The day started bright and early at 6.15am - a bit of a struggle for us after our long slog yesterday. But we were up and at it and pulling anchor at first light. We were one of the first boats out of the anchorage along with Blessed Spirit. Our first goal was the Gilmerton Bridge that was scheduled to open at 8.30am. We arrived in plenty of time along with about 16 other boats!! It is definitely peak migration season and a lot busier than when we headed South last time. Mind you we are about 4 weeks earlier than we were before. Unfortunately, common courtesy was not the name of the game amongst the crowd of boats today. There was a lot of jostling and unsafe maneuvering at the bridges and then a mad scramble for the lock as we all tried to make sure that we all fitted in! All in all it was a very stressful experience. We were tempted to head down the Dismal Swamp route as this appeared to be much less traveled but it is longer and for some reason we feel as though we are in a rush - we both agree we need to slooooow down and chill! But we all locked through without mishap and then Blessed Spirit and Osprey pulled off the highway and tied up to the free dock here at Great Bridge. This is a good stop (mainly because it is free!) and close to a good supermarket so we were able to resupply with milk, fruit and veg. We have spent a lazy afternoon basking in the warm (hot!) sunshine, reading and generally luxuriating in the fact that we are cruising at last. Tomorrow we plan on heading out early again and hope to make up some miles. Rain is forecast for the weekend so not sure how far we will get.

Cruiser Notes: About 18 -20 boats fitted in the lock - so generally there will be room for everyone. Great Bridge tie up - 24 hour limit but does not appear to be enforced. Fresh Market close by - good provisioning stop. Coin Laundry also in the same plaza.