Today we traversed the Dismal Swamp Canal from Portsmouth, Va to Elizabeth City, NC. It was not one bit dismal. Absolutely fascinating history. Robert Peek, the bridge/lock tender who helped us through the first of two locks, was a great resource about the area. When asked what the most interesting boats he's locked through, he said a family aboard a yellow submarine, a young boy from Korea going through on a raft, and a man in his 50s who came by canoe. He had been diagnosed with Stage Four cancer and this was dream.

We're looking at the forecast right now and the winds are not promising to be what we want when we go out in the ocean with a destination of Florida. The idea of heading to Bermuda was put forth, discussed with some excitement, then dashed when we realized we didn't have our passports.

We're moored in Elizabeth City next to a drawbridge and a siren goes off every time it opens.

My heroine, Beth, was hoisted all the way to the top of the mast to adjust the wind indicator. A very important piece of technology to have working right when going out to sea.

Thanks to all of you who are cheering us on. It's fun to be taking you with us!