A Short Run Through US Navy-Land

First, our new location:Just click on the link below. It will take you to Google Maps and a "balloon" will mark our exact GPS location. Sometimes the map shows up too close and sometimes too far. So, just use the zoom (+) and (-) buttons on the left side to zoom in or out as necessary. We like to zoom out to see where we are in a bigger picture. Also, sometimes the screen shows up as a "MAP" view and sometimes as a "SATELLITE" view. We like the satellite view best, but both are good.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&t=h&ll=36.723338,-76.233659&spn=0.020192,0.052142&z=15&msid=102224145462847302635.00047652181b71bd6b218

It was a short cruise today. Due to the lock at Great Bridge VA closing for parts of the day and the boat traffic backup, we decided to wait out the "jam" and leave Portsmouth early afternoon. We also decided to use a marina tonight because the temps were going to 41F. OR, was it because Vicki didn't want to miss her favorite TV program--"Dancing With The Stars"?

Passing through the Norfolk Harbor is always a treat. It's a huge seaport with big Navy war ships being maintained. We always see old aircraft carriers, guided missile frigates, hospital ships and various cargo and troop transport vessels.

Because of the Navy presence and the commercial port; and also because there are a half dozen bridges, locks etc to open on a tight schedule, we have to stay quite focused. We time our cruise to "jive" with the openings; and, that is sometimes not easy. Anyway, we completed the short 13-mile run today averaging just under 5 mph--that's good! Here are some more shots of Norfolk Harbor.

Again, we have davit-envy. I'm beginning to know what it must be like to be Doug on Gypsies in the Palace. This "davit" is bigger than the davit on Tide Hiker (see ours at the bottom of the photo). Ours is rated for 900 Lbs. I'll bet anyone that that big one in the Navy Shipyard is at least double that!!

Do you think they do any real heavy lifting in this ship yard?