Coinjock to Norfolk

 3/17/2022

Coinjock (Coinjock Marina) to Norfolk (Waterside Marina)

Centerville Turnpike swing bridge

We had quite a bit of rain overnight and into early morning when Sandy was walking Parker.  By the time we were leaving at 8:45 (we could not dawdle any more to leave at 9:00) it was sunny.

We wanted to leave at 9:00,  so we could time the bridges.  The first bridge that has to open was 30 miles away, opens on the hour and half hour, the second bridge was 35 miles away and opens on the hour or half hour.  The third bridge, which is only  37.5 miles away, and is immediately followed by a lock, opens only on the hour, so you are setting yourself up to be there on the hour, otherwise you will wait the whole time.  None of these bridges/locks opens on demand, and some of them don't open at all during rush hours if the road is a busy road.  There are also numerous railroad bridges that are usually open, but can be closed if a train is coming.   After the lock there are still 3 railroad bridges that are usually open, but can close for trains, and as I mentioned in an earlier post one of those bridges will be closed on Saturday, for a while, for maintenance.  Another reason we really wanted to expedite getting out of the ICW.

Tug pushing large barge passing us at dock Coinjock

We are alone at Coinjock! very rare occurrence

After we had gone through the first three bridges and the lock, one of the railroad bridges (we had already passed) closed for 1/2 hour for a train, then we heard another boat asking when the train was coming, how much longer they would be delayed, and the bridgetender told him another 1/2 hour, and that there were maintenance people on the bridge as well!.  It is not easy to just hold your boat in position all that time, especially if other boats are waiting with you.  I am not sure if they ever got through, we are just thankful that we did!

Foggy morning

We are staying at the Waterside Marina in Norfolk, we stay at this marina whenever we are in this area.  There is so much going on, always something to see.  Norfolk is such a busy port.  A bit overwhelming the first time you go through as there is so much commercial and military traffic, but really cool once you slow down and can appreciate it.

Tug on a barge crazy busy port
commercial, Military and recreational

Parker relief at adjacent park Wynnewood in background

As I said before, we really seem to be ahead of the transients this year, and we had our pick of slips at the marina.  Easy docking with a nice dockhand who knew how to tie the boat the first time.  We got Parker off as the skies were threatening again.  Within 10 minutes of getting back on the boat, we had a wicked thunderstorm and heavy rain.  Very lucky!

Gilmerton railroad bridge - this closed for maintenance
 after we passed, unscheduled, for at least an hour
second draw bridge immediately after,
 we fit under without opening

Today is St. Patrick's Day and as we are old farts, we will be picking up some food, once it stops raining, and have dinner on the boat.  We will keep Parker happy.  Tomorrow we go to Deltaville where we will sleep on the boat one last time for a bit.  We leave Saturday and the boat stays here for some minor repairs and general maintenance issues.  

constant activity