I forgot to add that I left Baltimore on October 1st. 2012. I had about 3 hours of run time on engine at the time. On last post I mentioned hurting my back weighing anchor on day two. I did a good job of it. I have got to be more careful. I have got away with doing quite a bit but most of it causes a lot of discomfort and just doing the wrong thing without thinking first will pretty much lay me out for several days. The next few days were going to be pretty painful but I won't elaborate. Just thought i would mention it.

This picture was from day 1. We actually had quite a bit of ship traffic the first day.

lighthouse on day 3.

This was actual picture of Mary Lee pulling out on Oct.1. The picture I had posted was the test run the previous friday. As I go through pictures I am finding the ones I want.

We made it into Deltaville, Va. The end of day 3.

Of course I must not have taken any pictures of fueling or anchoring in channel across from fuel dock. I did however get a picture of Mary Lee after we pumped our waste.

Still uneventful. Hang on it is coming. We did encounter a few difficulties but not yet. Had a good nights sleep and pulled out next morning.

We finally make Norfolk, Va. on day 4.

So we chose to have a look at the Dismal swamp.

The first lock was uneventful. The lock master showed off his skill blowing through a conch shell while we all waited for it to fill. I thought I had a picture of all the conch shells boaters have given him for his collection but I guess not.

So through the dismal swamp we go.

Mike had brought along his leather reclining office chairs. I would not have made it past Solomons island for many days without these. My back was really hurting. I most likely belonged in bed. Those chairs were the object of many discussions. people staired as they went by and every place we tied up people would stop and mention them. Wasn't much different than riding in a car if you think about it. We didn't see any other sailboats with this kind of setup.

Don't you just love digital cameras? By the time I could see leaving Virginia, I took the picture and with the little delay I got the leaving north carolina side. Oh well.

So here we were at the welcome center. We were a little surprised to see it was the wecome center for the interstate. Actually we laughed when we realized that the Dismal swamp we had heard so much about was just a ditch full of stagnant water running along the freeway. I think there were 6 of us tied up for the night. Mary Lee in on the outside of the catamaran. I am having trouble staying connected so will post again tomorrow. I have some great sunset pictures coming and we end up getting towed twice.
  I find out why I had a broken exhaust and motor mount when I boughtMary Lee. However... everything I fixed is doing beautifully. I am very pleased with the engine and everything else I fixed. Next post or two should get everything up to speed. I am learning it is important to keep up as you go. Looking through pictures months later trying to catch up is not very handy to say the least