Day 2: Cockrell Creek to Norfolk

Last night, after settling in at anchor, Ann and I watched the Michigan basketball game and a couple of innings of the World Series. After reading about the game this morning, I wish I had watched until the end. I've never seen a walk off grand slam, much less in the World Series game 1. 

I was up at 5:30 this morning and ready to get moving, but there were hazards in the water such as crab pots and fishing fences, and we were worried that we would not see them in the dark, so we waited for first light. As the horizon began to light up, I took this picture behind us, and we got the anchor up.

I used my new Dockmate remote with the windlass for the first time, and it's definitely a keeper. Made life so much easier. Ann observed that now I can do everything by myself. However, we were not sure about the depth around us, so I went up to the helm to use the instruments while Ann stayed behind and washed off the anchor. Nice try, Ann!

Leaving at first light has the advantage that you get to see some amazing view of nature. I also learned about the green flash (thanks Ches!), but I did not see it this morning.

This was really spectacular!

As we approached Norfolk Harbor, this lighthouse caught my eye. So pretty.

We saw lots of dolphins. They were too quick for my camera, but I managed to get one shot where you can see them. All these years of boating, and we still get so excited when we see dolphins diving around our boat.

You know you're getting close to Norfolk when you see the battleships. I'm so impressed by these enormous floating metal marvels.

In the final stretch today, we had to leave our programmed route to avoid the dredging operation that was happening in the middle of the channel.

Entering our marina was quite an adventure. The boats are packed in really tight, and I had to maneuver through the narrow entrance, make a 90 degree turn with barely enough room to clear the boats around me, back down a fairway, and dock on a fixed pier. And not only that, I'm new to using the Dockmate remote, so I had limited confidence. Happily, it went without a hitch, but I sat down to breathe heavily for a few minutes when it was over.

At the marina, we ran into some fellow Michiganders. Here is the bow of their boat, with a UM flag.

But Wolverines fandom was not all we had in common with them. Here is their boat from astern. Absolutely love that name, and it was fun meeting members of the tribe. Sadly, they are Yankees fans, but nobody's perfect. 

I spent about an hour washing down Empty Nest. The boat never seems as big to me as when I have to wash it. Our last leg was in very salty water, so the boat really needed it. Then, Ann and I walked around town. Norfolk is not the best looking city, but we did find some cool nautical-themed stuff. Here is Ann with a very, very big anchor.

Next, we took an Uber over to Portsmouth to an amazing Mexican restaurant that we discovered last year on this same trip. After a great meal, we took the ferry back to Waterside. On the way we passed another battleship.

When we returned to the boat, the marina had filled in even more. Here is what I'm looking at from our bow. I seriously do not know if I'll be able to leave without some of those boats leaving first. This is unfortunately because I like to leave at the break of dawn, and unless some of these guys take off early, we'll probably be stuck here. I don't think our boat would physically fit here. Getting in backing down the fairway was challenging enough, but this looks near impossible. 

As night fell, I snapped a picture of Empty Nest with all our blingy lights on.

Now we're watching the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game. Tomorrow, the real fun begins as there is never a dull moment on the ICW. We have bridges, a lock, and lots of other boats to contend with.

Go Blue!! And Goodnight.