ICW Boat Trip - NY to Florida ep10 The Dismal Swamp

Our boat journey continues from Norfolk Virginia through the great Dismal swamp onwards to Elizabeth City North Carolina. After a stormy day prior, the crew of Happy Ours takes its last few looks at Navy warships before heading up the dismal creek, through its canal and locks and finally to the welcoming Elizabeth City with its free docks and hospitality.
Join the crew of Happy Ours as it travels from New York to Cape Coral Florida along America’s Great Loop and intracoastal waterway down the east coast.
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Пікірлер: 579

  • @mikethedesertrat
    @mikethedesertrat Жыл бұрын

    This is why I love KZread. I had never even heard of the Dismal Swamp. Thanks for sharing your trip. Looks pretty amazing.

  • @HeilRay

    @HeilRay

    Жыл бұрын

    Goin on a boat trip from the comfort of inside

  • @mikethedesertrat

    @mikethedesertrat

    Жыл бұрын

    @@HeilRay Only if it's bad weather, otherwise put me out there. Too many places to boat all of them, but my goal is to die trying.

  • @kylereider54

    @kylereider54

    Жыл бұрын

    Turn that boat around and go back to ny... sincerely a real Floridian🖕

  • @hikerhobby1204

    @hikerhobby1204

    Жыл бұрын

    Me too! My son often calls “What are you up to?” “I’m traveling via KZread!” I’ve learned so much!

  • @guscarlson7021
    @guscarlson7021 Жыл бұрын

    This looks like a place where the mosquitos consider something like "OFF" or "Deet" as human salad dressing.

  • @rayb1330

    @rayb1330

    Жыл бұрын

    There is a multi use trail that runs parallel to the water. It's the biting flies that are terrible.

  • @guscarlson7021

    @guscarlson7021

    Жыл бұрын

    @@rayb1330 I can believe it. Horse flies can bite like Hell.

  • @Morningfire19D

    @Morningfire19D

    Жыл бұрын

    A torrent of biting flies is omnipresent.

  • @navydoc8695

    @navydoc8695

    Жыл бұрын

    It 100% is. I used to live about a mile from there.

  • @garyjohnson1970

    @garyjohnson1970

    Жыл бұрын

    Off is on, and Deet is sweet! The Skeeters!

  • @kennethdias9988
    @kennethdias9988 Жыл бұрын

    The signs on the 95 through Virginia always cracked me up “ The Great Dismal Swamp”

  • @johnlockesghost5592
    @johnlockesghost5592 Жыл бұрын

    Wound up taking the Dismal Swamp route by mistake once...at night... a moonless night, on board a 90 foot 60 ton head boat. To say we were glad to get to the lock and tie up until morning is an understatement.

  • @kennethhacker3014

    @kennethhacker3014

    Жыл бұрын

    Wow ..did ya do any prop damage?

  • @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    Жыл бұрын

    I don’t think so. Hard to tell with all the traveling we did. Now it’s being repaired from hurricane Ian so their is that damage.

  • @markrix
    @markrix Жыл бұрын

    Wow boats are gas guzzlers, i knew this, just didnt know it was that bad!!

  • @artsmith103

    @artsmith103

    4 ай бұрын

    This speed is their high mpg

  • @timflynn2136
    @timflynn213611 ай бұрын

    We went thru in 2014 when Robert was lock master. RIP Robert. He told us to just take our time on our journey to the Florida Keys. He also said forget about time. You'll get there when you get there. Enjoy the trip.

  • @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    11 ай бұрын

    Wise man!

  • @bboobb1122334455
    @bboobb1122334455 Жыл бұрын

    That “abandoned” bridge is for access to private property on the other side. Farmland, house, barn. I’ve done some dove hunting there. If you noticed, the bridge is stored on the south (right) side of the canal. It can be extended over the canal when needed.

  • @keithscudder7136

    @keithscudder7136

    Жыл бұрын

    The Intracoastal waterway is up and down the east Coast !

  • @ralphholiman7401
    @ralphholiman7401 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks, that was one of the best video logs of a trip on the Dismal Swamp Canal I think I have seen. That trip has been on my bucket list for a while.

  • @virginiastirnweis.6496
    @virginiastirnweis.6496 Жыл бұрын

    I have wanted to see the Dismal Swamp since I was young. This video showed it is like I picture. As if you are the only person on earth. Thanks for sharing.

