The Great Dismal Swamp Canal - Episode 329 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

[@mediationer]

Probably the best non-boat building video of all. Beautifully filmed and edited with just the right amount of commentary and history. The Christmas Grounding was exceptionally presented. And, at that point, Steve kick’s out MIT level engineering and problem solving skills to get underway. That could have been its own episode. Thank you.

[@perrydebell1352]

In the "Age of Sail", the crews of the Royal Navy had to recover many of its ships, by using halyards after running ground. Search for "Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald" in Wikipedia, to know about the exploits of our ancestor mariners.

[@lincolngrove2808]

We can't change the past but we can remember those who suffered and learn to be better. Thank you for doing that so eloquently in this episode.

[@brianpeck4035]

How does remembering those who have suffered help us to learn to be better?

[@lincolngrove2808]

@brianpeck4035 by understanding why they suffered, who caused the suffering and why it's wrong. I was just making a brief comment covering a vast subject. I thought Steve covered it very well.

[@brianpeck4035]

@ Understanding why, who and how -are all under the scope of remembering. In what way do you see us learning to be better?

[@lincolngrove2808]

@@brianpeck4035 well this is tedious. Some people choose to pay attention to the lessons of history and avoid getting involved with current activities which perpetuate the wrongs. These are the civilized people. Some people still engage in slavery. They ignore, lie about and revel in past injustices. I won't sully Steve's comments by giving them an appropriate name. I don't really understand why you've chosen to question my harmless post, though the 51 likes and a heart from Arabella speak louder. Maybe you're one of those trolls I read about? End of conversation.

[@abhvgas]

@@lincolngrove2808 yes the democrats should remember what they did. even going as far as killing the republican president who freed the slaves.

[@dennisdownes9319]

Any "boater" can wait for the tide to get them off the bottom.....I've done it, but to use the halyard to heel the boat is a skill that you hope you don't have to use, but may be one of the most important skills a sailor can have. I know that as well after my boat broke loose in a hurricane and I was taught that trick to get her off the beach. Well done.......and Robin, don't be so hard on yourself; the vast majority of the world's population is not out doing the amazing things you and Steve are!! DD

[@howardmccarthy5811]

So much fun to see Akiva knows his lines and recites them on cue! 😊

[@christopherhurren629]

One of the best videos so far in your cruising section. I love to be able to see a part of the world through both of your eyes. Keep up the additional narrative.

[@lafarm123]

Very nice! I had never heard of the Great Dismal Swamp or its history before. Amazing videography and the music was perfect. Thanks for bringing us along! Fair winds.

[@schaefer32100]

You did the correct things to get your self unstuck. Great seamanship. Enjoyed the passage of swamp. Merry Christmas to you both.

[@mikefannon6994]

Thanks for your excellent video! During my years as a salesman, I drove the highway alongside the Dismal Swamp once every month to see customers in Norfolk and Elizabeth City. Always enjoyed the drive, stopped at that visitors center often. Nice to see the sights from the canal. Thanks again!

[@gregkilgour4545]

Now my week is complete, enjoyed our little jaunt down the dismal swamp and look foreward to our next adventure next Friday night at 10pm, stay safe you three.

[@AcornToArabella]

Here’s to next week!

[@RussWabuda]

so nice to see you enjoying the boat and your life. thank you for taking us along. it is my gateway to the weekend and the planned few moments i treat myself to every week. best wishes.

[@CrazyWist]

My heart goes out to you having to spend this Christmas without your mom. You have been such an inspiration to so many. I admire your patience, your insight, your focus and the wanderlust you have in your heart. I remember when you and Ben were just talking about cutting your first trees and now look at ya, gettin caught on stumps and such...May peace be with you and may your sails be full....Good luck on your journey! ~Wist~

[@tommagnum2530]

Excited to see these videos progress into warmer climates soon!!! Glad y'all got off the stump.

[@moplum]

I enjoy your current videos as much as building Arabella. Quite an adventure.

[@arnhemseptember2009]

How such sad history has created such beauty is amazing.... Its a good way to remember.

[@billmeldrum2509]

You guys are crushing it. Taking time. Allowing yourselves to be present. Understanding and thinking about history. Enjoy your ride. 🇨🇦

[@garywebster5917]

Thanks again you guys for taking us along with you. Love seeing all you see.

