Deltaville to Norfolk, Virginia

Passage from Solomon’s Island to Deltaville was uneventful.  It was a long trip with few sights along the way because we were so far away from land.  We decided to anchor on this night. We found Fishing Bay just inside Stove Point Neck off  the Piankatank River.  We are still in Maryland.  This was our first night at anchor.  I was anxious. I like the safety and security of a marina.  I was not sure I could get any sleep at anchor.  A small sailboat joined us in Fishing Bay after we had been there about an hour.  We were far enough away that if we moved around, we would not hit them.  We could see Fishing Bay Harbor marina from our spot.  It was close enough to give me some peace of mind.  Private homes with private docks lined the bay.  We had parked right outside their back doors.  

The air compressor turned on during the middle of the night.  Steve hopped out of bed in a flash to make sure we were alright.  He decided to move the air compressor to the lazarette so that this doesn’t happen again.  The sound was so frightening in the middle of all the quiet that he decided to move the air compressor to the lazarette when we arrive in Florida.  

We left Fishing Bay at first light which was about 7:00.  Steve pulled up the anchor, hosed it off, and away we went.  Another foggy morning was in store for us.  Luckily we had about a quarter mile of visibility.  There were no sights to see along our path to Norfolk, VA.  We were happy when we crossed over the Maryland / Virginia State Line.  There is a line on the charts indicating the state borders in the Chesapeake Bay.  The fog cleared for us as we got close to Norfolk.

Norfolk is Mile Zero of the Intracoastal Waterway.  Cargo ships load and unload at Hampton Roads and the Elizabeth River piers.  Norfolk Naval Station is the largest naval installation in the world.  It is the home port for nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers and destroyers.  I took some pictures, but none could adequately portray the enormity of those vessels. 

We encountered not problems on our trip into Norfolk.  I supposed because it was a Saturday, the commercial traffic was down.  I am thankful for the lack of traffic.  There were just a few pleasure crafts and a few barges and tugs.  

We chose to dock at Waterside Marina for the evening.  It is adjacent to Waterside Festival Marketplace.  I was reminded of the Baltimore Harbor waterfront.  I was a bit concerned because it appeared that there were several vacancies at the marketplace.  Perhaps this is just because of the downturn of the economy.  After tying off we headed out to see Norfolk.  Our first stop was Nauticus for the Power of the Sea museum and The Battleship Wisconsin. 

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan had been at the Battleship Wisconsin earlier in their run for the presidential campaign.    Steve toured the battleship and the museum while I chose to walk around the city.  We meet back up at the boat where we sat on the deck and watched the people walk by.  

A couple walking down the docks approached us with a smile.  The man introduced himself as Victor Sonnino.  He had owned Fleming Hull 76.  He talked with us for a while about his love for the Fleming and how much he enjoyed the people at Burr Yacht Sales.  I think he will be in the market for another Fleming soon!

Philipians 4:19,  Colossians 2:2-3