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Thought I would add a bit so I could post a couple of photos. The Spirit of Independence is docked near us...kind of looks like a giant, version of us. Well actually, she has bronze engraved winches and stuff, but the lines are similar. Lovely chap who crews on the vessel gave us all sorts of useful information regarding the area. We will be here for another day or two..taking advantage of some free spots to tie up and or anchor. It would be nice to get a little sight seeing in.
Our cruising permit says we need to call in when we change ports...we interpreted that as calling in when we change states, at least while on inland waterways. In any case we dutifully called in, answered the questions and asked the fellow, what exactly was expected of us in that regard. Well he did not really know, “some places might ask why we were calling” but some might want us to....”well it never hurts to call”. We actually are not any wiser on this point.
After chatting with a nice gentleman we suspect when we move, we will take the dismal swamp route rather than the Virginia Cut. He made it sound very appealing, since it is limited to boats with shallower drafts it might be less busy. They will let us know if there is any problem with the canal before we attempt it, it has always appealed to me to try that route due to various things I have read and heard. I believe Mark was convinced after chatting with the aforementioned chap.
Our intrepid crew left us this morning about the crack of dark....almost 6 am. We are sorry to see him go, as we really enjoyed his company and greatly appreciated his help.
More soon...take care everyone Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. For some reason photos would not load,maybe next time

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