Lolligag on TV

During the second week of June 2008 a fire broke out in the GDS that has yet to be contained. There is some controversy as to whether the fire started as a result of lightning or a timber contractor's equipment. Whatever the cause the ensuing efforts to contain and subsequently put out the fire have been most challenging due to the GDS peat foundation. Heat and moisture with the addition of acidic leeching of cypress and juniper juices provide one of the few places in North America where peat is formed. At many places in the swamp the peat is fifteen feet thick and is undergirded by clay many times thicker, both of which keep the swamp afloat. What happens when a fire erupts in an area like this is that while the surface fire may be extinguished the underlying peat bog continues to burn for days, weeks and even months. The danger of course, is that the fire will eventually rise to the land surface causing once again a dangerous and deadly forest fire.

Knowing that we wanted to travel the Great Dismal Swamp, Captain Mark and I had closely followed the reports of the fire and related issues. While the fire itself was not in the immediate area of the canal, the smoke from the fire closed the canal off and on in late June and early July. Once again we were very glad that our later than most schedule would allow us to travel the canal.

The locks at both ends of the canal open only four times per day, with 11a being the first opening. Knowing this, we were up early and on our way as we had the better part of the canal to travel in order to reach the Deep Creek Lock by 11a.

Not long after leaving the Welcome Center in North Carolina, we entered Virginia. This is the part of the canal named in honor of George Washington.



Along the way, we passed a dredging crew and you can see how little room the Lolligag had to pass and maneuver around the dredge. Captain Mark did an excellent job in the very tight quarters.

As I hailed the Deep Creek Lockmaster to notify him of our arrival for the 11a lock through, he told me to make sure that my hair was combed and to smile as we were going to be "filmed" upon entering the lock. Uncertain of what he was referring to, I made sure to put on my life jacket just in case it was the Coast Guard doing the filming... It turned out to be film crew from the Norfolk/Portsmouth ABC affiliate doing a story on the reduction of lock openings due to the swamp fire.

Some people have 15 minutes of fame…but it seems that I am only allowed 30 seconds. We did not see or smell any evidence of the wild fire. If there is any doubt in viewing me, I am the HEAVY deck monkey in the fashion statement life jacket standing on the side of the boat…Just remember that the camera adds 75 pounds! I knew that my experience as an on air beggar for money at the PBS station would come in handy at some point in my life.

To view the clip that aired on the Norfolk/Portsmouth/Hampton ABC affiliate today please click on the following link: http://www.wvec.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=264344