10/17/16 - Norfolk, VA

10/17/16

As I sit here in the cockpit anchored at Hospital Point in Norfolk, VA watching the boats go by and the sun on my back I will update you on our travels:

Our arrival at the Hideaway Marina was pie scheduled.  After transiting the last NY lock, Lock #1 in Troy, I handed Jerry the bag of apples and a peeler while I worked on mixing and rolling the crust.  We had warm apple pie to share with Vince when we arrived at the marina.  Vince used the crane on Wednesday to pick up the mast and set it in place while we scurried around connecting the rigging.  By Thursday morning the sails were on, the rig tightened, the lights on the mast and the new Garmin radar had been tested, stuff was stored and we were ready to go.  Before first light we were out on the Hudson motoring against the current and straight into the wind.  We gazed with fascination, as we do each year, at the sights along the Hudson.  Mighty mountains that cascade down to the water, artistically engineered bridges crossing the river, long standing stone mansions, vibrant trees….

The sun was setting and the current, which was with us in the afternoon, turned against us and we settled in to anchor at Nyack just north of the Tappan Zee bridge.

Tappan Zee Bridge on the Hudson River

Tappan Zee Bridge

Friday morning, up again before sunrise, we motored through 2 Tappan Zee bridges.  The second Tappan Zee bridge is under construction.  Even at this early hour workers on the bridge sections and in boats were milling around setting up for their tasks for the day.

We hauled up the mainsail and took advantage of the northerly winds as we made our way south.  By noon we were south of the Verrazano Bridge and out on the ocean.   

Verrazano Bridge - Friday afternoon

It was warm, the sun was shining and we made good time motor sailing in the light northeasterly winds all the way down the coast.  An almost full moon kept the waters bright all night.   

We hang blankets up on the back of the dodger to keep warm overnight.

By Sunday morning we were at the mouth of the Chesapeake and anchored in Norfolk by noon.  

Looking west at the full moon setting over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

 

Looking back east at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the sun coming up.

 As usual, it took about 48 hours from NY harbor to Norfolk.  We marveled at our record time - it was only 10 days ago when we left Pennellville, NY.  We can thank the weather for cooperating!

Both of the basins at Portsmouth, VA were full of schooners!  The annual Chesapeake Bay schooner race happened last Thursday.  Here the congregate to celebrate.

Full moon rising over Norfolk - our view from the anchorage at Hospital Point.

Sunrise in Norfolk - another view from the anchorage.  Just south of the moonrise picture.

I will post this update when we make it to shore and find someplace to access the internet!  Thanks to those of you who took the time to write and share what’s going on in your lives.  We truly appreciate staying in touch.

Karen & Jerry

 ps  Did you notice the GPS SPOT link on the right hand side of the screen at the top?  You can click on this to see where we have been/are.