[@daviddeakin2006]

Thanks for taking us along . I always enjoy the commentary . Best wishes from Australia

[@MichaelAllanTorrey]

Thought provoking story of the canal. A totally different time and place in American history. The sounds of Arabella moving through the canal was very calming. Thanks again for all your efforts. ❤

[@BackseatGamingJesus]

Good work getting ungrounded, you did everything right.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks!

[@Draculasundergarmentz]

​@@AcornToArabellait wasn't obvious that you were putting a ton of force on the cockpit winch, but it's important to remember that it's built to pull fore and aft. Putting too much force perpendicular to the boat can rip the cockpit combing off.

[@Rainmakerlm]

Cool video i've never seen footage like this of the Dismal Swamp. It is beautiful and the slow route has its benefits.

[@navybyrd]

I remember when u started this channel, and I started watching. I lived about a mile from the small draw bridge you passed by after the locks. We used to shop at that food lion. I never went to the swamp, but I will be exploring it now. It's awesome to see how far this journey has taken u all. I enjoy your videos, and this was one of the best . It was also cool to see somewhere familiar to me. I'll try not to be so aggravated when that draw stops me in traffic from now on....lol.

[@johnmarshall226]

I had this thought too. I never would have learned of the GDS had I not been intrigued by a video called " we poured a 9000 pound keel," or something like that.The adventure Steve has taken so many on is amazing.

[@steveatkins1]

Up early watching!!! Always a nail biter with you guys. Thanks for putting it all in the same episode. I helped a fellow sailor get off ground once using my 1998 Jetski pulling forward while he healed it over using his skiff. It worked and saved him a $3000 Sea Tow charge. Sad to say he had another issue the next day and I ended up taking him 2 gallons of fuel in the Jetski to get out of the jam. Never saw him again but he’s got my number.

[@andypandy955]

Isn't it so nice to see helpful nice people kindness is free and it creates happy memories too.

[@andypandy955]

Thank you happy sailing and adventures.

[@jonathanlewis1352]

Note to Ben…InTRAcoastal. Good for you singing the praises of Elizabeth City. They go out of their way to welcome boaters.

[@stevencarpenter8841]

Really great video. The story & adventures are compelling. Thanks for sharing!

[@AcornToArabella]

☺️⛵️

[@AlisonFort]

What a fantastic trip - thank you for the journey

[@michaelcirincione9378]

Someone once said "if your not grounding from time to time, your not pushing the adventure hard enough!"......Great maneuver, lesson learned....(Happy Holidays 16 days late"!

[@thomasbraeking6225]

That goes along with: There two kinds of sailors; those that get grounded, and those that lie about never getting grounded.

[@mikehomner4724]

Glad you got to experience and survive the Great Dismal Swamp. After living in the greater Norfolk area for 24 years, it was good to see it. Better yet I'm glad that I don't live there anymore. Smooth sailing to you all! :):)

[@billhellmers2739]

Loved this episode!!! Def doing the dismal swamp in our Caliber 40 this fall. Fair winds!!!

[@Cberg7793]

When I watched Arabella launch I never thought you would be traversing such fun shallow passageways along the east coast. It would be amazing to see Arabella while driving along the canal!

[@loose_unit]

It’s so awesome to see you guys actually going on adventures and seeing things!

[@nukejets]

Always enjoyable to watch your adventures. Thanks for sharing.

[@flyboy61b]

Really nice job with the music on this episode, Ben.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks!!

[@oliver9089]

Beautiful scenery in this video. What a wonderful trip this looks to be.

[@rickvangunten4800]

Now this is what I call adventure. Thanks for sharing....................>

[@petegraham1458]

I used to live about 1/2 a mile from that canal and had to cross the intercostal on my way to work , the factory was on the east branch of the Elisabeth river, you passed by it as you went under the highway bridge. It’s a beautiful and historic area for our country, happy to see you enjoying it. George Washington was involved in planning and building the canal you are on. Good time of year to make the transit , No Mosquitoes!

[@i_am_am_i]

Shots on the feeder route into the lake was stunning

[@graemeoliver744]

one of your best videos. Loved hearing your thoughtful description of the history.

[@claudehopper9813]

Very well done video interesting content and excellent sound track .

[@wpierce57]

Well you certainly chose the right Season to go through the swamp. You probably didn't even see a mosquito!

[@AcornToArabella]

Exactly! 🦟

[@psycocavr]

Loved seeing the Dismal swamp canal. I have kids in Elizabeth City i have stopped at the visitors center with Grandkids and loved it. Glad you enjoyed Elizabeht city.

[@rosssinodis5382]

Glad you enjoyed your stop in NC!

