The last few days have offered less excitement than the previous, with fewer photo ops, so here’s a summary (as much for me to remember more than your reading pleasure).
We enjoyed time with our old friends, the Adlon’s, who hosted us by serving us lunch in their restaurant, loaning us their truck so we had freedom to play tourist and get a few supplies. We enjoyed dinner with them Friday night.
We toured the Albermarle Museum on Thursday afternoon, learning much of the history of the area, with my favorite being the maritime development influence on the area.
Rode one like this as a kid with step grandpa. 
I never installed a fire pump like this in my career.
Friday was spent at the Outer Banks, visiting the site of the Wright Brothers first flight and enjoying the beach for awhile.
Our dockage was complimentary, provided by the city of Elizabeth City. They welcome transients such as us by providing docking on the waterfront. Of course, I always enjoy free. Backing into the tight slip on Thursday afternoon, with significant wind in my face, was not an easy task for this rookie captain. Somehow, the mariner gods smiled on me, and we managed to get backed in. On our exit Saturday morning, those same mariner gods were not so friendly. We had prepped, released the noncritical lines, and Amanda was on the portside side bow to release the last line. I started out, but the boat was behaving erratically. Amanda yelled that I was about to hit one of the pile guides. About the same time, the captain on the boat adjacent to us yelled, “Hey your starboard stern line is still attached to the piling!” Forty years of marriage and we still have communication issues. Amanda flew to the stern, released the line, and it was amazing how well the boat handled. I really wish I had a picture, but we were too busy trying to pull pilings out of the ground.
The Dismal Swamp was our Saturday adventure. We enjoyed this little leg, but won’t repeat it. The pictures show its unique beauty, but the trip was slow and dangerous because of hidden obstacles. We hit something 2 different times. Fortunately, we had no damage.
Leaving…. 
Arriving 
When you’re not the lead dog, the scenery never changes. 
At the lock…see Savannah? 
Long straight, man-made canal…Dismal
The cool part was learning to go through locks. This was our first. Not too difficult now, but we were a little intimidated. The dock keepers are patient, communicate well, and very helpful to those who are less experienced.
Water rising-Lock #1 
Water dropping-Lock #2
After a VEEERRRRYYY long dissertation on the history of the Dismal Swamp, compliments of the lock keeper, we managed to get to our marina, just before the storm hit. As you can see, not all our scenery is glamorous.
Across the river from marina. 
Tornado hit Suffolk, 10 minutes from the marina.
The hour is late as I wrap this day. I’ll report our excitement through Norfolk tomorrow.