Norfolk, VA & home
11 October 2010 | Norfolk, VA
Diana/sunny & warm
We had a smooth cruise down the Chesapeake in warm sunny weather with little wind - so another day of motor sailing. It took longer than we thought to actually get to Norfolk because the harbor is so deep - 9 extra nautical miles (nm). That's what makes it such a protected harbor and one reason why it is the biggest naval base in the country. After cruising the east coast I am left with two impressions I had not really thought about - one is the tremendous military presence along our shores and the other is the quantity and size of the commercial vessels bringing in imported goods - many as you would expect having Chinese lettering on the side.
We spent the last night on the boat after wandering ashore into Portsmouth, VA., across the river from Norfolk. There is much commemoration to Lafayette in town. Most of the towns so far have emphasis on historic preservation. The next day we cleaned and made preparations to leave. It is a busy marina - of course the weather was summer-like, which folks said was typical. Lots of friendly people- in a way different from the north, not that they are unfriendly (except Long Islanders)- just different, anyway we were reminded we were in the south. Home for a few weeks then back to take Surprise to Savannah.
It has been so great - so simple and in the moment - basic.