Tangier Island is a very special place, definitely one of those never-to-be-forgotten spots in the Chesapeake. If you have not visited this step back in time, do it now before it’s gone.
A combination of storm-driven erosion and sea-level rise, which are both increasing as climate change advances, may soon swallow the island entirely.
Tangier, the Sinking Island in the Chesapeake from The New Yorker
Our thanks to M/V Bella and Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care, partners with CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina, for passing along this warning. For more on the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal (VA to NC Cut), see https://cruisersnet.net/2016.
Hi Larry,
Submitted on behalf of M/V Bella… “Hit submerged stump dead center of channel one Statute Mile south of Centerville swing bridge. Prop damage”.
May be a good time to remind everyone that the Albermarle – Chesapeake Canal is rife with obstructions.
Regards,
Hank
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Centerville Bridge
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility and A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC.
NC has one of the country’s most beautiful rest stops – and it’s next to a swamp
The welcome center also serves as a gateway to Dismal Swamp State Park, just across the canal, a 22-mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway that connects the Elizabeth River in Virginia with the Pasquotank River near Elizabeth City.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY by Richard Stradling of the Raleigh News and Observer
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility, and are located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC.
Looking north from our dock.
The historic Dismal Swamp Canal is coming back to life after ice, storms and other natural disasters….. “I feel like The Princess Bride” reported one of our lovely guests who had experienced this waterway for the first time just this week. As the dogwoods blush and the Carolina pines tower above, we are optimistic for the future of our beloved waterway. Many boaters recently report this was on their wish list and are thrilled with their first experience. The Norfolk District ACOE has plans to continue work this spring and summer to restore the canal to its normal 6’ controlling depth, but should not hinder navigation. Please visit this link for more information: https://dismalswampwelcomecenter.com/boating/
As a northern gateway to our beautiful state and the Albemarle Region, we take our jobs seriously in making our boaters feel welcome and informed. We encourage them to explore the Albemarle Sound, including the assets featured in the Albemarle Loop and enjoy the southern hospitality, a staple of our region. These marinas, cities, towns and counties count the boating community as valued and appreciated. They are working together to enhance the experiences and stories to come, of adventures through our enchanting waterways. Whispers and cries from the lives before us blend to create diverse stories to be discovered and treasured. The Albemarle Region is celebrating a 350th anniversary in 2018, and we have much to learn from our past. http://www.350th.com/
Donna
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone – 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
Atlantic Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12. Jan and Lee’s kind words are reprinted with permission from AGLCA’s Forum.
We started early out of Beaufort, NC. We’ve been in Atlantic Yacht Basin, Chesapeake VA waiting for the weather to calm down north of us. Can’t say enough about the team here at AYB. Every single member of their crew is polite and anxious to help out. We had Shangri-La hauled to paint her bottom and remove the trim tabs. All done in two days. Rates are fair, work is professional in every way. Topped off the fuel at $2.35/g (with volume nickel discount.) Their team helped Jan and I lower the mast so we could better understand what’s involved. Can’t say enough about them.
Jan and Lee
Aboard Shangri-La
42 GB Classic
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
The Dismal Swamp Canal had been closed to navigation since Hurricanes Matthew and Irma and its recent restricted re-opening is welcome news to cruisers. Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility, and are located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Our thanks to Donna Stewart for this report and these photos.
I’ve attached an advisory just received from the USACOE regarding the ice on the Dismal Swamp Canal and the A&C Canal. I’ve attached photos taken on Saturday at 4pm, and things have not really changed here, today, except the temperatures have started to creep up.
I personally do not remember seeing this much ice in the Canal. We have experienced very cold temperatures for a week, my thermometer registering 3 degrees one morning.
Stay warm if you can.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone – 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
All e-mails sent from this computer are subject to the Public Records Law and the information contained therein is a public record.
News Release
Dec. 04, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 434-7712
Coast Guard experiences spike in suspected hoax distress cases in NC, Va.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Coast Guard command centers in North Carolina and Virginia experienced an increase in suspected hoax distress calls in November.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington and Sector Hampton Roads in Portsmouth typically notice a spike in the amount of traffic on VHF-FM channel 16 during the late fall, as well as an increase in suspected false distress cases reported on the channel.
