Where is GYPSEA?

Since we spent much of our time in Florida outside of the ICW, we did not appreciate as much, the comments about all the bridges we would encounter. Yesterday, and especially today, we certainly did get a taste of how bridges rule in certain sections of the ICW. We also experienced our first lock in this journey as well. We were fortunate that our timing today did not require more than a 15 minute wait for any bridge to open, and no requests for Identification numbers! Just about every type of bridge was encountered from a swing, to vertical lift , and classic drawbridge. The lock experience was new to us. We had to have life vests on, and there was a “Lock Keeper” who aided us with wrapping boat lines from our bow and stern around a cleat on the side of the lock, so the boat would stay in place as they dropped the level 2.5 feet. During our time waiting we got to connect with the boaters in front of us who were heading to Mystic CT. They were very friendly and will follow the same course as us over the next couple of days. There was a crazy bit of irony during our wait as well. Boaters tend to place stickers with the name and usually a graphic of their boat on the side walls of the lock. What are the odds that right next to our boat was a sticker from another boat named “GYPSEA!”

With the calm waters in the ICW combined with multiple, albeit short bridge waits, it was time to get cooking again. Today it was a simple breakfast sandwich, but it hit the spot!

As we moved along in Virginia passing into Norfolk, we had to adjust from a journey that was filled with beautiful landscapes to being dumped into a naval base shipyard. We passed numerous battleships in various states of build/repair as well as one coming in that passed along side us! It is absolutely incredible to try and grasp how these massive structures even begin to be built, let alone eventually be outfitted with all that is needed to support a crew and carry out their intended functions. When we were waiting to take delivery on our boat, we received pictures every week of the boat progress. The pictures of plumbing and electrical components being added were incredible, so to imagine what the “guts” of these ships must look like is almost incomprehensible. While the beauty of nature was not the focus here, there was still such awe in what I was seeing. I couldn’t help but think how ships like these, have and will protect the freedoms we enjoy.

Just outside of Norfolk we docked in Hampton, VA at the Safe Harbor Bluewater Marina. It was a beautiful facility with several dockhands on the ready to help us fuel and then move onto our slip. We had hoped to be able to walk around and possibly visit shops or have a meal in downtown Hampton, so we took a two mile walk to the downtown waterfront area on the other side of the bay from us. The walk was a great way to shake off our sea legs. Sadly, the waterfront area was limited in its offerings. It appears that there was an attempt to make the waterfront, with a good size marina, become a lively place to shop, eat and drink, but what we experienced were lots of vacant store fronts, a small brewery. and a hotel restaurant and bar. We decided to return to the marina to enjoy a bite to eat there.

Upon entering the marina restaurant low and behold our RI boat buddy was there along with another captain and crew that are heading north as well. There was lots of lively conversation about the days travels and where the next stop would be. With the seas set to calm down tomorrow, and nice weather predicted in general, all were in agreement, we’re going back on the open ocean and heading to Atlantic City!

My beautiful orchid continues to thrive. Will need to move it inside soon as the weather gets colder when we move further north.

Lining up to pass through the Centerville Turnpike swing bridge.

Next in line!… the bridge section on the left swings (rotates on a vertical axis) to allow an opening for boats to pass.

Passing under a vertical lift bridge.

Did someone say bridge!….passing through an open drawbridge.

Waiting for the water to drop at the Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake, VA

What are the odds that waiting in the lock I would look to my left and there was a sticker of a boat with the same name as ours!

Nutritious and delicious!

We have definitely seen our share of unique watercraft on this journey! Appears to be a mini barge.

These are a small sampling of the enormous ships we passed!

This pic is from when our boat was being built. Imagine what it must take to complete the inner components of those massive ships!

Naval Base Cruises allow large groups to enjoy the wonder of these vessels just as we did.

Bluewater Marina in Hampton, our home for the night!