The busiest port in the USA

We weighed anchor at 7:15am, and continued south, hoping to
get through Norfolk and in to the Intracoastal Waterway today.
The wind was right on the nose, though we were able to motor
sail twice. While Len took the helm I worked some more on the
teak.  It needs a lot of work after years of neglect, but one day
she'll be as glorious as the day she was built.  We are bringing
her home. Irwin sailboats were built in Florida. 

As we were nearing Norfolk, the boat traffic
and military air traffic picked up considerably.
It was fun to watch them on their maneuvers.

I took the helm for the 10 mile run from the mouth of the Chesapeake at
Hampton Roads, past shipyards, Norfolk and the Naval shipyards.
This is the busiest port in the US, and I had container ships and
pilot boats on my tail the whole way through.  I drove just outside
the shipping lanes to give way for the big boys! The current was
SCREAMING at the entrance and I picked up nearly 2.5 knots!

We sailed past Fort Monroe and had to swing a wide berth
for the Norfolk Naval Station.  Homeland Security was on watch!

I tried to sneak a photo of the Naval Station :)

I had biggin's all round me...heading out to sea,

...and coming in hot behind me.

This one was a little too close for comfort!

The Red Cross Hospital ship :)

We made it to Norfolk, then turn to starboard
at Mile Zero and in to the Elizabeth River and
the ICW.  We got through the busiest traffic- whew!

Within the first five miles, we went under four bridges.

 I only had to request an opening for the Gilmerton Lift Bridge.

We sailed on through!

Just under the final bridge, we came to this 'road sign'. We
could choose the Virginia Route or the Great Dismal Swamp.
We were interested in the quieter swamp route, hoping to see
some wildlife along the way.  We were running out of
daylight and the lock was closed, so we chose to tie off at
a free dock at Chesapeake Yachts.  It had been a long day.

So far she's taken good care of us- I love her.

We enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we looked ahead to the
river leading to the Dismal Swamp.  Tomorrow's plan :)
G'nite, y'all!

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