Day 1 Hampton, VA to Great Bridge, VA
We were anxious to get moving out of Hampton and headed on what is called the Hampton Roads harbor, then to the Elizabeth River, with Norfolk, VA on one side. Norfolk is the world's largest naval base and shipbuilder. Photos show one of the many warships we encountered along the way. Ships were either in a state of movement, exercise or being repaired. It was a hugely interesting course on the way to our destination of Great Bridge, VA for the night.
Norfolk is also considered ground zero for the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Before embarking on this cruising journey, I had never heard of the ICW so I'll assume the same of my readers and attempt to educate you on what it is all about.
The ICW is a navigable route of water that runs all the way from Boston to Texas at the Mexican Border. The waters are all interconnected and can be rivers, sounds, canals, or creeks. This was actually an idea of Thomas Jefferson during the Revolutionary War as a means to create better transportation routes between the Colonies that were inland and protected for National Security. There are different monikers for which route you are taking. Our route is called the ICW and runs from ground zero at Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL which is about milemarker 1090. There are mile markers all along the route to aid in navigation.
So, aside from watching the naval activity, this day we encountered many bridges that either had to lift for us, or that we could safely pass under. The novelty wore off until we passed under a roadway bridge near our final destination whose road was made of those metal grates. Imagine traveling underneath that thing with cars passing to give you the shivers!
We traveled the Virginia Cut route since the ominous sounding Dismal Swamp is closed. Too shallow anyway from what I hear. Went through a lock too. We were right behind a single handed sailor whose boat waves the Belgian flag. We got to our destination at about the same time as "everyone" else. The marina was full and with no other options close by, we asked another boat if we could tie up (raft) next to his. Not a problem. We then gathered our stuff for a walk to the grocery store (best we've seen on trip). Hauled our packages back and met a Father and Son out on the dock outside their boat. Family boats are scarce this time of year so it was a treat to meet them. Luckily, we clicked and ended up sharing a potluck dinner on their boat which happened to have a large, covered outdoor deck, and bonus, it was a little warmer than our boat as we have no heat outside of the marina hookups.
So, young Christopher age 3 and something, his mother, Heesook and his father, Don from Kingston, Ontario in Canada have become new friends. They are on a similar travel course as us but will go on to the Bahamas. They are sailing for over 1 year and have a similar story to ours--a break from longterm job too seek new possibilities and the attitude of why wait to see the world?!
Day 2 Great Bridge, VA to Coinjack, NC
This day was an easy trip to Coinjack. I was happy to be leaving VA and can't say the people there were particularly friendly. Not that they were unfriendly, but unhelpful, disinterested, bored, reserved, or some label I can't put my finger on. Was it me? Was I having a bad day? Were they having a bad day? Too many people, too many times most folks were the same. So, my opinion is now formed. Sorry Virginians you could take a lesson or two from Minnesota nice!
The day was pretty much spent traveling 4.5 knots down the Elizabeth River into the Currituck Sound. All a big swamp but actually quite pleasing to the eye. You may have heard about a cruise ship that ran aground this morning and had a huge hole bringing in water. Well, that was on the same waterway as us and we passed right by it and then the Coast Guard passed by us carrying some passengers to safety to be met by news crews. Liv said we were filmed and was happy to be on t.v.! The waters were calm today so I was in the cabin cleaning up and missed all the action!
Arrived here at Coinjock early. Due to the ferry incident the waterway was closed at the lock we just passed and then opened later. It was quiet here until around 5 p.m. when massive cruiser boats came to dock. We treated ourselves to a Prime Rib dinner, then a nice shower and folding laundry from this afternoon.
None of gorged ourselves silly expect for maybe Hanna who ate up all her steamed shrimp and baked potato! Bring on the meat!
A big day tomorrow so best hit the hay!
More later,
Carrie
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