The Dismal Swamp Cruise - Memorial Day Weekend 2004

Day 1

The WayJen launched at Sawyer Creek early to get a head start. Since top speed with a good wind and current is about 10 knots, she needed an early start to make the lock at South Mills in time. The Yes Dear and Sallbe launched at approximately 0800 and traveled up the Pasquotank River at a speed that would soon catch the WayJen.  The Liberty launched sometime later and made good speed as all four boats rafted up to wait on the lock at South Mills to open. After passing through the lock and the associated bridge, we entered the Dismal Swamp Canal at a leisurely 6 knots. We soon accelerated to nearly 9 knots to stay ahead of a couple sailboats that were also attempting to make the Deep Creek Lock at the next opening.  We briefly stopped at the Welcome Center, where they were encouraging everyone to sign a petition to keep the Dismal Swamp Route open.  After passing through the Deep Creek Lock and bridge we traveled through the Southern Branch Elizabeth River. The main part of the Elizabeth River took us to the Tidewater Yacht Club in Portsmouth, where we docked for the night. Note the WayJen (the slowest boat in the fleet) had been stopped by a police boat due to its high rate of speed and was warned to slow down. The Sallbe was stopped by a Navy boat and told they couldn’t take pictures in the area.

Day 2

While the WayJen got an early start the Liberty took a tour on its own. The Yes Dear and Sallbe took a cruise up the Elizabeth River to the James River past the Naval Base in Norfolk. We observed several British ships, 3 carriers, and one sub at the docks. After crossing into the Chesapeake Bay we turned around and headed back to the Elizabeth River. Instead of turning to Deep Creek, we continued on to the Great Bridge Lock and Bridge. We only had to wait a few minutes before it opened and we were on our way again, down the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal to the North Landing River, the Currituck Sound, and Coinjock Bay. We stayed at Midway Marina where we were joined by the Turn-a-Gain. We had 5 boats stay that night and all 15 of us had a great dinner at Crabbies.

Way Jen locking through	Turn-a-Gain before Nelson's mishap

Day 3

Early Monday morning Nelson Gainey was making an early trip to the showers, when he fell at the marina steps. The fall resulted in a broken leg and he and Ondra were transported to the Elizabeth City Hospital in an ambulance. A family member took them back to Rocky Mount. Scott and Janice Turner were left to fend with the Turn-a-Gain on their own. After a VSC was performed on the Turn-a-Gain by Cdr Payne, the Turners headed back to Jordan Creek. We understand they had a rough time crossing the Albemarle Sound and spent the night at a marina near the mouth of the Alligator River. They completed the return to Jordan Creek safely the next day. We pray for Nelson’s speedy recovery. 

The rest of us left Midway soon thereafter, down the North River and into the Albemarle Sound. We made our way back up the Pasquotank River, passing the dirigible factory and the Coast Guard Station. A blimp was on the runway, but it was too far away to read the lettering on it. We stopped at Elizabeth City for a picnic lunch and learned that Nelson had already left the hospital and was on his way home. We soon found our way back to Sawyer Creek where we found a rather busy launch ramp.  With a little patience we managed to get our boats back on their trailers and headed home.

Page updated 06 June 2007.

Please send comments to P/C James F. Dugan III, SN, Webmaster, at:  rmps@duganotero.com

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