Oridinarily, our trip through the Dismal Swamp is fairly uneventful; a few birds, limbs and flotsam more so, and turtles even more prevalent; today, not so. Within a mile or two of the lock, lost coolant and anchored. Solved the problem, most likely sucked something onto our external strainer. When we weighed anchor, not surprisingly, limbs came up with it, plus -surprise- surprise- a plastic bag. So, maybe leaves weren't the culprit at all, but instead a bag?? Miles later, five cows taking their leisure along the bank, then a few miles later, an otter. Unfortunately, we have yet to see a bear, but when we do, we're hoping it can't swim. But, the most thought provoking sight was a sign along the adjacent highway, right next to the canal, "Future Interstate Highway XXX". Well now, it seems we'll soon be able to share this waterway with more cars than we do now! This yachting just gets to be more fun, and more fun as time goes by. *Rudy & Jill Sechez * *BRINEY BUG-a 34' Sail-Assisted Trawler * *850-832-7748* *www.trawlertrainingabc.com <http://www.trawlertrainingabc.com>* *Dismal Swamp Southbound*