Dismally Cold in the Swamp

Thirty four degrees is very cold. We woke to frost on the boat and windscreen. The boat looked like it had a light layer of snow everywhere. That is slippery. Sadly, the windscreen is not made of glass so scraping is not allowed. It’s made of Isinglass which is flexible sheets of plastic. Warm water and a towel is the remedy required here. Super fun. Remember, it’s still cold outside so the water wants to re-freeze. Our Luna-tick boat was also frozen over so the fun was doubled. Did I mention that they have a dog?

We managed to get going and make it to the South Mills Lock by its 8:30 opening. The lock had some valve issues but we were inside so the only timed item of the day was achieved. Mike enjoyed his cereal while we waited. Once free of the lock, we tootled down the  Elizabeth River to  Elizabeth City, home of the free Dock and Dine Program. “Town docks are free. Please dine at a local restaurant each day of your stay.”

We arrived by lunch time and tied up the at Jennette Brothers Dock. Three more boats joined us throughout the afternoon. Early dinner at Sagos on the River revealed some lovely Old Fashioneds and noteworthy Duck Sliders.

We’ll get up, hopefully, in time for the 7:30 drawbridge opening. Then on to the Albemarle Sound crossing for the  first ever KDH Kayak Follies. More on that tomorrow.

Total miles south: 185. Temperature tonight vs. Vienna: 7 degrees warmer.