Great Dismal Swamp Canal Passage Report by Joshua Gordan
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility. See Fall Update.
Greetings,
Winston Fowler has asked me to send some photos and comments on my transit of the swamp on my cape dory 28.
I entered Deep ck lock yesterday10/12… stopped at the visitor center, and passed through to Elizabeth city today.
People have a concern about duckweed… right now, there is very little until you get a mile or so from south mills. There, It is moderate, not really fully covering the canal. After south mills, it is relatively full, for about a mile past turners cut .. where it clears up altogether. I have included some photos… And also of my sea strainer , which I did not clean the entire way, so this is the total accumulation.
Other impressions;
Robert will be missed at Deep Creek, but the young man who is tending now is cheerful, and engaged. He called a few times, explained the process, and was happy to be there. This contrasts the older guy at south mills, who lifted the bridge without warning me ( I was still anchored) , and so the bridge we as open for a bit longer that it needed to be… Once in the lock, he drove to the far end and let the water out… The gates opened, but of course I could not tell if he was on his way back to toss lines… I set myself free, and motored out. He was still in the lock shack… Good thing I didn’t wait for him! Just a few words would make his and other’s days go better.
I think that the side and overhead brush is pretty ragged, and encroaches on the navigation. There is one spot that required snaking my 42′ mast between trees on opposite banks. There are three large floaters along the way that could do some real damage The big transit season is coming up, and it’s too bad it is in this shape. Most of the side waterway signs are damaged or overgrown.
Still, it is a beautiful trip, and a resource that VA and NC should take care of.
Thank you for all you do for us boaters!
Sincerely,
Joshua Gordon. S/V Wayfinder
Uscg 100 ton master
Comments from Cruisers (1)
I agree with the comments above, It is no big deal to transit the DSC and you must remain on your toes both overhead and in the mirrored waters ahead of you. I still prefer this route in our 40' Manta Catamaran. However, with a 65' air draft and a relief at the helm, we cleaded the top of the mast of $500 worth of hardware with an overhanging tree that was overlooked.
Still a beautiful trip that we will make again.