We are now in the Chesapeake Bay. Well technically we are anchored in the
Poquoson River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.
We spent last night in Coinjock where we were joined by a
multitude of other boats cruising north.
When we docked, they really packed us in, nose to tail. There wasn’t three feet between us and the
boats in front or behind. But, there was
electric, WIFI, water and fuel which we needed.
There was also a restaurant with pretty good food. Their claim to fame is a prime rib dinner
which we both ordered. You could have
the 16 oz. or the 32 oz. whichever you prefer.
16 oz. is plenty for me, and it was a gut buster, and the steak was
really tender, tasty and cooked perfectly.
It was a really great meal.
This morning we got organized, then stood on the dock and
noodled on how to get out when the boat in front and the boat behind were
nowhere near going anywhere and a pretty stiff breeze blowing. We settled on the wise use of a spring line
to swing us out without moving us toward either boat. I must say, it worked
like a charm. We swung out the bow and were on our way. As we motored on, many of the other boats
that had left before us were beginning to line up like a parade because there
are many bridges and a lock to negotiate as we approach and move through
Norfolk Va. Some of the bridges have
restricted openings, meaning they only open only on the hour, or on the hour
and the half hour. So timing your
arrival at these bridges takes some planning. We did pretty good. We, along with the other boats in our gaggle
had to wait at some bridges, but not a real long time. It seemed like a long time getting through
all the openings but we were through and on our way by early afternoon. By the time we cleared the last bridge there
were ten boats in line. We had all of
them in the lock we had to negotiate as well.
There was still room for several more.
After all the waiting, circling, jockeying and generally doing the boat
dance with the other boats we wound our way through the Norfolk
waterfront. Wow is all I can say. It was
a cacophony of sights and sounds.
Whistles, horns, grinding noises, banging noises, motors running, all
coming from different directions. There
was the Navy shipyard where several ships were in dry dock being worked
on. There were tugs pushing barges,
there were commercial container ship operations, and then the Navy fleet tied
up. It just seemed to go on and on and
on. As you go through the Navy areas,
there are “Security” boats circling, looking everyone over. On one ship there was a naval “shooter”
standing on the bow of one boat surveying the traffic. I’m sure if someone came too close there
would be a shot across the bow. It took
us over two hours to motor through the waterfront area. It is just an amazingly huge operation. As we moved further through the waterfront,
several of the boats that had been in our parade began to peel off and head to
various marinas scattered through the waterfront. Did I mention all the
pleasure boats buzzing around too.
We finally exited the waterfront and entered the Chesapeake
Bay. We made a left and headed north up
the bay. It felt good to be in “home”
waters again where you are familiar with the various areas and can navigate
easily. We continued to the Poquoson
River, and found an anchorage for the night.
Had a great dinner of pork chops with rice and salad. We are getting
closer, it will be nice to be home again.
It seems like a long time, closing in on three weeks of travel time on
Rogue. It has been quite an experience
and I have enjoyed every day, but there is something about being home again.
Statistics for today- 85 miles traveled, 10hrs 32mins.
moving, 41mins. stopped, 11hrs. 13mins total time.
1332 total miles
traveled.
A couple of aircraft carriers docked in Norfolk
And this one is loaded to the gills.
A recycle ship. Notice all the metal piled behind and read the words on the bridge.
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