Yes! We made it in safely to Norfolk without incident. It was another very nice day out on the water with conditions very similar to yesterday. We left Mobjack Bay right at daybreak and saw beautiful coloring in the sky as the sun emerged from behind some clouds.
We no sooner got out of Mobjack Bay and began to hear radio chatter about Naval maneuvers in the Hampton Roads area, including a planned bomb detonation. We knew we were required to stay away from military craft and intended to give these nautical activities a wide berth, but when we were still 10 nautical miles away, the Coast Guard contacted us both by radio and in person! A patrol boat pulled up to advise that the security zone today extended six nautical miles around the maneuvers. They then escorted us and three other vessels along a path quite close to the Hampton area shoreline that on the charts was also marked restricted.
It was pretty awe-inspiring to see all the aircraft carriers docked at Hampton Roads and see the armed sailors in gunboats flying around the waters looking fierce. We also saw the giant hospital ship Comfort docked.
We tied up at the floating pier at Waterside without difficulty as the breakwater smoothed out all the chop present in the harbor. It is CLEARLY a city marina-we hear traffic, construction, dogs barking, people’s chatter as they pass by walking or jogging, and big ships and tugs passing through the harbor.
We have reservations through Wednesday. We had originally planned to stay only two days, but currently Wednesday’s forecast shows winds 18-20 gusting to 29 knots so we booked the extra day just in case.
Another factor that will affect our plans (and likely our sleep) is Hurricane Matthew. Staying here an extra day will buy us a bit more information about its’ track north. We are watching all the updates frequently but it is too early and its path too uncertain to make a firm plan yet. We also have concerns about Tommy’s sisters Lisa and Karen and their families, our niece Olivia and her husband Jared, plus Paula’s parents located in Nags Head, Boca Raton, Wilmington, NC and Lakeland, FL respectively.
Tonight we showered up, and as a treat, went to Shula’s 347 Grill for a steak and salad dinner.
3 Responses
Woof
The ships of Freedom.
Amen!
Keeping an eye on Matthew. Been checking in on my resources at the NWS. The current track and computer models show it moving northwest to start, paralleling the Florida east coast, then possibly skirting the entire east coast, staying just off shore, but following the northeastern curve of the U.S. There is still a possibility it will move a bit to a more northeasterly track, but the computer models show a chance (in fact they are trending that way) that it moves more northwesterly first. This latter model could spell trouble for the east coast and for you guys! I know you guys will play it safe! I’ll be tracking it and you!