Thursday, Nov. 8th

We left our anchorage, on another grey morning, weighing anchor @7:25AM. Wish me luck!

 As we knew we were heading for some very rough seas, immediately after breakfast, we stowed everything we could (ie, fruit bowl in the oven, coffeemaker in the sink, etc) and got ready for a wild  2-hour ride. GOOD THING -->  I saw two porpoises (or dolphins) frolicing in the bay.  They always bring a smile!
So, I survived the VERY rolling seas, and once we successfully made it around the point, the waves calmed down, and we headed in Norfolk, Virginia.
Entering Norfolk Harbor ....


Shortly after one o'clock,  the sun came out, and we continued our travels on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway,  
through a small lock.

  
Once we were settled into the lock, we helped other boats with there lines as well.  
WHAT A SURPRISE!  We discovered the boat behind us (which had also passed us up in Norfolk) was "Knot Just Dream'n".  We had met Shawn & Cindy on "Knot Just Dream'n" in October, up in Oxford.  We had plenty to share, as they raised their kids in Clarkston, Michigan, as well --- and their son still lives in Lake Orion.   It was so much fun (and a co-incidence!) to re connect!

After this lock, we entered into the Dismal Swamp.
Yes! that really is its name!

Travelling down the Dismal Swamp Canal, running parallel to Highway 17.

"The Dismal Swamp Canal", started in 1805 by G. Washington  and Patrick Henry as a business venture. 
Somewhere along the way, we entered into North Carolina.  I just love the "water road signs"!

As the end lock was closed, and it was getting within an hour of sunset, Zingara & Knot Just Dream'n rafted, with 2 cabin cruisers & 7 sailboats, at the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center. 


  As is common among boaters, we converged on a boat, we ended up on the one belonging to Bill & Mary Burns [-- she hates the name of their boat (only owned it 2 weeks), so we renamed it "Happy Hour" --]  with BYO drinks.  Once the sun set, Mary invited us into their boat, and introduced us to a fun new drink -->  Apple Cider, Carmel Vodka & Fireball Whiskey -- YUMMMMY!

 We said good night to our new/old found friends and retired to our respective boats for dinner and a good night's sleep.

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