  • @billwashburn8568
    @billwashburn85682 ай бұрын

    In my teens in the 80s I worked a sightseeing boat from the James to the Great Dismal Swamp, back then there were four locks and you had to wait there was so much traffic. They have tried to allow the swamp to reclaim, stupid if you ask me will cost Virginia in the future when the ICW is impassable through the swamp. Oh and you noted the color of the water, back in the day we called it the coke a cola river.

  • @quidproquo3933
    @quidproquo393316 күн бұрын

    water color in the dismal looked Amazonian very interesting lil slice of the u.s.

  • @one234569and10
    @one234569and103 ай бұрын

    The reflection makes a good photo

  • @richardcasey4439
    @richardcasey4439 Жыл бұрын

    Dismal swamp is quite tranquil

  • @rivahlivin
    @rivahlivin Жыл бұрын

    I really enjoyed this. My mother who is 100 yrs old , visited the dismal swamp and went on a canoe tour of the swamp in the 1940's. She said the guide was a older gentleman with a white beard who recited the "Lady of the Lake" from memory. He also insisted that they drink the water from the swamp as it had healing properties. He rinsed out a old tin can and that was passed around.

  • @alexandrep4913

    @alexandrep4913

    11 ай бұрын

    The last part is insane

  • @MrJhchrist

    @MrJhchrist

    2 ай бұрын

    @@alexandrep4913 Well she lived to 100 so...

  • @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    2 ай бұрын

    I had read the same claims about the healing properties. It was treasured back in the day. I believe George Washington also had the same beliefs and used it for his troops.

  • @marktinkler6897
    @marktinkler6897Ай бұрын

    Stopped at the school also. Was befriended by the school's minister who gave us the use of his personal automobile to go shopping. A super guy! He even ran a water hose out to our boat for our convenience while we were there (3 days I think)

  • @83RBurke
    @83RBurke Жыл бұрын

    The creek is eerily beautiful with the lush green going right down to the water

  • @Night--Shift
    @Night--Shift3 ай бұрын

    My goodness that is such a gorgeous view and journey in the channel.

  • @wolfkremen
    @wolfkremen3 ай бұрын

    thanks for the rarely seen scenery and your calm style.

  • @toddfoglia1882
    @toddfoglia1882 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you I’m gonna b a shrimp boat captain when I grow up

  • @76629online
    @76629online Жыл бұрын

    I lived in Elizabeth City for about a year, a little over 20 years ago when I was still in the Navy. Neat little town. Some of the biggest snakes I have ever seen in the wild I saw there in Pasquotank County.

  • @lindamortensen7835
    @lindamortensen7835 Жыл бұрын

    This was so relaxing. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Thank you.

  • @LSpruill44
    @LSpruill44 Жыл бұрын

    Lambs Marina, and now renovated restaurant in Camden is now open. This Albemarle area is my home. I was also born in Belhaven. Brackish life. Cool to see a video of it. Thanks for the journey down the “as I know it” George Washington canal!

  • @ItsMeScareCro
    @ItsMeScareCro Жыл бұрын

    Great video! "Dismal Swamp" was one of my favorite lessons back in middle school!

  • @mikegrant8490
    @mikegrant8490 Жыл бұрын

    Secret... Just by the entrance to the Deep Creek locks entrance off to your port side, there is a wild cherry tree. Hit it when they ripen and feast. The cut to South Mills is known as one that George Washington surveyed as a young man, the water exiting from Lake Drummond was coveted for its keeping fresh on long sea voyages. The tannins and tannic acid were responsible for the keeping the water fresh. It's been almost 60 years since the canal became one of my favorite fresh water swimming spots. Don't worry about the water moccasins. Just swim faster.

  • @bocabec6744
    @bocabec6744 Жыл бұрын

    Gosh, I think they should rename it, "The Beautiful Swamp." Some nice photography for sure. I like the little Lock Keepers house. The greenery off to the sides is lush beyond belief. Thank you for producing these fine video's without a bunch of hype. Anyone who loves the outdoors gets finger nicks on a weekly basis. We sure have a beautiful nation.

  • @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes those lock keepers have a nice job!

  • @TM-tw1py
    @TM-tw1py11 ай бұрын

    Two true athletes conquering the world!

  • @nickgoodall578
    @nickgoodall578 Жыл бұрын

    When you're reading off the spreadsheet, I got a real strong Teddy from Bob's Buger's vibe. Thanks for sharing!