[@balaenopteramusculus]

Always enjoying the nicknames at the end, haha

[@mikepetersen5024]

Arabella can handle a little grounding so you did a great job getting her off safely. Wait until you get to Georgia with the tides and mud. Great Video!

[@chrisenglund9269]

Fascinating episode! Thsnks for sharing!

[@wesleyclark2032]

I've always wanted to see this! Thank you!

[@asakurad]

Action-packed! Real adventure involves the unexpected. Great episode.

[@warrenmaxxon1305]

Although you guys are often in my thoughts, I think about what an adventure this voyage is for Akiva. Beyond the new scenery, there are many new species of flora and fauna filling his nostrils with new scents. Cheers! Much Love

[@Buck1954]

I've heard about the great dismal swamp as some kind of forbidden place to go. So I'm excited to see it.

[@fredflintstone8048]

Nice job getting free from being grounded. All we can say is that, 'stuff happens'.. It's not the things that happen that matters, it's how we react to resolve the problems.👍👍

[@donnamlake6303]

Christmas. A moving elegy for the suffering endured to dig the canal. Run aground! Masterly seamanship! Thank you again.

[@DrMartinYoung]

Back in the day swamps used to be called ‘dismals’ - so in effect you were in the ‘Great Swampy Swamp.’ Great episode - I enjoyed it!

[@RichGesell]

Enjoying all your videos ! Today was very interesting and enlightening. Thank You.

[@jimclester4754]

I am a subscriber from the first episode. From watching Arabella become a boat to now the journey made for a boat. Congratulations with great respect. Jim Clester from Arkansas.

[@nathandenny5575]

Well done, and a merry belated Christmas to you two. To Akiva, a merry wooowoo wooooo!

[@jimedwards6]

Loved the shots of the trees in Lake Drummond. Unique root structure

[@chrisclarke3670]

Great video of your trip down the Dismal Swamp. 😊

[@smaarch1]

Glad to see you doing the inside instead of your original plan outside. shaking the boat and yourselves down. Perfect and enjoy.

[@Ken-xm1rf]

Our waters have been low, on average lately. Also, there are some big, old cypress stumps that will get you. They are like a giant piece of very hard rubber. Well done on getting her off.

[@ElleKendra]

Ahhh, memories. Thanks for taking us along.

[@duncanmacleod7210]

Spent a great deal of my teenage years in Chesapeake Va. and used to swim regularly in the canal. It has a lot of underground springs feeding into it and some parts are very cold on the hottest summer days. Interesting facts, the Dismal Swamp section of the canal was indeed surveyed by George Washington and during the Civil War, deserters from both North and South hid out in that area (known then as "the big thicket"). Also, during one very dry summer I saw the biggest water moccasin I have ever seen sunning itself on the low-water sand bank. Enjoy your trip.

[@OurLastStand]

Did the Washington Train on the western side of the swamp by foot there once. Had no idea Washington surveyed and dug the channel until I got there. Was a somewhat boring walk as it was almost an entirely straight and flat but it was still cool to see. I would definitely do it again though, especially the boardwalk into the swamp off the Washington Trail.

[@RenegadeADV]

Steve and Robin, I really enjoyed this video, very well done.

[@bin_chicken80]

Nice one. Always interesting to learn some history and follow your journey. 👍

[@gmarshall1026]

Great stuff as usual you three

[@sandrasantos9737]

Interesting video. Steve can always solve a problem, Robin is a great shipmate, and Akiva is the best dog ever! Thank you for sharing your adventure. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your Holiday! Smooth sailing in 2025 !

[@geraldtribbe6363]

What a great name for a swamp! Sounds like a great place.

[@J-Justice666]

You guys definitely need some diving gear; Masks and wet and dry suits for warm and cold water. A hookah or scuba breathing apparatus so you can go down and un-snag yourselves when kedging off doesn't work. I suggest getting a couple of hand saws in case you need to cut roots and stumps out of your way. Good thing Steve is such an expert with ropes and blocks... Watch your speed. Running aground or "astump" is much more forgiving at low speeds. Great video as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@ianlangley987]

Thanks for taking us along for that experience. Being an amatuer photographer I could see some amazing shots in the swap area, especially the reflections. Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Ian

[@jackdotzman2908]

Great vid. Enjoyable learning what new sailors experience learning their new boating skill. Enjoy learning about the points of interest along the way. We’re from Missouri

[@BradinManheim]

I came through the Dismal Swamp around the first of July. The green headed horseflies were brutal. We still enjoyed the journey though, and Elizabeth City was terrific. We holed up there in a marina for two nights due to tornado warnings. Only $40 a night including use of a car!

