Norfolk to Coinjock, NC

Today:  49 miles, 8 hours. ICW St. M 50

Total:   227.2 miles, 32.25 hours

Sunrise over the Navy in dry dock

Sunrise in Tidewater Marina
Portsmouth, VA

 We could take a little longer to head out this morning because we cannot pass through the Glimerton Bridge before 8:30 am due to commuter traffic restrictions.  It is five miles from Tidewater to the bridge, but we wanted to make sure we were there in plenty of time. Pete walked Bailey while I prepped for departure. The sun was rising as we exited the marina.  The air was cool, but not uncomfortable and clear. There was the usual traffic on the river: the ferry, barges and other cruising “snow birds” heading south.

Only a few cruisers anchored at
ICW St. M "0"

I love the scenery along the ICW!

We did good. We and 4 other boats had about 15 minutes to wait for the 8:30 opening of the bridge.  While waiting, the train came across the bridge just next to the Glimerton. Once it passed both bridges opened.  The Glimerton bridge keeper was able to announce once the bridge lifted vertically above 65 feet so the 3 sailboats could safely pass.

Entering the lock at Great Bridge

How far to...?

Waiting for the Bridge Opening

 I was really surprised that there are only 6 of us traveling the Virginia Cut, at this time. With the Dismal Swamp still closed, I just assumed that there would be many more boats traveling south on the only other inland cut.  The lock masters have always been friendly, and today was not an exception.  As we exited he wished us a great trip and will see us in the spring. He laughed when I said that “since we won’t see him until Easter, let me wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and News Year!” and he wished us the same.

One of the 2 pairs of Eagles
 we saw today

Another species of
 large birds, but
misnamed a "Hornet"

  We spotted a few interesting birds as we continued our journey through the Virginia Cut.  There was a large flock of Canadian Geese coming in for a landing near the Great Bridge Bridge (No, this is not a mistake. "Bridge" is repeated twice in the title. )Lots of gulls, crows and Turkey Vultures, a Kingfisher crossing over the lock as we waited for the 2-foot tidal difference, plenty of F-16s Hornet  doing touch-and-goes, and a total of 5 Bald Eagles, two pairs in different trees, while further down one soared high above.

Through the lock and for the next 2 bridges, we followed SV AQUINNAH, a ketch with a crew of three.  Their hailing port was Odessa, Delaware, so of course we had to chat.  “Aquinnah” is the name of a sacred Indian hill on Cape Cod.  They didn’t get to say where they were from, but they are heading to New Bern, NC, moving the boat for a friend. It became obvious that they were not totally familiar with the boat.  They slowed for every major bend in the Cut, wandered back and forth across the channel, and speeds changed from 7 mph to 4.5 and everywhere in between.  While passing the flight zone for the Pentress, the Naval auxiliary landing field, not only were the jets doing touch and goes, but 2 small, Naval barges transporting crew and equipment were heading north.  AQUINNAH had to be hailed and requested to move to the west of the channel. We finally passed them and continued our steady cruising speed of 7.2 for most of the trip.

One of Two Naval barges

Graffiti on the the bridge house

Railroad bridge crossing
the Virginia Cut

A bi-level bird condo

 

Another small, fast Navy vessel

As we were entering Currituck Sound, we were passed by 2 additional Naval small, fast craft heading north. They are different than the intimidating ones by the naval docks.  These were only about 40 feet, camouflaged, with enclosed seating for 8 in high back seats with crisscross belts and an open cockpit.

Just before entering the cut to Coinjock, we were hailed by a tug and barge heading north.  He requested we stay far to the west of the channel even though he need to hug the red just ahead.  Pete took us to the west at idle, giving time for the barge to pass us.  Unfortunately, we went gently a ground.  Pete decide to let the barge pass before trying to free ourselves.  However, a 40-foot sports fisher obviously wasn’t listening to the radio nor used common sense when passing between the barge and us.  His wake bounced us off the bar and we were able to continue once the tug passed.  I still don’t think we should say thanks to that sport fisherman.

Martha photographed this
tree back in fall, 2010, but with
an eagle decorating its branch

Entering Coinjock from the North

We had reservations for Coinjock Marina.  It was a good thing.  We arrived at the same time as about 8 other boats. We were able to fill up with fuel before being directed to the northern most spot on the dock.  Two hours later there no space to be had on the dock.  It is a shame that Midway Marina, just across the channel only had one boat for the night. The prices are the same, but Midway Marina is a little “tried.”  I know that the restaurant at Coinjock Marina is a draw, but also with so many large boats, their fuel is probably, fresher (no sediment).  Bailey loves the large, grassy area for fetching the stick or ball and “nature calls.”

While I took Bailey for a walk, Pete was visited by Marty, of SV PEGASES, the boat we were docked near in Solomons. As I joined the conversations, it turns out the they keep the boat at Spring Cove and know John and Betty.  In fact, they were Trivial Pursuit partners at the marina. She and her husband are heading down to Palm Beach and then planning to jump over to the Abacos after Christmas.  This will be their 7^th trip over to the Bahamas.  They love it there.  Hopefully, we will continue to cross paths during our journey.

Pete was able to finish up his work and we had dinner around 6:30. After dinner I did more work on the blog, but didn’t get a chance to post.  Tomorrow will be an early start.  With a strong front coming through on Sunday, we want to be somewhere protected.  We have decided to leave just as the sky is lightening (nautical twilight is at 6:45 tomorrow morning.) We will skip the anchorage at the top of the Alligator Pongo River and head directly to Belhaven. It will be a long day with 12 hours of motoring.  Unfortunately, there is only 12 hours of sunlight, so it will be tight.  The good news is that the maintenance on the Alligator River Bridge is not due to start for another week, so we will have no problem transiting tomorrow. Next week it is scheduled to remain in the closed position from 7 am to 7 pm for almost 2 weeks! Yikes!