  • @cristianradulescu6239
    @cristianradulescu6239 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video. 👍👏 Nice boat 🛥 BTW

  • @vicioustwist
    @vicioustwist Жыл бұрын

    Bizarre, eerie landscape

  • @jerrycallender9927
    @jerrycallender9927 Жыл бұрын

    In my younger years I was in a Sea Explorer Ship in Norfolk and we rowed from Town Point to Elizabeth City every Summer, over-nighting at the South Mills Lock. Our best time was 13 hours and 16 minutes.

  • @kennethhacker3014
    @kennethhacker3014 Жыл бұрын

    This is incredible, thanks for sharing you adventure

  • @kennethhacker3014

    @kennethhacker3014

    Жыл бұрын

    I been wanting to take my cruiser on this trip ..I don't have a good navigation software yet...

  • @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    Жыл бұрын

    The Navionics app or Aquamaps are affordable alternatives to use when navigating with a tablet with gps capabilities. Or even you smartphone.

  • @wydryfly
    @wydryfly Жыл бұрын

    That’s some serious duckweed

  • @johnramsayskier
    @johnramsayskier Жыл бұрын

    Been making this drive pretty often that runs parallel to this! Cool to see what it looks like from a boat POV

  • @Military-Museum-LP
    @Military-Museum-LP9 ай бұрын

    New subscriber from Italia here!

  • @randyclyde4939
    @randyclyde4939 Жыл бұрын

    Just stumbled on this channel... Wow, does this bring back some wonderful memories! Next opportunity you have to stop at the DSwamp Visitor's Center, they keep daily entry book of those vessels and crew who've stopped and registered. My first trip through the canal was with my Dad in 2000. We came back a few years later and they dug out our old entry and made us a copy. For me the really interesting info was about the water that looks like root beer. A little research revealed that sailing vessels preparing for extended time at sea would load up their water barrels with this swamp water. The chemicals in it coming from the swamp made the water great to drink and it would last for months at sea. Be well, be safe!

  • @hamboozled6007
    @hamboozled6007 Жыл бұрын

    This is a cool video, I live in EC myself. I'm surprised to see this video recommended to me lol

  • @michaelford746
    @michaelford746 Жыл бұрын

    ports... muth. = portsmouth... I'm a local so I know. great vid.

  • @waltp.1173
    @waltp.1173 Жыл бұрын

    Great video. Thank you.

  • @mikegrant8490
    @mikegrant8490 Жыл бұрын

    Right about 6:30 in the video, you passed a set of barges that are used to move farm equipment and right after that is the cut to Lake Drummond. Wild grapes in the fall of the year.

  • @marktinkler6897
    @marktinkler6897Ай бұрын

    Been thru here a number of times on my 34 ft sailing catamaran. Got stuck at the visitor center for 10 days because high water from a passing hurricane prevented the locks from working.😮

  • @tigerphid9677
    @tigerphid96773 ай бұрын

    How surreal, with that perfect reflection....

  • @dillerdog1
    @dillerdog1 Жыл бұрын

    Very informative. Laid back cruise! Thanks for taking the time to make the video it was awesome.

  • @John-ji5bo
    @John-ji5bo Жыл бұрын

    Really enjoyable watch. As a UK based boater I'm envious of how beautifully maintained everything is. The facilities on the inland waterways in the east of England where I'm based are shocking in comparison.

  • @TheCastedone

    @TheCastedone

    Жыл бұрын

    'Merica

  • @CalciteSerendipity
    @CalciteSerendipity Жыл бұрын

    What you thought was an old train track is a bridge that a farmer extends to move farm machinery across the canal. Those little floats you passed have a chain running across the canal usually on the bottom so they hop on and pull themselves across.

  • @ikaikamaleko8370
    @ikaikamaleko837010 ай бұрын

    Wow this was interesting to watch, a real different environment from what I grew up in on Oahu.

  • @BoatingCharlie
    @BoatingCharlie Жыл бұрын

    Just bought a 2007 341 last week for traveling the Great Lakes with my wife and three small kids and just wanted to say how much we enjoy your videos and how much they have helped us with knowledge on maintenance on this boat. Safe travels and keep them coming, great work!

  • @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks and good luck! Any questions you have, let me know!

  • @jb-il3vh

    @jb-il3vh

    Жыл бұрын

    oh my, howd that Go

  • @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    Жыл бұрын

    Went great!

  • @bradwhite6254
    @bradwhite6254 Жыл бұрын

    This is the first video of yours that I've seen. Well done. I have a sailboat so it's fun to see how the other half lives.

  • @pauloconnor2980
    @pauloconnor2980 Жыл бұрын

    Nice bridges @ 13:39!!!!!

  • @jaynedoe1959
    @jaynedoe1959 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the ride!

