Dismal Swamp to Norfolk

3Trawlers hanging out in the morning

Took a walk in the Dismal Swamp State Park this morning and then we departed to the north.  It took about 3 hours at no-wake speed (5 mph) to get to the north end of the Dismal Swamp, but we timed our ride to get to the locks and bridge at the just right time for a 1:30 opening.  Once out of the DS it was a few short miles to Norfolk.

Marcie and Rich from Tanuki

Culture shock on the water is the difference between moving through the tranquility of the wooded canal into the busy seaport that is Norfolk.  There were bridges of all sorts, and many of them require that you “hover” while waiting for the bridge to open or the train to pass through.

Alongside there is plenty to see.  Major shipbuilding and renovation was going on in giant ship hangars along the river.  The size of the operations is awesome.  We saw a huge crane on top of a 200’ Super Crane.  The yards are loading and unloading international container ships, painting battleships and building ships covered in scaffolding and towers.  Powerful little tugboats keep things in line, and tourist boats scramble back and forth in between.  Military boats make sure you don’t get too close to warships and still the waterway seems wide enough for all of us. 

Giant Crane with its own crane for repairs

On the west side of the river is Portsmouth Virginia, and to the east is the city of Norfolk.  We picked a marina right at the foot of the downtown part of the city of Norfolk.  We are slipped right across from a 3-masted schooner of the tall-ships design.  It is called the Rover and takes people for day-long sailing adventures.

Looking across the dock into the river as we arrived, we saw the schooner, and behind it a large towboat pushing 4 barges.  They passed in front of aircraft carrier just as a fast sailboat came the other direction.    The view is never dull and is often exciting.   Right behind our marina is a tourist plaza and we stopped at Joe’s Crab Shack for dinner.

Currently moored behind the schooner

All shapes and sizes