We anchored out in Norfolk VA.  There was quite a group of sail boats anchored with us.  The marina in the background wanted $1.75 per foot for a slip or $89.50 per night.  That is out of the budget so anchor it was.  When we first parked, there were 4 boats in the anchorage but by the time everyone was in there were 10 0f us squeezed in there.

We got off early the next morning and saw many more ships.  Anyone that can identify them to us that would be great.  Mostly Navy ships but a few ships being loaded or unloaded.

We saw a couple of Aircraft Carriers one had the number 69 on it the other was 75.  Again anyone know?  Give us a comment on them.

We saw a couple of Barges side by side unloading.  Notice the depth of the one being unloaded versus the one waiting to be unloaded.

It was interesting watching the cranes loading and unloading the ships.

When we started out in the morning we didn’t know it but we had 3 bridges to pass and 1 lock yesterday.  That slowed us down because they were timed openings.  They would open only on the hour or the half hour.  It created a line up of boats and by the time we got past them.  It was sort of like a parade when we all started going through.

One thing they do show is the clearance of bridges at different tides.  They just have them marked at the bottom and as the tide rises and falls you can see what the clearance is.

This was a huge bridge that they just finished.  No problem clearing it, but is was a long winding bridge.

It was a day for Bald Eagles. They are so beautiful.  Thank you to those that had the wisdom to put them on the endangered species list and make it illegal to harm them.  Tam has a sharp eye and caught 2 of them yesterday.

So I occupied myself with a hat contest.  Natures hats.  As we were going through a narrow part I realized the trees that had fallen down had recycled and plants were growing out of the tops of them.  So, which tree had the prettiest hat on yesterday?  Comments are welcomed?

Everything from small plant to full sized trees.

Before I get through the day I’ll have to explain some drama and excitement that happened yesterday.

It began when we were following the channel map we went aground.  Not good as we were stuck.  A boat came by and we flagged them down and asked them if they could pull us off.  They reluctantly agrees so we tossed them a rope.  Well they did tow us off but after they did they threw the rope back at us and took off.  Well they threw it and it went through the prop!  Not good.  The engine stopped right away and after learning from experience we threw the anchor out and shut the engine  down in neutral.  Then  I proceeded to change into my swimsuit for a little afternoon swim.  The water temperature was 50 degrees so it was cold.  I dove under the boat and after about 30 min got the prop untangled and the rope removed.  The water was so dark (Reminded me of Lake Washington back in Mankato, MN) I could not see 6 inches in front of myself so the entire process was done by feel.  A little daunting but we managed to get it done and back on our way again.  We checked and no damage was done.

Then as we were headed to our anchorage we saw this gorgeous sunset.

Because of the time I took for the swim we had to anchor after dark.  Something we really don’t normally do.

“Living The Dream”

   Tammy & Steve