  • @kevinlyons4545
    @kevinlyons45453 ай бұрын

    Absolutely awesome 👍 Made the trip from Cape May NJ to Ft. Lauderdale in 1991 on my parents brand new 45 Viking Yacht. Your videos bring back awesome and cherished memories. Like taking the trip all over again. Not much has changed. Keep up the amazing videos. Tight Lines and fair seas

  • @KapeKiwi
    @KapeKiwi4 ай бұрын

    Tom - what a fascinating journey. Seems so remote and distant - until you put the bird up into the air. Thanks for posting.

  • @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    4 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @hansrenker2923
    @hansrenker2923 Жыл бұрын

    Looks like a great adventure. Enjoy!

  • @UrbanFisherman
    @UrbanFisherman Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the trip captain

  • @jarrodforet3557
    @jarrodforet3557 Жыл бұрын

    This is a nice little cabin cruiser nice trip on the water soon pleasant

  • @jimmybritt9537
    @jimmybritt9537 Жыл бұрын

    Greener than I remember but the same seawater strainer problem , stay safe out there 👍👍🇺🇸

  • @beesbythesea8899
    @beesbythesea8899 Жыл бұрын

    I was a little kid had in the early 60's when my dad brought me and my brother through here in our little 17 foot Thompson. I remember seeing snakes and that made an impression. Would love to revisit. Great video

  • @pnw6139
    @pnw6139 Жыл бұрын

    16:35 that Chris craft is nice

  • @kencarnley7101
    @kencarnley7101 Жыл бұрын

    This is Awesome!

  • @socal33
    @socal33 Жыл бұрын

    Brave flying a drone near trees over water! But it's what gave us such great footage. I'm adding this detour to our future plans on the Great Loop.

  • @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    Жыл бұрын

    Brave or stupidity. Lol. It struck a branch and luckily didn’t crash. You can see that footage in the video. I cut it just as it hit branch. Lol

  • @AndrewOvenden

    @AndrewOvenden

    10 ай бұрын

    You’ve definitely got to avoid using the “return to home” button. I’ve seen a few boating videos where they forgot that their boat had moved on from the launch point 😂

  • @BaldwinBay
    @BaldwinBay Жыл бұрын

    Incredible excursion! Best wishes for a brilliant future.

  • @knightflyer7968
    @knightflyer7968 Жыл бұрын

    I pretty much take this route (By land) every day at work! Awesome to see it from the water's point of view. I'm dying for a boat! LOL! Great Video!

  • @keithscudder7136

    @keithscudder7136

    Жыл бұрын

    Get a boat with a enclosed wheel house unless you like the mosquitos !

  • @GUNNER67akaKelt
    @GUNNER67akaKelt Жыл бұрын

    Beautiful scenery for a Dismal Swamp. Loved the extra video.

  • @deepharrow8520
    @deepharrow8520 Жыл бұрын

    Didn't even know this was possible so many things to do in this life

  • @Sailing.Artemis
    @Sailing.Artemis Жыл бұрын

    that swamp is right near one of my fave skydive places

  • @DL-yo5tq
    @DL-yo5tq Жыл бұрын

    This stuff has always fascinated me! Very cool little adventure.

  • @fredread9216
    @fredread9216 Жыл бұрын

    Oh thanks, great memories. Good job on the video. (Sorry your finger got bit). Have made this trip several times. Always good times. Have stayed overnight and have done it straight through. Over night more fun and relaxing and less pressure on schedule. I have always been able to find a spot. We made the trip from NC to Annapolis once in late april. We encountered snow and cold and rain, but we had a nice warm pilothouse and on the entire trip only saw 2 vessels. A sailboat heading to Baltimore and a navy tug towing a barge. That was it! Really great trip. We could use the autopilot a lot as NO traffic! Again, thanks!

  • @dgwinc
    @dgwinc Жыл бұрын

    It was good seeing this video. I used to go canoeing in the canals there back in the mid-80s. The water looks like coffee.

  • @ATLOffroad
    @ATLOffroad Жыл бұрын

    Very cool part of the ICW. I’ll have to explore it myself someday. Thanks for sharing.

  • @willm6598
    @willm6598 Жыл бұрын

    I love these videos, thank you so much for making them

  • @charlespayne1061
    @charlespayne1061 Жыл бұрын

    Great boat man, I went to school in front of the deep Creek locks and bridge. back in the 70's the water was 6 ft lower.

  • @ronschultz1977
    @ronschultz1977 Жыл бұрын

    Love the videos and the adventure. I also wondered about the route, but I see the responses.

