savings of nearly 18%. That’s the largest discount we’ve ever offered. These slips will sell fast and this price will only be offered for a limited time so call to learn more about our ownership program.
C DOCK – TWO MORE BOAT LIFT BOAT SLIPS WERE INSTALLED THIS MONTH! Boaters love to hop and their boat and go and the word is getting out. New Bern, being one of the favorite fishing and boating communities in eastern NC, is very popular these days. It didn’t take long for weekend boaters to learn they could avoid the long lines at the launch sites by owning at the marina. C Dock offers the only boat lift boat slips in the historic district and boaters are taking note.
RENTAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES HELP YOU EARN $$ WHILE CRUISINIG. We have a number of investors who are buying slips and utilizing our rental management program while owners who choose to make the New Bern Grand their home port so they can enjoy the flexibility of renting their slip when cruising. Most investors agree, the rental income generated is greater than what they are earning in their money market accounts. Furthermore, owners couldn’t be more delighted with the rental income they generate while out and about during their cruising months. And…might I mention, we do all the work for you when it comes to billing. The only thing you need to concern yourself with is watching your rental income grow.
If interested, now is the time to call Thomas.
Tip of the Month: A boat slip on G Dock allows for easy access in and out of your slip, plus you can enjoy the benefits of being located on the marina’s newest dock.
This excellent facility and CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina, was severely damaged by Isaias. See Hurricane Damage. Experienced cruiser and longtime Looper, Robert Creech, posted this first hand report from his Southport home on AGLCA’s Forum. Thank you Robert!
After a terrifying/anxious night (August 3-4, 2020) with a tornado, power outage, full moon high tide, storm surge, and Hurricane Isaias, upon being told the next morning of damage at The Southport Marina, we walked to the marina and could not find C-life and could barely see C-Breeze III! All of the boats and docks were scattered across the marshes and creeks or piled in the northwest corner of the marina. The only damage at our home was tree limbs and debris. We watched aerial video later that day and thought that we located C-Life, still in the marina. Our power was out for about 48 hours. We were able to retrieve C-Life on Friday, August 7, and C-Breeze III on Tuesday, August 11, and now have both of them back in boat slips in front of our home, with minimal damage, but fixable.
We are very thankful to have so many family members and friends that care about our well being. This has been a very stressful time and we thank all of you for your prayers, coming by to offer help, texts, calls, and emails. Although we may not have responded to all, we greatly appreciate your concern.
Winston and Sue Fowler- August 20, 2020 - 10:59 am
Bob your account of hurricane Isaias passage at Southport is most appreciated. While reading I could almost feel the power of such a storm. We were living in Jamaica when Gilbert ravaged the island, so we can appreciate what you and Kay as well as the wonderful town of Southport experienced. Glad all is going well with your recovery. We will keep everyone in our prayers.
Whether you want to revisit the past, satisfy your curiosities, discover the arts or explore your true nature, you can do it from the heart of the Inner Banks – Washington, North Carolina. Washington City Docks, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, has proven to be well worth the journey up the beautiful Pamlico River! Our thanks to Henry Zalegowski for these kind words.
The docks in Washington have got to be seen to be believed, the best town docks I have ever seen anywhere. A lot to see and do in the town of Washington. Henry Zalegowski on an Albin 27, the Donna Lynne
Just south of the Waterway’s 90 degree turn at Mile 135, this river light marks Durant Point off the east side of the Waterway.
PUNGO RIVER LIGHT 8 (LLNR 32915 [35°30.1447N / 076°35.6132W, 35.502412 / -76.593554]) IS DESTROYED, WRECKAGE REMAINS. ALL MARINERS ARE REQUESTED TO TRANSIT THE AREA WITH CAUTION.
These early reports on Hurricane Isaias include deaths and severely damaged boats and docks at Southport Marina and South Harbour Village Marina in Southport. Southport Marina is a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. More information will follow.
Southport Marina suffered damage from Isaias to in-water boats and docks. (Photo: Tela Dilibert)
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