Dismal Swamp Waterway Open-AICW

Traveling the Dismal Swamp on the ICW. Photo courtesy of the "Tellico Lady."

News from ActiveCaptain


The Welcome Center at the Dismal Swamp added a review a couple weeks ago providing an update on the Dismal Swamp:

https://activecaptain.com/X.php?lat=36.506911&lon=-76.355795&t=h&z=17

They also asked that we let all east coast boaters know that their waterway is open and ready for visitors. In addition, the ACOE crane barge, Elizabeth II, is going through the canal to make sure it is clear of debris for boaters. There are a few hazard markers along the Dismal Swamp route from last Fall - please update or delete them if the hazard no longer exists.


Thanks to all of the contributors there is no more reliable source for up-to-date information on the Dismal Swamp or anywhere else you cruise.


Are you traveling the AICW and have pictures or information concerning the Virginia- North Carolina region to share? Please e-mail them to skipjacknauticalwares@gmail.com. so we can share them with others traveling the AICW.  Have a great day and a safe passage.  Joe Elder, MilemarkerO.blogspot.com.

Traveling Along the ICW and the Chesapeake Bay? Beware of Flood Debris From Hurricane Irene

Small boats moving at high speeds can be sunk easily by striking a submerged object

Normally this time of year, boaters have to be concerned about cooler water  temperatures, rapid temperature swings, and being more self-reliant as fewer  boaters are on the water to help in a potential emergency. With the recent  storms, however, you can add one more to  the list: a dramatic increase in the number of submerged objects lurking on or  just below the surface of rain swollen rivers, lakes and bays.

The fact is that small boats moving at high speeds can be sunk easily by striking a submerged object, whether it's a tree, parts of buildings, fences, landscape timbers or other debris washed down in recent storms.

What's the best precaution? Slow down after significant rain events and post extra lookouts  - the more eyes the better. It's really a problem for any boat as running gear and outdrives can be damaged and lead to water coming in.

Mile Marker "0" AICW  has these four tips:

Before you go: Have all of the safety and communications gear aboard  and ensure the bilge pumps are working and there is no debris in the bilge.  It's always a good idea to have an extra bailer or two aboard, such as a  bucket, emergency hand pump or even a cut-off detergent bottle. Also understand  that navigational aids may have shifted.

Stop for any "thud": If you hear a thud, always stop the boat immediately  and inspect the bilge or storage compartments for damage - then check again a  short while later. A crack can  open up after a boat has bounced around a while. Another sign of damage is the  boat may feel "funny" or less responsive, a sign that water is coming aboard.

Put on life jackets: If you find water coming aboard - even if it's just  a trickle - immediately put on your life jacket and notify the Coast Guard as  you could lose the power and the ability to send a distress call on your VHF.  It takes only seconds for a trickle to get worse.

Be prepared to improvise: If you do find a hole in the hull, bilge pumps alone  may not stem the tide. Use anything you may have aboard such as towels, wooden  bungs (keep them handy for plugging round holes such as prop shaft logs), or other gear to wedge into holes or cracks.

While traveling the ICW, make sure to stop by Mile Marker "0" Marine Supply located at the High Street basin in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia for all of your boating needs. Mile Marker "0" Marine Supply is ready to assist you 7 days a week and offers general vessel services such as preventive maintenance, diagnostics, inspections and diving. They also offer free delivery to all marinas.  The goal at Mile Marker "0" is to put you first and provide real value to all of their customers. For more information, please click on the link at Mile Marker"0" Marine Supply or call them at 757-673-4816.

The article above was kindly provided to us from the BOATUS pressroom. Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for  recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government  representation, programs and money-saving services including towing services  and boat insurance. It's Damage Avoidance Program helps boaters learn how  prevent injury or vessel damage using real-world examples from the BoatUS  Marine Insurance claims files and other boating safety resources. For  membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.

Mile Marker "0" AICW Event: 40th Annual Gosport Arts Festival May 8th and 9th in Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA

40th Annual Gosport Arts Festival in Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA

by David Cartier
Author "A New Day in Olde Towne"

If it's Mother's Day Weekend, it must be time for Gosport Arts Festival. This year, it's the 40th year for the event - the 10th festival held in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Plan to attend the event on May 8 and 9, 2010. The hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Weekend activities will be held along the High Street corridor from the Elizabeth River to Dinwiddie Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia's quaint historic seaport. Proceeds from the event will benefit Edmarc Hospice for Children.

Traditionally, more than 135 artists have represented a wide variety of mediums, styles, tastes and cultures. Past shows have included artists presenting oil, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, pencil, pen & ink, mixed media, photography, pottery, sculpture, fiber, stained glass, jewelry, metal, wood, clay, clothing, furniture, musical instruments, paper and much more. 

Many Olde Towne galleries, antique and specialty shops, fine dining establishments, and cafés will feature special offerings.

An Artist in Action stage and entertainment stages will feature events by artists and performers. The Edmarc Kid's Park will be set up in front of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, for face painting and creating Mother's Day gifts. Artisan demonstrations and make-'n-take activities for children will take place in the courtyard of the Courthouse Gallery at High and Court Streets.

"The arts festival has something for everyone from the kids to grandma," said Millie Johnson, Director of the Gosport Arts Festival. "We've put a lot of effort into making navigation of the Gosport Arts Festival and Open House easy for our visitors." adds Millie. In its 40 years, the juried Gosport Art Show has donated over $400,000 to Hampton Roads communities.

Visit the Gosport Arts Festival website at http://www.gosportartsfestival.com/

Boaters: Both Tidewater Yacht Marina and Ocean Marine yacht Center are both just a short walking distance to this event.  You can also dock your boat at both North and High Street Landings on a first come basis.
Ride Portsmouth's Downtown "LOOP" for FREE to get around our downtown area. The LOOP will also take you to Food Lion for groceries and other necessaries. There are LOOP stops at both North and High Street  landings.
Questions? e-mail me at cjosephelder@gmail.com or give us a call at Skipjack Nautical Wares at (757) 399-5012