[@oomwat6101]

I can see Akiva looking out and saying to themselves .. Trees, Trees, everywhere, and not a spot to pee!

[@henkresink5073]

Beautiful nature in the swamp👍

[@jonathanmcvennon4108]

Thank you, without your v,cast I would never hear about this swamp and it's history. Keep on sailing both of you, and enjoy yourselves. Happy New Year.

[@stevelansdowne]

Very interesting video. Exploring the coastal area in places many of us would never otherwise see!

[@Snozzbucket]

Wow, so much fun to see my maritime playground thru your lens. Now that you have spent this much time in Oriental, you may not ever want to leave. Hope you don’t get too clobbered by tonight’s snow storm.

[@tonymiller8826]

Fun, I live near Deep Creek and I drive over that first little lift bridge pretty often and I know the grocery store you walked to. I grew up on boats but haven't owned one since I moved here.... One of these days.

[@felipeherrerias]

I’d like to see more of the inner workings of sailing like vhf exchanges wit bridges or port authorities… great content

[@juanaq]

what a beautiful episode! Arabella, if you ever happen to be around Buenos Aires, don´t miss the Paraná River delta, you'll love it.

[@silasmarner7586]

Great ropework Stephen!

[@badcat4707]

Good morning Akiva 🐺 and Crew , good work getting un stuck 👍👍👍😸😺

[@SavingMaverick55]

Thats too cool. Im gonna have to take that route if and when I head South on my boat. My wife fears we'll never see trees while sailing but I'd beg to differ seeing a waterway like this.

[@davewright3088]

Nice...! Happy memories of doing the DSC aboard ManawaNui. And remember, if you haven't grounded, then you really didn't do the DSC....

[@dsutt777]

Thank you for taking us along with you on your adventures. ❤

[@pparker5113]

Nice dock line throwing Robin! well done on the ungrounding!

[@budschermerhorn6062]

Good Morning from Sandwich, MA

[@AcornToArabella]

Morning!

[@jasonworles9395]

Travelling with you is amazing. This is going to be great!

[@n01k32]

wonderful video, thank you

[@edkelley4335]

great video

[@juliancrooks3031]

I love how captain akiva told you to get under way even on Christmas. No slacking with his crew, he runs a tight ship😮

[@AcornToArabella]

we must follow each bark without questioning it.

[@martin_mue]

Great effort getting her floating again proofing once more a good rigger is never lost!

[@ton73z28]

Elizabeth City is cool, I have a good friend who lives there. We stopped in and hung out, we really didn't go by the water but it was definitely a cool town

[@rwsavory]

When I was a kid about 50 years ago or so, we would take our sailboat to Elizabeth City for the winter. Went through the dismal swamp canal at least twice. Some good memories there!

[@5fingers1]

Great video thanks

[@eclectricmagazine]

I might be a simpleton, but i just wish every video had some woodworking scene. Your woodworking and boatbuilding videos are so inspiring, and important for woodworkers of all types. Epic vids though.

[@AcornToArabella]

there will certainly be projects and boat work in the future. Steve is so enjoying being on the move after 8 years of woodwork!

[@eclectricmagazine]

@@AcornToArabella I feel ya. Important to celebrate the finished product.

[@Phat737]

The adventure continues! I liked the way you guys filmed both of you doing the hauling. Reminiscent of Lee Stroud and Survivorman. I enjoyed watching your problem solving skills in action too. I know it wasn’t pleasant in the moment, but you guys did great. Quite the team !

[@keg1dog]

Hey you two! And Merry Christmas! We made a winter escape from NY one winter and ended up at the Outer Banks and drove through the Dismal Swamp and thought it to be very beautiful. It snowed in Las Cruces the last two days, very unusual for us down here and the Organs will be shrouded in it today. You are becoming a complete seaman and your skill and determination show when you pulled off the catch. Good sailing and enjoy your weekly adventure updates. Happy New Year stay safe and warm.

[@patmancrowley8509]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mr. and Mrs. Denette!

[@TrevPulver]

I used to live in Virginia Beach and my buddy I worked with lived close to that lock and I used to drive over that lifting bridge everyday. I always wanted to boat the Dismal Swamp Canal.

[@philparmenter53]

Happy Friday and A2A day everybody from Plymouth UK