“False distress calls incur significant cost to the public, divert limited resources to respond, and place both responders and potentially other mariners at risk,” said Capt. Bion Stewart, commander, Sector North Carolina. “We continue to encourage mariners to use VHF radios to communicate with the Coast Guard and other mariners, but it is imperative that this critical, potentially life-saving tool be used appropriately and responsibly for the safety of all mariners.”
The public should be aware that if children are found to be playing on the radio, the parents are ultimately accountable.
Hoax distress calls to the Coast Guard are considered a Class D felony and can incur more than $250,000 in fines and 10 years imprisonment, plus the cost of the search.
“We don’t take hoax distress lightly,” said Capt. Richard Wester, commander, Sector Hampton Roads. “We, along with our partner agencies, will pursue the prosecution of suspects to the fullest extent of the law. A Newport News man was convicted of making a false distress call to our command center in June 2016 and now faces potential prison time. He is scheduled to be sentenced in February.”
The Coast Guard urges the public to respond to Coast Guard callouts after accidental transmissions. Unintended communications to the Coast Guard are not prosecuted, but require clarification.
Anyone with information regarding a hoax call made to the Coast Guard is encouraged to contact the Coast Guard Investigative Service through the 5th District Command Center at 757-398-6390.
For additional information about suspected hoax distress calls at Sector North Carolina, please contact Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Thomas at 910-772-2216.
For additional information about suspected hoax distress calls at Sector Hampton Roads, please contact Lt. j.g. Stasia Ellis at 757-638-6641.
-USCG-
Our thanks to Joyce and Matthew Gauthier for sharing their time spent in the Dismal Swamp Canal which has recently re-opened to navigation. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, a part of the NC State Park System, is also open and their programs are ongoing.
We traveled through the Dismal swamp 10/31-11/2. It was great.
Another great day in the Swamp. Sunrise yoga on the dock. Had parfaits with the lock master before we left this morning. Traveled with our new friends about 15 miles to the dismal swamp visitors center. Had to stop to stop two times in 15 miles to clean the duckweed out of our strainer for the engine. Crossed state lines into North Carolina. Walked the swamp trails. Looking forward to a mellow night sipping tea and enjoying the company.
Joyce and Matthew Gauthier
Joyce,
Thanks for sharing. We have had mixed reviews on the trip. Many exclaim, the duckweed is no problem, others stated they wish they had turned around. We appreciate your sharing your experience and we are attempting to post photos regularly to allow people to discern for themselves what they should decide. On a selfish note, after being here for over 9 years, and having a year with no boats at our dock, we are so happy to see you all. I can tell you, Robert is giddy on the north end. Hope our conditions continue to improve.
Cruisers’ Net is pleased to be partnering with GoChesapeake.net to assist cruisers who are voyaging south or north via the Waterway through Virgina. Welcome GoChesapeake!
GoChesapeake provides concierge services to the more than 12,000 yacht owners and captains that travel through the Chesapeake Locks each year. Their team of guest service professionals is dedicated to providing the ultimate personalized, professional concierge services available. Skippers using GoChesapeake‘s specialized services will get customized advice and insider access to exclusive benefits in the region — all with the finest attention to detail. The goal of GoChesapeake is to make your visit memorable and uniquely yours. Cruisers’ Net is pleased to link our readers with the customized services of GoChesapeake, with their finest attention to detail. Whether you are in the area for a few hours or several weeks, GoChesapeake can assist with a wide range of services: arrange spa treatments, golf outings, a gourmet on-board culinary experience or an excursion — connecting you with everything the region has to offer.
Our thanks to Donna Stewart for this good news concerning the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center and State Park, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. The Canal has been closed to navigation following damage from Hurricane Matthew and the re-opening will be just in time for the annual Fall Migration of Cruisers.
This PSA announcement just in from the USACE – Update of Canal Status
Donna Stewart
Dismal Swamp Canal to reopen in September
By Kerry Solan
Norfolk District Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. – The Dismal Swamp Canal is scheduled to reopen to vessel traffic by the end of September, with the Lake Drummond Reservation and Feeder Ditch opening to canoes and kayaks on August 18, officials said.
