Day 25 - Norfolk, VA

It was great to leave Coinjock,NC and make our way to Mile Marker 0 of the ICW and Norfolk, VA.

As we are a rather small boat, we have not had to wait for bridges along the route so far. But, Virginia changed that and it was quite neat.

We have 4 different bridges open up for us - okay not really for us - more like on the hour and half hour - And, one lock....that went up exactly 1 foot...still exciting though.

Here are the bridges (my favorite was the last - Great Bridge - the counter weights were just enormous)....

And the Great Bridge Lock - The boats tie up to the cleats on the walls to hold in place while the water flows in. But, you need to man the tie-ups in case they need to be adjusted while water is rising. There was just one other boat with us this day. But during peak times, the lock would be full on both sides. The lock operates once an hour by a very friendly crew that wished us a good summer.

Here is the lock....

As we entered into the Norfolk basin/Elizabeth River area, the amount of activity was amazing...barges everywhere, huge port projects, loads of tugs pushing machinery and supplies along the river, and gigantic military vessels being re-fitted/worked on. Serene does not come to mind here....

A few scenes......

In Norfolk, we will stay one night at the Waterside Marina dock and then one at The Waterside Sheraton. There has got to be good fruit here!!!