Monday saw us up early at 6:30, in the dark, preparing to cast off at 7:30. There were 10 sailboats rafted at the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center and we all planned to leave at the same time. We had to make a bridge opening and canal lock for 8:30 5 miles further on the canal. It was quite a site to see the 
parade. We were fourth in the lineup. It is all very polite the way everyone keeps up the same speed......there is no room for passing on this stretch! They say the water in the canal is the purest anywhere but the color (due to minerals) would really turn you off!!The canal lock today was so much easier because the water was dropping down. It only took about
30 minutes for all 10 boats to get tied up in the lock and the water to drop 8'. We continued in the narrow canal for 10 more miles then it opened up into the Pasquatank River and we had breathing room...and passing space! All arrived in Elizabeth City at mile 68 of the ICW by 1PM. We were directed to our dock by Sam, the unofficial dock master. There is a wonderful tradition in Elizabeth City called "Rose Buddies". In 1983, Fred Kerns met some boaters and decided to greet them with wine & cheese and presented the ladies with a rose cut from his gardens. This tradition has continued, Fred passing away on 2007 in his nineties. What a nice tribute to his memory that the visitor's center and businesses continue his tradition.The weather turned against us again so we stayed here Monday, Tuesday and Wed. We took the opportunity to some grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, and fix ups that needed to be done. We have socialized every day with the boaters we met on the Dismal Swamp. We will all be travelling again tomorrow so will probably be in the same anchorages for the next few days. Everyone has exchanged boat cards (like business cards) and there are at least 4 who are going to the Bahamas for the first time.
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