Crews continue to dredge the canal, which officials at the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed due to extensive damage from Hurricane Matthew in October.
“In the history of the canal, we’ve never had this issue, and we’re using every available resource to make the canal safe again for vessels,” said Joel Scussel, Norfolk District Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway project manager.
Engineers completed a survey of the Dismal Swamp Canal in March after crews had finished clearing more than 350 trees from the canal.
That survey, along with another survey in July, revealed controlling depths less than the normal 6 feet: engineers plotted the Deep Creek Channel at 4.8 feet, Tuners Cut was less than 2.5 feet and the Feeder Ditch was shoaled in at a depth of approximately 1 foot.
The crew of Wilmington District’s Dredge Murden completed dredging in the Deep Creek Channel on June 21. After-dredge surveys showed a controlling depth of 6 feet, which allowed officials to reopen the channel to navigation. The Dredge Murden will return at the end of August to complete clean-up adjacent to the Deep Creek Lock.
Feeder Ditch dredging resumes today. The crane crew will dredge 1,500 cubic yards of material to reopen the Feeder Ditch to a depth of 6 feet, 25 feet wide by then end of August.
When crews complete work at the Feeder Ditch, they will return to Turners Cut to complete work that was suspended after the quality of dredged material at Turners Cut did not meet the standards for beneficial reuse. Officials coordinated with the state of North Carolina while a new dredging method was arranged that met state water quality standards.
Engineers are also working on a design for emergency generators for the Deep Creek and South Mills Locks, which were inoperable after the hurricane.
Deep Creek Lock Gate rehabilitation work, which was scheduled before Hurricane Matthew struck, is complete: the gates were reinstalled on July 19 and operating the next day.
When the post-hurricane dredging operations began in the canal, officials aimed to reopen the waterway before October, when perennial “snowbirds” use the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway to travel south, bound for the Bahamas and Florida ports of call.
“Since the hurricane, our goal has been to reopen the canal to navigation as soon as possible,” Scussel said.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone – 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
Atlantic Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR has a plan to provide you with the very best winter storage. Atlantic Yacht Basin is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12.
While you may find it hard to believe, Fall is lurking around the corner. It’s a great season for boating in this part of the world, but people are already locking in their off-season storage plans too.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
Dismal Swamp State Park is getting back into full swing as they recover from massive flooding and closure due to Hurricane Matthew. Dredging has begun and the canal is scheduled to re-open to navigation by summer’s end. The State Park is open and continuing programs as weather permits. Our thanks to Donna Stewart for this USACE update.
One step closer to seeing boaters again! My most recent update from the USACE.
7/19/2017
I was able to obtain a few pictures today of the installation of the Deep Creek Lock River Gates. The gates are returning back to the water, where they belong! It was so HOT. But, notice the reflection of the sky in the shot of the newly installed gate on the left. I was told dredging still must be completed at the Feeder Ditch and Turner’s Cut, but this is one more step to getting us reopened. Many thanks to US Facilities and the Norfolk District USACE for helping me to get these shots today.
Donna
Crane at River Gate
Gate installed Deep /creek
The Deep Creek Dredging has been completed and surveyed with the assistance of the Wilmington District. The Deep Creek Lock gates are scheduled to be reinstalled on Wed., July 19th. Dredging at the Feeder Ditch and Turner’s Cut will continue until work is completed.
We are anxious to see boats at our dock again this fall.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone – 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Atlantic Yacht Basin is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12.
We have been a client of AYB for nearly a decade. During that time, AYB professionals have done all the work on our 42 GB, including extensive upgrades.
I can’t say enough good things about the crew and management.
They are dependable, professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.
Clyde & Diane
1987 Grand Banks 42CL
“Friendship”
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Atlantic Yacht Basin is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12.
Are you looking for a quick stop, a home base or a trusted place to get work done? How about a quiet
port in the storm or a safe spot to store your boat and car? AYB is all of these things and much, much more.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
We have been a client of AYB for nearly a decade. During that time, AYB professionals have done all the work on our 42 GB, including extensive upgrades.
