Currituck Sound to Hampton, Virginia

We left Coinjock Marina about 8:15 this morning (yes, we both got up early) as we had about 60 miles to cover to get to Hampton, Virginia.  Although the day dawned bright and sunny, it didn't take long for the clouds to move in as the front overtook us.  It was our first trip into the Currituck Sound and it was beautiful.

Before long we had attracted a following of seagulls.  Evidently our props stirred up something good from the bottom of the sound.

 The Currituck Ferry boat crossed our path.

After leaving the sound, we entered the Albemarle/Chesapeake Canal which connects the Currituck Sound with the Elizabeth River which flows into the Chesapeake.  By this time we were encountering periodic rain showers.

 

At the end of the canal is a lock that lowers you down to the level of the Elizabeth River.  The appearance of the lock caught us by surprise and set off a chinese fire drill of sorts.  Ted was yelling "Katy, theres a lock ahead!" and Katy was saying,  "That's really cool, I can't wait to watch." She hears Ted yelling "Hurry, get the lines, port side tie up. She says, "So what does that mean? Why do we have to tie up?"  It has been a  number of years since we had been through a lock.  Finally we got organized, took out some lines and fenders,entered the lock chamber and tied ourselves up alongside the lock wall.  The gates closed behind us:

Of course it started raining again.  Katy was on the bow of the boat holding a line and Ted was on the rear of the boat holding another line.  The lines had to be let out as the water level dropped and the boat lowered in the lock.  When the rain started, Ted stepped up onto the aft deck out of the rain, unfortunately Katy was getting wet.  Fortunately (for Ted), Katy was not able to see that Ted was staying high and dry - all she could see was the lines going to the rear of the boat. 

The lock looking forward towards the Elizabeth River:

After the water level dropped to the level of the Elizabeth River, the front gates opened and we moved out into the Elizabeth River.  Several southbound boats were waiting to enter the lock and be raised up to the canal. 

We passed through mile after mile of Norfolk shipyards where several carriers and battleships were moored as well as large commercial ships.

Appears to be a Harrier on deck:

 

We were glad to see that security was tight.  We were even happier that the gun was not pointed at us.

 

We passed by about 10 miles of huge docks (at no wake speeds) and waited for 6 bridges to open, including one railroad bridge that took about 30 minutes for the train to clear.  All this and two more rain showers and we were ready for the Hampton Marina.

Finally we crossed the James River, entered the Hampton River and tied up at the Hampton downtown waterfront just in time to meet our two favorite boating buddies, John and Nancy Crites.  They are some of our best friends.  We have had many adventures with them.  They are fearless in times of boating hazards.  They always think of them as adventures.  We have had many with them. 

We promptly whipped up the usuals.  We each had several.  Then Katy made us the best birthday nachos  I ever had.  Nancy promptly passed out after dinner.  Happy birthday to me.