Fri-Sat-Dismal Swamp Canal-Lambs Marina-Elizabeth City, NC

Pictured left to right: Gary, Cuz, Larry Lamb, and Tom.
Lambs Seafood
Gary and Bobby
and the road sign

After leaving the last lock we went for a long while and then came to a fork in the "road". We needed gas so we decided to go to Lambs Marina. As we pulled in we were concerned that the place was closed. There was caution tape around one pump, a pile of sand on the dock, and no one in view that we could tell. Larry Lamb is in the process of renovation (and is having trouble finding good help) which explained the disheveled appearance of the place. He has BIG plans for condos and we have a dibs on a first floor unit.You couldn't meet nicer more welcoming people. Thanks for everything guys. We may be moving to Greenville. Gary and I enjoyed getting to know our new friends. Unfortunately Brittany was laid out sick as a "dawg" in the boat. Brittany was very ill, fever of 100.7, Montezuma's revenge the whole 9 yards. Hopefully Acute Cold and Flu liquid shots will keep that nastiness away from the rest of us. After sharing a beer with the fella's and the boys yuckin it up with some off color jokes we were offered a shower in the "Shower house" which is just that. A trailer with all the comforts of home including 2 showers. Brittany and I indulged, it was the best shower I've had since Norfolk. Meaning the showerhead wasn't 7 feet above my head and the water pressure was great too. Lambs Marina had EVERYTHING we needed and then some. When we left we had a peck of fresh Oysters, some fresh shrimp (compliments of Larry), ice and fond memories.

Friday: (Backing up a little in the day)

We had an AMAZING day on the Dismal Swamp Canal. Don't believe what you hear about this place and certainly don't let the name scare you. There are no snakes hanging from the tree's, etc. It's Amazing. Unfortunately some of the powers that be are trying to close the Dismal Swamp which would make it impossible for many recreational boats to travel down the ICW(Intracoastal Waterway). Brittany is transforming into an activist, contacting politicians etc to try to keep it open. They are talking about closing it Dec 05. SO PLEASE ACT NOW.(see special addition)

Saturday:

This morning, the 36ft boat that we were rafted up to left about 6:30. It was a tight spot and with Brittany being ill yesterday we let her sleep. The two of us could handle it. Gary was driving from the flybridge, and I walked out to the bow to throw the line to the dock , jump off and tie up. Well, I throw the line and try to hurry and jump off. My foot slips on the dew covered steel dock and I fall between boat and dock. Keeping my sharp wits about me (uh huh) I held on to the bow rail with one hand(I was NOT going into the water) while my left ribs came into contact with the anchor. Gary helplessly watched from the bridge. Again, keeping my wits about me while trying to catch my breathe, I managed to get my legs on the dock and sit. All the while trying to push the still moving bow away from coming in contact with the dock. Meanwhile a couple that we've met Rob and Terry come running over and Rob went to help me. All I could breathlessly say was, "get the boat, get the boat" I believe I fractured a rib. I iced and it feels better already. Just no coughing, sneezing or certain sudden movements. :-)

We celebrated Jean Marc catching up to us with a dinner. Gary and Leona provided the food. Check out that Oyster Bill!!