Norfolk Yacht and Country Club Norfolk, VA June 2 - 6, 2016
Leaving Coinjock was easy enough, but boy did we hit fog in the Virginia Cut...we could barely see 300 yards in front of us...Fortunately it started burning off fast because we had to go under 7 bridges and one lock at Great Bridge. Thankfully, a couple of the bridges stay up, so we really only had to wait on two of them. Things sure got busy the closer we got to Portsmouth. Lots more traffic both pleasure and commercial. We were one of 5 other boats waiting for that lock. What was unexpected was how fast & strong the tide was going through that lock! WOW! It took both mom and dad to hang on to the ropes. They got to chat with the friendly woman lock master. They discovered there was a Revolutionary War battle at Great Bridge in 1775. Once they left Great Bridge, not only did the barges increase but the amount of industry! Some of the industrial buildings were very old, like those at the Portsmouth and Norfolk Navy shipyards. Sadly, the shipyards didn't look that busy...we actually passed the one shipyard, Ocean Marine, we are taking Moondance to on Monday to have some work done. Dad said, "That having the shafts repacked was above his ability level!"
Seeing Norfolk from this view was really fun, but the waterways were busy, so dad had to be very watchful! We found our marina and were able to dock without any issues. This yacht club is really something! So many buildings, that we wouldn't be able to find anything without their signs. It has 3 different places to eat, a large fitness facility, pool, sailing, tennis and the marina. I can only imagine the incredible events they have here...the grounds are just beautiful; as is the neighborhood surrounding it. We all have a view of the Lafayette River.
Mom and dad have been having so much fun with Christy and Gerry! They took M & D to see this completely redone area of Oceanview, where they now live. Just an incredible transformation from slum to a fabulous, well thought out community in the old coastal style. These homes look like they have been there forever. Truly amazing!
Mom and dad went to the Oceanview Pier for lunch with them, but they brought no goody bag for me. Boo! M & D did return to feed me and let me out before Gerry & Christy picked them up for First Friday on Granby St. Great fun with a bunch of their neighbors!!!
Followed by a terrific meal at the Brick Anchor Brewhouse...Arugula and Red Oak Salad for mom with Grilled Cheese Short Rib sandwich for dad. It all sounds so good...
This morning I'm getting a proper grooming at Happy Tails Resort, while mom has her knee checked at an Sentara Urgent Care with an Orthopedic Dr there. She has been walking with her walking stick because her knee is very swollen. She is not quitting our adventure, but figuring out how to best deal with it? Despite all the wonderful food both she and dad are losing weight. YEAH! I have to admit I do look much improved and mom has more of a plan on how to deal with her bum knee.
After returning home from our morning outings M & D went to see the Naval base...they said they hardly recognize the types of ships or the base anymore...The base is very downsized but still takes up a tremendous amount of space...They could see Oceanview where our friends live from one part of the base.
They plan to drive up to Williamsburg & Yorktown either tomorrow just to see the changes there. Norfolk has really done a tremendous job revitalizing itself since M & D lived here 44 years ago!
Tonight we are going to dinner at Christy and Gerry's house...They wanted us to stay with them which was so nice but it's just easier to stay on the boat.
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| The Admiral |
Art work on the the bridge housing
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