I know instead of getting better at being consistent in my writing I am getting worse…I know, I know! The fact of the matter is we are just being way too social…at least beyond the norm!

I liked the below picture because I think really captures quintessential North Carolina coast.  One of those appreciate our life moments….

Back to being social we met up with our friends on LoopHole who are doing the Great Loop

The Admiral bringing Magnolia into the Dismal Swamp

The beautiful Dismal Swamp, I think the pictures speak for themselves.

A friend once referred to me by the below…and here my nickname is on the bulkhead of the South Mills Lock in the Dismal Swamp.

For those not familiar the history of the Dismal Swamp can be found here. The Dismal Swamp Canal is actually about 8 feet above sea level so Magnolia needs to be lifted as we enter and lowered as we depart the canal. Here Magnolia is in the South Mills Lock being raised to the level of the canal.

We stopped at the Dismal Swamp Visitor Center and took crew aboard for the transit to Portsmouth. Connie Boggs and I worked together years ago in Dahlgren. Last fall on our trek south she mentioned how she always dreamed of seeing the Dismal. I promised we would try and make it happen. Everything aligned and she and her son were able to join us aboard. 

Passing through the Deep Creek Lock at the north end of the Canal.

Connie and Sam departed Magnolia at Portsmouth VA and the next morning we woke to a heavy dose of fog though it did burn off in time for us to have dinner with my niece Lori and her husband Adam. As often happens talking surpasses picture taking so I have no pictures from the event! 

Next stop was Hampton Virginia for a Mothers Day visit with Annette’s relatives there.  See the paragraph above as too why there is no picture….

As we continued up the Chesapeake Bay we met up Marcia and Dan from SV Cutting Class who is on their way home to Mystic, CT. 

Magnolia made a port of call visit to Tilghman Island, Maryland.

My my fellow GenIV cousin Jimmy MacAndrew’s and friends were running a half Marathon in the area. They invited Annette and I to come and join the weekend fun. Tilghman Island is such a historic waterman’s town we just had to go!

The gang hosted Annette and I for a lovely dinner over at the nearby home they rented for the weekend. After the race and some recovery time they all came over to Magnolia for a visit.

We really enjoyed our time and look forward to spending time with Kaitlyn and Jimmy soon!

I stole this picture from FaceBook because I thought it was just so good. My nephew Billy graduated and is pictured with his grandparents. Great picture and congratulations to my nephew Billy!