II Nauti Buoys

Coinjock to Norfolk: 28-29 Aug 09

Taking up position behind the Gold Coast

Beyond Coinjock, the Motleys negotiated more shallows and crab pots in North Landing River, crossed the North Carolina and Virginia border and passed a dilapidated Pongo Ferry (marina & restaurant) - perhaps a victim of the recession.  The Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal presented us with a variety of bridges and commercial traffic (large tows) until finally at Great Bridge we halted at the free town dock to anxiously appraise our next challenge – the Great Bridge Lock.  Here we learned that our last 188m had been in fresh water!  So that’s why we hadn’t seen any dolphins or manatees...duh!  The lock is ingeniously set up to separate salt from fresh water, so rather than operating as a “rise”, it is merely a matter of opening and closing gates.

Oh fruit.  It's a lock!

While the Cap’n biked up to have a friendly chat with the Lock operators, BW and GS set about catching crabs, down-home style.  Locals simply set up baited lines, wait for a bit, then slowly pull them in scooping up any blue swimmer crabs with a long fishing net.  They hauled in plenty, whilst we managed a creditable 3, given bait was left-over Bucksport sausage!  BW became champion crabber whilst GS, once a grand barracuda angler, took honourary title of catfish-woman.  We couldn’t even give them away, so it was their reprieve at least!  Not so, the crabs… 

Cooks & cookees

Early next morning, BW & the Cap’n hauled in another 3, and after strong resistance from the crabs, our trusty Cap’n had them in the pot.  BW prepped up some steamed crab omelette for brunch before we ventured forth into the lock, a salty Elizabeth River and then Norfolk beyond – a mere 11m away.  Of course, the railway bridge broke down didn’t it, so our long awaited mile ZERO took quite a bit longer than anticipated.

Celebrating Mile Zero

Norfolk (and Portsmouth) is home to a sizeable US Naval fleet and is a busy port indeed.  WJ3 suddenly seemed a tiny speck against these great, grey giants and we listened carefully to the VHF for large ship movement warnings.  Water police were everywhere and we felt guilty about everything for no apparent reason, as you do!  However, we were left in peace to anchor off Hospital Point, a stone’s throw from Norfolk’s downtown and waterfront.  

Yes, Virginia, there is an end to the ICW…. Now break out that champagne, boys…we’ve made it!!!

From: Coinjock, NC  Lat/Long: 36 21N 75 57W  Date/Time: 28/8/09: 0815

To: Norfolk, VA  Lat/Long: 36 51N 76 18W Date/Time: 29/8/09: 1645

Time Taken: 50nm (11hrs)  Distance (this year): 2695nm (507hrs)

Distance Total (since 2008): 3544nm  (685hrs)   Fastest Speed: 5.5kts**

Weather: Some cloudiness & rain given proximity of TS Danny; still hot & humid

(** motor/sail)