On to Norfolk, Va

     Although a little hazy, it was a comfortable ride outside the shipping channels all the way down the bay. We could see in the distance the target ship used by the navy for practice and became somewhat alarmed when a warning came over the VHF that all ship traffic was to remain a distance of 15 nautical miles. Live firing was about to take place!  We watched a helicopter hovering over a smoke bomb, which I think was marking the limit of approach to the area, then we heard jets screaming overhead.  Fortunately we were far enough away and didn't have to change course. Interestingly, we did not hear any live fire.

                                                                       

                          
                              Staton Island Ferry Coming out of Norfork Harbour.....is he lost?
                                                                                 

                                                        No......he is being towed.


   As we entered Norfolk, Danny sat in the upper helm taking in the impressive view of the Naval dockyard and ships buzzing up and down the area known as Hampton Roads.
     Particularly impressive was the armed sharp shooter blatantly standing on the front of the aircraft carrier.  There was a marked ring of buoys delineating a range outside the ship and the message was clear.  Cross past this line and you will be shot!  You can't blame them after what happened when a terrorist group killed many American sailors by blowing a whole in the side of the USS Cole.  We eased past and silently thanked them for their honor and diligence. Clearly these people are highly skilled and they practice all the time. Their efforts make it possible for us to continue to be able to be free and able to choose the vocations that allow us to accomplish and achieve our careers and goals and ultimately live this decadent cruising life. As the venerable Bob Bitchin says, "I don't recommend decadence as a way of life, but it has worked for me!"
                                                                             

                                                                                  

                                                                                   

          
                              If you zoom in you can see top of submerged submarine

                                                                                

 

                                                                                 

           
                                                            Lots of security                                                               


                                                                                 

  Since this was an emergency stop due to a catastrophic equipment failure, (our coffee pot quit working and we had no coffee for 3 days! lol) we decided to tank up with fuel and stay the night at Ocean Marine Yacht Center. Our next stop was the local Wal Mart for a coffee pot and other essentials (read more beer!).  The cab driver waited for us, took us back to the boat than dropped us off at a well known local dining establishment call "Roger Browns."  Slow relaxing service, good food and reasonable prices made it obvious why it is a local favorite......and it was an easy walk along the waterfront back to the boat.

                                                                                 

Super Mega Yacht "Equanimity" pulling in to the same marina.They were out sea trialing. Apparently has been berthed at Ocean Marine for the past month.....they were fueling and stocking with supplies while we were there.They will be pulling out on Monday. Crew of 30!


     Sophie and Spencer were excited to see our return and to go for a walk in the waterfront park. They have tolerated the ride better than me meaning they seem to have overcome their sea sickness but the thunderstorms still really bother Spencer.  Sophie, on the other hand seems oblivious to the storms and just wants to play.