Norfolk, Virginia

We left Coinjock at 6.30am this morning and set out on what we thought would be a piece of cake trip. The ICW did not give up her grip on us too easily. We were joined along the way by several motor boats of various sizes and a few sail boats all heading to the cooler north. The path was windy and at several spots the depth dropped off dramatically for short periods of time, just enough to make my adrenalin pump. Once again Kinvara brought us through with flying colors.
Bridges!!! If we never see one again we will not be sad. We had to pass through a half dozen on the 50 miles to Norfolk. Most of them open on the hour and the half hour so you have to hurry up and wait at most of them. This is very frustrating when there are 6 or 7 other boats all milling around in a confined area all doing the same thing. We try our best to time the approach as close as we can but it is not always easy. Along with the bridges we had to go through a lock also. That was an experience. The last one we went through was at Cape Canaveral a few years ago. I believe there were 8 or 10 boats in the lock with us. It was not a very dramatic transfer. We only dropped 2 feet before exiting on the other side.
After passing through a few more railway bridges we finally said farewell to the ICW just before entering Norfolk.

The Admiral checking lines in the Canal Lock

Combination rail and highway bridge
entering Norfolk.



We have passed dozens of Osprey nests
on the ICW mile markers.

Now for the best part of the day. The Tall Ships were still berthed here since the big parade this past weekend. We took a slip in Tidewater Marina and as soon as we showered and checked in we took the water taxi to the down town and visited several of the ships docked there. Awesome is the only word to describe them. Of course we will see them again on our way north and of course in Newport in July.



After sailing Kinvara for the past 6 years
Jane could handle this one with ease!!



Just like the lines on Kinvara!!



 



Awesome sight