Click for Abeking Click for Northern Lights Click for YF Listing Service Click for Westport Click for Westport

8 Bells for the Dismal Swamp Lockmaster

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by 993RSR, Oct 12, 2020.

  1. 993RSR, Oct 12, 2020
    #1
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2004
    Messages:
    561
    Location:
    Annapolis/ Palm Harbor
    The first time I traveled through the Dismal Swamp canal the lockmaster Robert played his conch shell before opening the lock. Then he told a funny story, jumped in his old pick up and drove to the next lock.
    I heard last year that the Dismal Swamp will not longer be maintained and eventually closed so a friend did the trip in a 68' boat. Big boat for the dismal
    When the Great Bridge lock is out of order the swamp comes in handy.
    Robert did make a dismal boat ride enjoyable. Quite a character.
    https://www.waterwayguide.com/lates...shell-for-dismal-swamp-lockmaster-robert-peek
  2. RER, Oct 12, 2020
    #2
    RER

    RER Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2009
    Messages:
    1,594
    Location:
    Newport Beach CA
    Sad but also heartwarming. 53 is way too young.
  3. Capt J, Oct 12, 2020
    #3
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,614
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    WOW, I did it once in a 35' SF express and I felt it was pretty small for that. 68's pushing the envelope. It was a fun trip, but once and done and always use the other route.
  4. Ken Bracewell, Oct 13, 2020
    #4
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2006
    Messages:
    1,763
    Location:
    Somewhere Sunny
    My Dad took his 92' Trumpy through there in the 90's. Said he dragged bottom the whole way.