36°50′28″ N 76°17′29″ W

July 23 – Tidewater Marina, Portsmouth VA

The photo above shows the view of downtown Norfolk last night from our flybridge while docked at the marina in Portsmouth.

We are now at mile “0” of the ICW. Norfolk/Portsmouth is recognized as the beginning of the inland route to Florida. Since leaving Jacksonville FL on July 1 we have travelled 740 miles!

We left Coinjock at 7:45 yesterday morning (July23) & arrived at the marina here in Portsmouth at 4:00pm. We had to wait over an hour for two bridge openings so we would have made a bit better time if not for those delays. Our trip was pretty smooth compared to the day before.

We saw lots of Ospreys in their nests as we motored past the port & starboard navigation markers in the channels.

The birds did not like us getting too close & would give out warning cries as we approached each marker. Then they would quiet down right after the back end of our boat passed the marker.

There was one lock on the route to Norfolk. We were the only boat to go through heading North. The lock lowered our level by about two feet.

Yesterday I started flying the Goderich Yacht Club burgee on the bow – figured the US Navy boats ahead in Norfolk would appreciate knowing what club I belong to 😉

Before we reached the downtown areas of Portsmouth & Norfolk we passed through a very heavily industrialized area. We passed under two gigantic railway lift bridges that looked like the gates to the city.

A little further on we saw several navy ships undergoing refits.

Today we will try to take a tour of one or two of the “retired” ships that are docked in the downtown area & accessible to the general public.

We plan to stay in Norfolk for 2-3 days, resting up, being tourists & doing some shopping & minor repairs to the boat.

This morning was a real treat for us as the temperature has dropped to much more tolerable levels. I’m actually a bit chilly & wearing my fleece jacket while having my morning coffee. Ed is a bit heartier than me.

Cheers!