The Dismal Swamp Secret Is Out

Vero Beach, Florida

What secret?  Well, it's not really a secret.  I mean how pretty and nice the Dismal Swamp Canal (DSC) alternative really is.

You see, the ICW actually passes through the Virginial Cut, via Great Bridge and Currituck into Abemarle Sound.  The DSC is an alternative side route through the canal, the Pasquotank River and Elizabeth City.   We have never been the regular Virginia Cut way, but we are unusual.   More than 90% of the traffic, including most of our cruising friends are afraid of the DSC and choose to go the other way.   That's fine by us because the DSC Welcome Center can get crowded enough as it is.  It would be impossible with 1000% more traffic.

Well guess what happened?  A valve in the lock for the Virginia Cut route has been broken for more than a week, and it may not be repaired before a few more weeks.   All of the cruisers heading south on the ICW in that period find the DSC alternative their only choice.  That's why I say (tongue in cheek) that the secret will be out.   Now many more cruisers will know that the DSC route is not only safe, but very beautiful and fun.

The picture below was taken a few days ago on the DSC Welcome Center.   Even though the peak season for cruisers should be long past, it is very crowded.