I can’t say enough good things about the crew and management.
They are dependable, professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.
Clyde & Diane
1987 Grand Banks 42CL
“Friendship”
This is certainly good news for cruisers! Our thanks to good friend, Matt the Bridge Tender for this update.
North Landing Bridge on the ICW at M/M 20.2 is fully operational as of 4 PM Oct 14th.
The Dismal Swamp Canal Route remains closed due to high water from recent rain events.
All Bridges, Locks and Commercial traffic in this area are on Marine Channel 13
Matt the Bridge Tender – Gilmerton Bridge
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For North Landing Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of North Landing Bridge
If you’ve not visited the Welcome Center, this photo is of the now underwater face dock on the east side of the canal adjacent to the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center.
Douglas Road Landing is on the east side of the Canal, south of Deep Creek Lock. Its new dock and facilities would make a convenient emergency stopover in a storm or other temporary situation. Our thanks to Bill Spaur for this notice and photo.
The drinking fountain and restrooms at Douglas Road Landing, Dismal Swamp Canal, are open. The Landing is between Army Corps of Engineers Statute mile markers 18 and 19.
Bill Spaur
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Atlantic Yacht Basin is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12.
Our Community is a Better Place Because of You
Steven Wright Executive Director Of Chesapeake Economic Development, Spencer Hull AYB’s Treasurer, Chesapeake’s Mayor Alan Krasnoff, and Jack Stumborg AYB’s President.
The Chesapeake Port Authority awarded Atlantic Yacht Basin its 2016 Waterfront Business of the Year.
In bestowing the award to AYB, Steven Wright, Director, City of Chesapeake, Department of Economic Development, recognized Atlantic Yacht Basin “for its role in driving the local economy forward with sustained employment levels, new investment and job creation.”
All of us at Atlantic Yacht Basin are proud to receive this award.
We also recognize that there are awards and there are rewards. They are different, but share some of the same space.
The Waterfront Business of the Year award totally caught us by surprise! We are so honored to be recognized as contributing to the economic health of our community.
Chesapeake is the 3rd largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia based on population and the 2nd largest based on land mass. So, we are in good company with a long list of businesses that call Chesapeake their home, and contribute to our vital and strong economy.
The rewards for us at AYB come from taking care of you: boat owners and your guests who stop at our facility as you make your way up and down the waterway.
AYB’s family proudly offering a tradition of quality craftsmanship and excellence since 1936
We take great pride in making sure that we exceed your expectations. Whether you are visiting us to top off your fuel, spending the night with us at our face docks, provisioning for your journey ahead, seeking a repair, looking for parts, planning a refit or storing your prized possession in our covered sheds — the largest under cover, fresh water storage facility on the East Coast – our reward is that each and every one of you put your trust in us.
Our mission is to exceed your expectations.
It’s our reward.
The shared space between awards and rewards comes from serving you. The part we play in local economic development is the result of meeting your needs. We contribute to local employment by hiring dedicated and professional staff. We retain only the most experienced and reliable outside contractors.
Our professional and knowledgeable Marine Store personnel stock and order only the best paints, varnishes, parts and equipment to keep your vessel as good as new. We take pride in fulfilling your needs, and at the same time, we are cognizant that this mission is also a resource for other local businesses that serve the boating sector.
All of what we do is interdependent.
In fact, the 2016 Waterfront Business of the Year award belongs to you, as much as it does to us.
We are honored that you put your trust in us. And as a result, we have a thriving business in a community with a strong economy. Bringing your boat to AYB results in our success, which contributes to our community’s vitality.
We wouldn’t be here unless you were here, and our community is a better place because of it.
Awards and rewards…they share some of the same space.
We are proud we can share our passion for boats with your passion for travelling America’s waterways—and that includes the Intracoastal Waterway, as it passes through Chesapeake, Virginia and in front of Atlantic Yacht Basin.
We’re grateful that our customers come back to us boat after boat, year after year
All of us at AYB, our management team, office staff, mechanics, dockmasters, carpenters, painters, fiberglass specialists, marine store personnel, detailers and haulout crew, are honored to be recipients of this year’s Waterfront Business of the Year
And we thank you for trusting your vessel with us.