  • @krisholden5365
    @krisholden5365 Жыл бұрын

    I used to live in Elizabeth City. I miss it tremendously. What an amazing area.

  • @jeffwindrim975
    @jeffwindrim975 Жыл бұрын

    That looks like a interesting part of the loop.

  • @williamwebb7917
    @williamwebb7917 Жыл бұрын

    Way cool video. Visited Dismal Swamp once, but your video shows a whole lot more from a boat. Very enjoyable to watch.

  • @pap91rt50
    @pap91rt50 Жыл бұрын

    Watched every one so far...excellant.

  • @kingchristopherpaul477hutc8
    @kingchristopherpaul477hutc8 Жыл бұрын

    That was cool. Stay Blessed!!!

  • @azphilip1960
    @azphilip1960 Жыл бұрын

    GREAT VIDEO!!! 🙂👍

  • @seaport10
    @seaport10 Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic! Love your video and commentary! Safe Travels!

  • @davidcontreraz8083
    @davidcontreraz8083 Жыл бұрын

    Passing through some good fishing holes......

  • @sochinese
    @sochinese11 ай бұрын

    WOW the river is so calm. beautiful reflections

  • @InletKayaker
    @InletKayaker3 ай бұрын

    (6;20 mark) That is a bridge the farmers used to go from HWY 17 across the water to maintain the farm fields.........

  • @Morningfire19D
    @Morningfire19D Жыл бұрын

    I worked with the local power utility for many years up that way. Many of the sites in your video I have seen over those years, but never from your perspective... always from the banks. It was like a trip down memory lane as you progressed. Thanks for sharing. That was awesome.

  • @petermccuskey1832
    @petermccuskey1832 Жыл бұрын

    absolutely beautiful journey

  • @timothycavaretta3979
    @timothycavaretta3979 Жыл бұрын

    Just started following your channel. What a great way to see America. Completely different perspective. Very cool.

  • @mattheweburns
    @mattheweburns Жыл бұрын

    So beautiful so green!

  • @MrHuggiebear420
    @MrHuggiebear42010 ай бұрын

    This was so interesting thank you for posting, I grew up boating in the Pacific Northwest but this is something special

  • @JohnnysTrainVideos
    @JohnnysTrainVideos Жыл бұрын

    Great video. Thanks for making and sharing...

  • @GuyJ-te2jy
    @GuyJ-te2jy Жыл бұрын

    Spectacular! Thank you~

  • @judechopper
    @judechopper Жыл бұрын

    Not looking forward to passing a catermaran, yes you were! Haha! And your a scardy cat!

  • @john3242
    @john3242 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome view from the camera thank you for Sharing the footage have a great trip be safe

  • @dinkoverstinkcatfishing5722
    @dinkoverstinkcatfishing5722 Жыл бұрын

    Absolutely Beautiful I would love to do something like this I honestly knew nothing of this kind of deal. Wow 👌

  • @ksessa1010
    @ksessa10106 ай бұрын

    Well that was different. So interesting the different parts of our country. Thanks for sharing

  • @jeffdean7623
    @jeffdean7623 Жыл бұрын

    Norfolk, my hometown. Enjoy your trip down "the ditch"

  • @seancrouse9623
    @seancrouse9623 Жыл бұрын

    I am really enjoying this series! The drone footage is amazing! I appreciate the commentary you provide. You are living the life, brother!

  • @patrickmurray4405
    @patrickmurray4405 Жыл бұрын

    You’re a great find… loved the video.

  • @captraykelly
    @captraykelly Жыл бұрын

    Enjoyed your video. I subscribed to you. I did the Long Island to Palm Beach and back trips twice back in 2001-2003. It was great.

  • @egomaniac247
    @egomaniac247 Жыл бұрын

    This is an awesome documentary of your trip! So pretty - we used to drive by the Dismal Swamp canals on the way to the beach...always wondered what the journey looked like.

  • @darrellroeters4951
    @darrellroeters4951 Жыл бұрын

    Interesting ride and narrative.

  • @jamesrose1191
    @jamesrose1191 Жыл бұрын

    I’m one of those landlubber who loves the swamp and to stop at the rest area and park.

  • @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    Жыл бұрын

    Looks like a fun place to visit. Wish we had time to stay overnight

  • @TheMarpalm
    @TheMarpalm Жыл бұрын

    Really enjoying the series. Excellent work with editing and drone coverage.

  • @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    @AdventuresofHappyOurs

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks!