May 13, 2013 - Anchorage at Reedville

We decided to head to an anchorage close to Reedville for the some quiet time aboard SeaGlide. 

We couldn't believe our luck when we found this quiet anchorage with no other boat in sight - it is Mill Creek #4.  The pool in the distance was the home of three Great Blue Herons.  We enjoyed watching them all evening along with some other creatures...

 

 

Across the channel

 

 

 

We got up early to make our way up to Solomon's Island, MD.  After we were well underway, I went downstairs to shower up and couldn't find Amos anywhere.  I opened all closets, cupboards, even the engine room compartment.  I was distraught as a went up to the flybridge to get Jeff.  I took over the helm as he did a search of his own - with no luck.

 

We turned the boat around and headed back to the anchorage hoping that somehow, someway he would be there.  In route we searched the water with binoculars thinking that every black & white crab pot was Amos... Once back at the anchorage, he was no where to be found.  We were both heartbroken when we decided that the only thing we could do was resume the trip and that perhaps someone would find him and scan him for his microchip. 

 

When Jeff got back up to the flybridge, Amos was sitting there in the Captains seat - waiting for the journey to begin again...  We have since found his hiding place beneath the dinghy... What a harrowing experience.   

 

We went by this point three times in search of Amos - a good reminder to never give up hope...

 

  

Next, we were back into the Chesapeake to cross the Potomac in route to Solomons Island.



 

another gusty day with lots of sea spray....

 



 

 

 

 



May 10-12, 2013 - Deltaville

Got an early start headed to Deltaville.  We had three buddy boats with us - Lightfoot, Bucket List, and Always Five O'Clock.  Everyone was excited about going up the Chesapeake together.  We went up the Elizabeth River via the naval tour route, over the tunnel, and past Fort Monroe.  It got pretty exciting when the US Coast Guard escorted a submarine across our bow at Thimble Shoal Channel.  The USCG warns all mariners via VHF radio to keep their distance or be prepared for the consequences...

 

Once at Dozier's Regatta Point we had a great time.  The first night they had a wine and cheese reception.  The second night was a barbecue - they supplied the grills and we brought our own meat  and a side to share.  Then the following morning they had a great Mother's Day breakfast, and we had a discussion on the Chesapeake - what to see and do.

 

The marina

 

 

 

Some of our looper buds.

 

Doziers even had entertainment with music,

 

dinghy races,

and, of course, bikes to borrow.

 

  

 

After several days of fun and relaxation, we waived goodbye to Deltaville and Doziers - we had a great time! 

Goodbye for now to Lightfoot, Blue Heron, and Rick & Roll.

 

 

 Somehow on our journey Blue Heron is most always there to cast off our lines in the morning and catch them for us in the evening.  They have now completed their loop, and we are going to sorely miss them. 

 

We pulled across to Norview Marina to fuel up and upon leaving saw Bucket List just outside the channel.  Apparently they hit the wreck of sailing vessell Irene, and it damaged their boat.  Blue Heron was just in front of us, but unfortunately, there was nothing any of us could do to help.  Bucket List called TowBoatUS for assistance.  We heard from them later that it is going to delay their trip by around 6 weeks - so now we say a goodbye for now to our dear friends...

 

Bucket List entangled in the wreck Irene.

 

 

 





 

 



 

 

May 4-10, 2013 - Norfolk AGLCA Rendezvous

Spent the first day exploring our new surroundings.  Events for the AGLCA begin on Monday and go through Thursday.  It was great meeting up with folks that we've met along the way thus far.

The ferry to Portsmouth at the end of the dock and the naval workyard across the harbor.

 

 Downtown buildings and parks just outside the marina.

 

 

 

A sightseeing schooner on our dock.

 

A wine festival was well underway...

 

 and SeaGlide was in the middle of it all...

 

Scenes from around town: 

Marina Overview

 

The Battleship Wisconsin

 

Chinese Restaurant with beautiful gardens.

 



 Fell in love with the quaint residential area known as Ghent.

 

Even the sewer drain covers have a unique character... 

 

And what do boaters do with their "off" time??  Go on a Naval Base Harbour Tour, of course!  Jeff and I were about the only ones that stayed outside the boat - everyone else stayed indoors downstairs due to the wind and chill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a fun-filled and busy week of attending classes, dinners, and docktails we got our complimentary box of donuts said goodbye to Norfolk...

 

 Blue Moon waving us off 

 



Next stop, Deltaville!  Dozier's Regatta Point is having an "After Rendezvous Event" for all the loopers.  We expect to meet up with several other boats as we take a few days to unwind from the AGLCA Rendezvous.  We went up the Elizabeth River via the naval tour route.

Bucket List, Always Five O'Clock, and Lighthouse all right behind us. 

 

 

 

 

 

May 2-4, 2013 - Dismal Swamp to Norfolk

Pulled out of Elizabeth City in time to make the lock opening at South Mills.  The Pasquotank River really narrowed down, and it was a beautiful ride on the river.

The Pasquotank River

We were really anxious about taking SeaGlide through her first lock, but this was the perfect lock for our first experience - not much lift, wind, or current to deal with.

The South Mills Lock

 

We were only lifted around 8 feet to get into the Dismal Swamp.

 

 

 

Here we go into the great Dismal Swamp...

 

but first the bridge tender gets into his pickup

 and rushes downstream to open the bridge for us. 

 

Now we're set to continue the adventure -

only 33 miles to Norfolk and about 5500 to complete the loop!

 

Jeff at the helm. 

 

Stayed at the free Dismal Swamp Welcome Center dock.

The Welcome Center is unique in that it is also a Welcome Center for highway traffic.

 

Seven of us rafted up together to enjoy the free dock,

 interpretive center, and hiking and biking trails.

 

Hiking trail

 

 

Went on 12 mile bike ride down this beautiful trail.

Saw deer and lots of animal tracks along with a ton of butterflies.

 

 

 

Met two other looper boats - Q's Cabin and Always Lucky Again.

They joined us and Bucket List for Docktails at the end of the day.

 

The next day we're back underway on the Dismal. 

 Hard to believe the canal was actually hand dug by slaves. 

 Slave owners sent their slaves to do the work,

 and thus allowed the Underground Railway to get its start here.

 

Psychedelic Waves

 

We decided to make the 3:30 lock opening at Deep Creek

 and anchor out before making the final push to Norfolk. 

 



 Deep Creek Anchorage - looks desolate, but actually lots of road noise... 

 

as this bridge was just around the corner.

 

Making our push into Norfolk in rainy, foggy, windy weather. 

 

 

  

 

 

We're definitely traveling with the big boys now!! 

 

 

 

 

Made it to Waterside Marina in Downtown Norfolk.

 Home sweet home for the next week as we attend the

 America's Great Loop Cruisers Associations Spring Rendezvous. 



Waterside Marina

SeaGlide snuggled in between battleships and buildings.