Thursday, May 31, 2018

Norfolk to Deltaville, VA



Departing Norfolk, we had to stay alert for the big container ships passing us on Chesapeake Bay 







When the dolphin showed up, the First Mate took a break from spotting vessel traffic! 





Our quiet anchorage was the peaceful balm we needed after our activity-packed, fun-filled week at the AGLCA Rendezvous.




And it's always a bonus when the anchor comes up clean as a whistle the next day!





Wormley Creek Marina was a delightful find! A friendly, family run marina and the the perfect place
from which to uber into Yorktown!






Doodles, the friendly marina cat, joined us for docktails at the tree-deck.
She never left our side after we became fast friends.



  
Our visit to Yorktown found Eddy consulting with the Revolutionary War leaders . . . .

. . . . and relearning that Yorktown was the site of the Revolutionary War's final battle.






We walked five miles the day we explored the battle field and marveled at the courage and sacrifice of all the soldiers.



There's something about canons that brings out the warrior in Captain Eddy.





Yorktown's  colorful flowers and charming architecture brought back memories of our days in England.





A walk along the Yorktown boardwalk allowed us to see several boats
but this was a stand-out!




Miles of hiking and hours of absorbing history called for a favorite refreshment!




Looking out at the Chesapeake Bay, we feel so fortunate to experience this adventure!




Our next stop is Deltaville Marina, where we connected with many Looper friends.




A short walk through the woods brought us to the nearby Maritime Museum.




A replica of Captain John Smith's launch.




The First Mate tries to fill the boots of a Chesapeake fisherman.




The Sculpture Garden was a surprise bonus!
Dozens of marvelous bird sculptures could be seen along the meandering path through the woods.


Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Great Bridge to Norfolk

We left North Carolina on our stern . . . . 

. . . . and welcomed Virginia on our bow!




Spiritus waited patiently for the scheduled opening of the swing bridge on the Virginia Cut.




After a long day of cruising, Spiritus is tied to the dock at Great Bridge.




 A skirmish between British troops and rebel colonists in Dec 1775 was one of many precursors that led to the American Revolution





Shortly after arriving, the Captain walked along the trail to read about the Battle of Great Bridge!





Spiritus and crew enjoyed the friendly ducks that continued to visit us daily!




A long walk to the Food Lion supermarket for provisions was rewarded with a refreshment.
The First Mate was in her happy place!




Enjoying a serene morning, sipping coffee on the flybridge as the sun rises.




The Great Bridge is opened and it is Spiritus' turn to pass through and enter the chamber lock just ahead.





After getting through the Virginia Cut, we approach the active seaport of Norfolk.  





It is hard to believe the humongous size of the USS Eisenhower!




The bustling Norfolk waterfront offers a noticeable contrast to the quiet rural settings we left behind. 





Spiritus  joins 55 Looper boats at Waterside Marina for the AGLCA 2018 Spring Rendezvous.





We joined 300 AGLCA members and reconnected with Loopers Mark and Lezlie . . . . 

. . . .  shared memories with Gold Loopers, Eric and Robin . . . .

. . . . shared group hugs with longtime friends and fellow board members Patsy and Kay . . . .

. . . . and enjoyed a night of Pub Crawling with this motley crew!!!




What a special surprise to be visited by a friend from our hometown of Navarre.
Patsy's granddaughter, Annika, is posing as a mermaid on Spiritus!




Although the fellowship was a highlight, we had responsibilities for the week.
Eddy gave a presentation on Weather 101 while Linda facilitated a Women Aboard session.
The day after our seminars, our hard drive crashed!!




The Spring Rendezvous was fabulous but it's time to head north and continue our adventure!


























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