first day

We pulled out at first light. Jeannie manned the helm as I did the fenders and lines. It was overcast and a bit dreary but all in all an uneventful departure.

Sea conditions were pretty mild for the most part : 2-3 ft seas and winds 10-15 kts.

About a third of the way into the trip we ran  into a a brief storm that popped up out of nowhere;  thankfully  there was no lightning.

At the northern and southern parts of rivers merging with the Bay we had a northern outgoing tide and a southern wind which added to the outgoing current at the mouth of the Rappahannock and York Rivers, kicking the waves up a bit and making the seas a bit confused. In these areas where the currents combine are the worst...typical Bay stuff,  short steep choppy seas.

Just as quickly as the rain started it was over and the sun came out and it was beautiful. Thimble Shoals Light, long unused, is a familiar landmark to many in the area. We came through here last Spring in gale winds and an opposing tide, heck of a ride. In contrast this was a cake walk.

 
We have been through Norfolk so  many times that we have lost count as we travel north or south. It is here in Norfolk that the official ICW mile marker zero is. The Naval base is always so impressive with 20-30 large ships docked at any one time.

It is such a busy port with commercial and pleasure craft as well as military vessels,   knowing the rules of the road and being courteous is very important. Throw on top of this several dredging operations and a diver in the water which adds to the excitement...as always never a dull moment.