Upon exiting the Deep Creek lock at the north end of the Dismal Swamp, we were soon surrounded by civilization and industry. Around each bend there were large commercial ships being loaded or unloaded. We soon found ourselves in a holding pattern with several other boats, waiting for a railroad bridge that had remained closed after the train had passed. It took a call from the local police boat to get it to open.

There are a lot of US Navy vessels in this area, and boats are supposed to stay away from them. It is interesting to be so close to these monsters.

A little further up the river and we arrived at our destination: Tidewater Yacht Marina. This will be the location where we will be leaving the boat for a few weeks while I take care of some work. 

Portsmouth also marks the end of “Phase Three of our journey. We had hoped to make it further into the Chesapeake by now, but we are happy with our progress through the summer. Where and when we go next is still up in the air. We are considering our options for where to store the boat over the winter.

when we return to the boat in a few weeks we will explore Portsmouth and Norfolk.