Waterside Marina, Norfolk VA

(Sunday May 22 - Dist: 51.2 mi; Avg Speed: 6.0 mph; TTT: 10 hrs)

As one nears Norfolk, there is little doubt that it is a busy port.  As we found out later it is also the largest naval station in the world.  On our way in we saw 2 aircraft carriers undergoing some kind of refit and numerous other navy ships in the multitude of dry docks along the Elizabeth River.  It was really quite exciting after waiting for two and a half hours for a railroad bridge to be repaired and opened for us. 

We also got quite a scare as we entered the harbor at Waterside.  As I was about to spin the boat in order to back into a slip, the starboard prop started banging so much that I had to take it out of gear.  After a few attempts to put it in forward and reverse without success, I informed the marine that we had a problem and that we would be going to the wall to check things out.  Well we docked OK on the one engine and lo and behold when we turned everything off a large piece of wood came up from under the boat.  Sure enough when I tried the engine everything seemed normal so we backed into our slip without any further excitement.

Norfolk is the begining of the ICW.  We reached Mile Marker 0 of the AICW (Atlantic Intra Coastal Waterway) about 4 PM.  To give you an idea of distance, Boot Key Harbor in Marathon where we spent January and February, is at MM 1195 almost 1200 miles south.

Along the way to Norfolk while waiting for a bridge and a lock to be opened, we noticed the "USS Sequoia".  USS Sequoia is a former United States presidential yacht used from Hebert Hoover to Jimmy Carter.  The ship was in good company too; the Canadian boat in the fore ground on the right is The Old Grouch.

Q's End is docked behind the bow of the American Rover tour ship.  Waterside Marina is in a great location near numerous restaurants including Hooters shown here next to the marina restrooms and Joe's Crab Shack and the Outback Steak House in the same complex.  Nauticus the museum was just across the park but I must say that we were quite disappointed in the layout (ie. none) and the themes.  The best part of the exhibits was actually outside and free.  The placards around the Battleship Wisconsin were descriptive and interesting, actually outlining everything that was described inside.

 

I have forgotten all of the impressive details but this battleship was built during WW II and saw action in the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf wars.  It was also decommissioned twice during that period but was re-instated and refurbished twice.  It now sits about 2 feet off the bottom of this canal next to the museum.  We actually took a boat tour of the naval ship yards and I am so glad we did.  It was most informative highlighting not only the ships that were in port but also describing interesting facts about each of them.  I will not be able to do justice in trying to relate some of these facts but I will post a number of photos for you.



Arleigh Burke (Aegis) Class guided missile destroyer Yorktown



Naval Supply Ships can be ready in 5 days.

Ticonderoga Class Missile Destroyer (CG-66) Hue City

Multi Purpose Amphibious Assualt Ship (LHD-7) Iwo Jima pushing off the dock for deployment.

LHD's are 2 nd in size only to an Aircraft Carrier.  They can carry a crew of 2200 and 1900 marines and equipment for deployment.  There are 7 surgical OR's and 500 hospital beds on board.

The USS Cole

As I said earlier this is a busy port.  This cruise ship got rather close to our cockpit while trying to turn around in the harbor.  Norfolk was an interesting stop, we loved all the action.