Our first night in a big city marina was a good one. Knowing we were secured in a slip relieved us of middle of the night checks. We actually slept great with all the hatches open. The construction noises all stopped at dusk, and the traffic over the Berkley Bridge subsided to a low white-noise whooshing that sounded like the wind.

This sunny mild morning we walked almost 4 miles around the city on the “Cannonball Trail”. This self-guided walking tour gives details on plaques scattered about the city regarding historic points of interest.

Among these we found the McArthur museum which we plan to “do” in detail tomorrow when the weather may be less pretty for walking. We also saw the church where his funeral was held. We gaped at the huge battleship Wisconsin which is permanently docked here and plan to tour that as well.

Paula was especially touched by the Armed Forces Memorial which featured letters from servicemen, who died in combat, to their loved ones. Dating from the American Revolution thru the Vietnam war, these eloquent and terribly affecting letters are cast in bronze, and scattered over the plaza like leaves in the wind.

On a lighter note, we have also been the recipients of much doggie love courtesy of four tiny dogs from various boats in the Marina-a pug, a dachshund, a Pekingese, and a sweet border terrier named Bella  who guards her catamaran vigilantly from the other dogs.

Once back on C Ghost, Tom worked on the hurricane plan. Paula tidied up in a frenzy in honor of the much anticipated visit of Tommy’s sister Lisa, who brought us some much appreciated grocery supplies. Even better than the provisions was the wonderful feeling of being with family. Lisa brought us up to date with family news and anecdotes and we gave her the grand tour of C Ghost.

We walked to 219 American Bistro and had a great dinner and sinful desserts. Vegetarian special with quinoa for Lisa, Trout Bercy for Paula, and Teryaki Salmon for Tom. Lisa was able to stay a while in the cockpit with us, chatting and laughing. We watched the Schooner American Rover ghost into our marina from its sunset cruise.

Lisa now returns to her home in Nags Head, which is currently under a state of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew.

(Tom) Regarding Hurricane Matthew – We’ve made arrangements with the marina we’re in to stay here in Norfolk through Sunday if necessary. So far as marinas go, this one is pretty up-to-date and sturdy. Our slip is on a floating concrete pier. The pier floats up and down on concrete pilings that extend 15′ above the tide line (in case of a large surge). This marina also has a “wave screen” on its main pier that parallels the Elizabeth river which keeps the water strikingly calm on the inside where we are presently berthed. Lastly, there is a high-sided private cruise ship docked just on the other side of the pier we are facing and it blocks any wind from the north.

(Tom) Like Paula, I too was affected by the letters from the soldiers in the war memorial we visited today. Most telling about them was the high quality of the writing and overwhelming love of country.