Day 23

Today, December 10th, would have been my mom's 95th birthday, may she rest in peace 🙏😪

We woke very early here in Norfolk,  to plan our day. Studying maps, charts, screens and getting an education about the ICW. We do have options along the way, like choosing Great Dismal Swamp Canal for one. By name alone I opt out, LOL! It's a very dismal day to boot! 
The GDSC is more protected from wind, has 2 Locks and is not effected by tides. Also, free dockage along the way. After a while, marinas add up on the budget.  No power of course but our generator is working great.

It's 37º, windy with a wintry mix to contend with. Lots of school cancelations and delays! Because we are protected inland, it will be doable. 🙏 Hoping to make South Mills, NC which is the last Lock on the canal. About a 30 mile day= 5 hours, (can only go 6mph in this canal)

A Lock is a large steel chamber you pull your boat into, which either fills up or down with water, depending on the water level you empty out in to. It beats going over a DAM!!! 

I was very intimidated the first time we went through one.  I had to grab, with boat hook, one of the  large wet, slimy and disgusting ropes or poles hanging from inside the chamber and hold us on, as the Lock Master has his way with water; otherwise the boat would move all over the place and could crash into wall or other boats. 
We went through 12 Locks last Spring, coming down Champlain Canal into the Hudson, past the Erie Canal. Still makes me a little nervous.😬

🏈Great Pats/Dolphins game yesterday! Loving the NFL ticket! 🏈

Just found out we are staying here a third day due to worsening weather and bridge repairs/closings. It's a swinging railroad bridge! OY! Oh well!  I hear there are great restaurants here.
Stay Tuned