We left Solomons on Saturday, October 14th. We were preparing to leave at 9 am but Pam discovered a leak under the sink in the head. John made a quick trip to Ace Hardware and after a quick fix we were on our way by 11:10 am.
Both Saturday and Sunday were picture-perfect, crisp fall days. The Bay was glassy smooth and we were able to average almost 8 kts (must be the new bottom paint!).
We stopped at Antipoison Creek on Virginia's Northern Neck the first night. Legend (or rumor) has it that the indians used the mud from the creek to cure Capt. John Smith's stingray wound (hence the "antipoison"). Next day was a carbon copy of Saturday and we arrived in Norfolk that afternoon. After a quick stop at Bluewater Yacht Center in Hampton for fuel ($2.30/gal), we continued into Norfolk. We anchored at Hospital Point which is at Mile Zero on the ICW. Only 1,245 nm to go!
There was only one carrier inport Norfolk (USS Theodore Roosevelt) which is a big contrast to last fall's trip. Must be a war going on...
Navy ships have changed a lot since I was last on them. Pictured is the USS San Antonio, the first in the class of new ships to carry and support a complete Marine air/ground task force. It can support four MV-22 Osprey aircraft, numerous air cushioned vehicles (LCAC) and armored assault vehicles. All the radar antennae, etc are completely enclosed which gives the ship a 'stealth' appearance.
1 comment:
Hey John & Pam,
Check out the USS TR (Rough Rider) here. http://www.tr.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx
They just had a burial at sea ceremony in Sept. A little piece of info about that ceremony is included.
Stay Safe
Norm
Post a Comment