Coinjock to Deltaville

 

First opening of the day

We waited less than 5 minutes

Spring has yet to arrive

3/17/2021

We left at 7:00 after talking to the Fleming group so we wouldn't have to pass them in a narrow channel.  7 engine hours later we arrived at 2:30.

This facility is for Perdue - lots of chicken feed

Busy commercial Port

Busy waterfront, even on a cold rainy March morning

2 Bridges today that have to open for us and one lock.  first bridge opens every 30 minutes and the second on the hour.  Aqua Map app has a feature that lists hazards and bridges and gives an eta which helps plan timing for tide or openings.  Cold rainy foggy morning but we timed the bridges well.  We got to a railroad bridge in Norfolk that is having periodic closures for repairs.  We were aware of the Local Notice to Mariners concerning the repairs.  It had been closed the two previous days, with only an hour opening at 12:00 - 1:00PM.  It was open as we approached and started closing when we were about .25 miles away.  No response on radio so Rosemary called the number listed for the tender, after a couple of calls we were rewarded with an opening and we were on our way.

Many different types of Naval Vessels

One of several Aircraft Carriers in dry dock
what kind of Navy vessel is in foreground?

Always patrol boats in vicinity

Before we left Norfolk Harbor, which was as crazy busy a commercial port as ever, we were boarded by the Coast Guard.  Since it was a cold wet and windy day there were few pleasure boats around.  They couldn't have been nicer or more competent.  The one "Coastie" who was onboard was very personable.  He was a policeman who also worked for the Coast Guard on reserve.  He told us a funny story about the railroad bridge that is undergoing repairs.  He said he has arrested people, given people tickets and seen people at their worst, but he has never encountered more really angry people than when he had to tell them the ICW was closed for days.

Last leg of our winter adventure

The Lower Chesapeake was as nasty as predicted, but we were never in any danger, just uncomfortable for the 2 hour run North.  I slowed, but it wasn't significantly more comfortable and just would have taken longer, so we powered up and trimmed the bow down and hammered on.  One of the Flemings also continued to Deltaville and arrived about 2 hours later.