We hope to see you soon!
As always, please give us a call toll free at (800) 992-2489 or local at (757) 482-2141 or drop us a line at info@atlanticyachtbasin.com for a free quote or to find out more about all of our comprehensive marine services.
Your Friends at AYB
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
This latest and, hopefully, final update on the Gilmerton Bridge is sent to us by our good friend, Matt the Bridge Tender, who has faithfully kept us updated on the long and frustrating construction of the new Gilmerton bridge. Thank you Matt!!
Ahoy from the Gilmerton Bridge (Mile Marker 5.8 ICW – Southern Branch Elizabeth River, Chesapeake VA),
Just wanted to share with all of you that have been coming through the Gilmerton draw since construction started on the new bridge (Nov 2009) that the contractor told me yesterday he just completed working on the new fender system that day. I really do appreciate everyone’s patience (especially the tug Captains) in dealing with all the extra restrictions over the past few years.
As a reminder (until the Nav charts catch up) the new vertical clearance for the Gilmerton Bridge is 35 feet at MHW in the closed position. Our new clearance gauges were installed last Friday.
Also very important – all the bridges, locks and commercial traffic in this area are on Marine Channel 13.
Below are the only restrictions that now apply to the Gilmerton Bridge:
The draw of the Gilmerton (US13/460) bridge, mile 5.8, in Chesapeake:
(1) Shall open on signal at any time for commercial vessels carrying liquefied flammable gas or other hazardous materials.
(2) From 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays:
(i) Need not open for the passage of recreational or commercial vessels that do not qualify under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section.
(ii) Need not open for commercial cargo vessels, including tugs, and tugs with tows, unless 2 hours advance notice has been given to the Gilmerton Bridge at (757) 485-5488.
(3) Shall open on signal at all other times.
That’s it for now from beautiful downtown Gilmerton. If we meet – hope to see you on 2 whistles so I can shake your hand,
Matt the Bridge Tender
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Bridge Directory Listing For Gilmerton Hwy Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gilmerton Hwy Bridge
Good News: A phone call to Cheaspeake City clears up the situation raised by Skipper McLeran regarding overnight stays in the Virginia Waterway locks and canal. The “no overnight mooring policy” has been rescinded and you may, as before, stay tied up for 24 hours – longer if foul weather demands. Deep Creek Lock interrupts the Alternate AICW Great Dismal Swamp Canal Route at Statute Mile 10.6.
We entered the Dismal Swamp Canal Wednesday afternoon at the 1530 locking in order to hide from forecast high winds (and now hurricane Joaquin). When we inquired of Robert about the availability of Elizabeth’s Dock he told us that the dock was available, but that recently (didn’t say when) the Army Corps had a problem with a boater who was living on his boat in the canal and working in the area, tried to persuade him to leave, and when that didn’t work contacted Chesapeake City officials who somehow convinced him (and his boat) to depart the canal. Then the _city_ instituted a “no overnight mooring” policy and posted signs to that affect at the locks and docks; interestingly, there are no pertinent signs anywhere at Elizabeth’s Dock.
We moored to Elizabeth’s Dock anyway, concluding that with the approaching iminent storms this was the best place to hide and that we would deal with the city if asked to leave.
In our dozen or so passages through the canal we have never encountered this policy, and on several occasions have moored for several nights at Elizabeth’s Dock with other boats while waiting for nor’easters to pass. More commonly, we transit the canal in one day and stop at the “shopping dock” to resupply while waiting for the next lock through.
This new policy is going to have a big impact on the southerly migration which will start soon, if boats are truly prohibited from mooring at the docks and locks in the canal.
Perhaps you have some contacts at the Army Corps and the Chesapeake City who would clarify the situation and listen to some reason about the value of allowing boats to moor overnight in the canal.
I’m sending this to both Waterway Guide and to Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net.
Bob McLeran
For more on this story, go Waterway Guide’s report:
http://www.waterwayguide.com/latest-news/news/5722/deep-creek-lock-and-elizabeths-dock-update
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Deep Creek Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Creek Lock
Be the first to comment!