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| I'm cool!! Need that eye protection. |
11/30/11
Got an early start, cold morning, brisk winds about 20kts out of the north. Made our way across a very choppy bay with big waves towards Norfolk and mile 0.0 for the intercoastal waterway (ICW). There was a lot of big boat traffic much of it military from the naval base in Norfolk. We watched a submarine receive an escort out towards the Chesapeake Bay, a security vessel came out near us to make sure we kept our required distance. Stan did not think it was a great idea but I did take some photographs of the sub, lots of helicopters about as well. Naval vessels were in great numbers and in various stage of repair along our route through Norfolk.
This was pretty impressive
Ahead of us was 8 bridges and a canal lock to transit through, commercial traffic gets right of way in all instances. Some bridges open on demand and others open at specific times, railroad bridges in most instances are left open, we had to drop anchor in front of one bridge to await its opening, it was a long day of hurry up and wait. Once we got through the Great Bridge lock there was a place to tie up the boat for FREE that night. This was a good spot because one block away was a place to fill one of our propane tanks, and another block away is a large grocery store to make any final provisions for the lengthy few days ahead of us. There was one boat there we had met in Cape May Paul, Kathy and dog Buddy from CT, a power boat from Buffalo and a sailboat from France, never did see them in person. Had a simple dinner of steak grilled on the outdoor cooker and veggies.
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| Headed down the ICW |
12/1/11
Very cool morning, time to start breaking out the long underwear, hand and toe warmers. Made the Great Bridge opening at 8:00 am. All the boats tied up except for the one that came in at 3:00 am motored on through in a single file procession down the ICW. There really was no opportunity to pull out a sail today it was a long day of motoring and even though the channel is well marked you have to keep a close eye on the depth gauge or else. Although very cool day it was crystal clear, travel was through marshes and we were surprised we did not see much in the way of waterfowl. We made it into Broad Creek to anchor for the night, we traveled 49 miles today, Captain Stan was happy about that and hopes to continue making good progress and really wants to get further south so we can get outside to do some ocean sailing, this motoring and waiting for bridges to open is not the ideal for getting to where we want to be, warm. Four large military inflatables past in the opposite direction full armed and out for maneuvers, they were polite with their wakes and slowed as they passed us. Very quiet anchorage, downfall was not a good place to get Whoopi ashore, Stan found a piece of earth the size of our dinghy for her to go and do her business, he said there was a bunch of goose droppings and she would either roll in it eat or thank goodness she pee’d on it. Enjoyed a beautiful sunset but amazingly no noise at all, we would have thought there would be bird calls at least. Sauted a bunch of veggies, threw in some worcestshire sauce and had sizzle burgers with melted cheddar served with slice tomatoes, potatoes fried in onions and corn.
12/2/11
Sunny, cool day, Captain Stan up early as he wanted to cover a lot of water today. We pulled anchor around 7:00 am motored entire day, went through the Albemarle Sound to a very desolate marsh area. Set anchor opposite Deep Point around 2:30 since the next anchorage would have us traveling well into the dark of night. Four boats came in and anchored nearby, this is a popular stopping point before you proceed down a manmade canal 22 miles long, no place to stop enroute.
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| At anchor behind Deep Point |
No real good spot to walk Whoopi as we were in a marsh, found her a small spot after much searching. Saw a deer camouflaged in the brush on the edge of the marsh. Beautiful sunset this evening this, enjoyed roasted duck, rice and sautéed carrots for dinner, very yummy.
12/3/11
Perfectly clear cool morning with light winds out of the north. All boats in anchorage were quick to leave this morning, we were a bit behind as I had to get Whoopi in to her postage stamp size place to do her business, back in the dinghy with her black marsh mud laden feet, at least her spot was too small to roll in. Motored through the straight cut of a canal for 22 miles most of which had heavy vegetative growth to the edge. Saw another deer at water’s edge and a bald eagle. Once out in an open stretch of water we were able to unfurl the jib due to the favorable wind direction. Went to River Forest Marina in Belhaven for fuel, water and ice, Whoopi was grateful for the chance to run around the lawn. Anchored across the channel from the marina, he gave us the access code for the wifi which is giving me this opportunity to post. Whoopi and I dinghy to town check out to check it out, visited with Paul and Kathy from CT and their dog Buddy. A lot of the stores in town closed up, although the dog friendly Ace Hardware was a gas, Whoopi being the big hit and I found really cheap 1 lb.propane tanks. A small propane space heater is our main source of cabin heat when it is cold, the kerosene lantern throws out some heat as well, we are really looking forward to it not being so cold.
Stan is grilling ribs out on the cooker and I am going to stir fy leftover rice, with carrots. Capatain says we need to be out early to make Oriental, NC, says I need to get up extra early and take Whoopi in for her walk before dark, I say good luck with that, we shall see.
That’s all for now, probably won’t have much for a connection again until we hit Beaufort, NC.
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