4/30/2011 DEEP CREEK BRIDGE TO NORFOLK, VA

SATURDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 8 NM

DOCKED AT: WATERSIDE MARINA

ICW MILE MARKER:   0

SUNRISE: 6:12      SUNSET: 7:52

HIGH: 66               LOW: 53

TODAY’S BRIDGES: 3

  1. DEEP CREEK BRIDGE 10.9

  2. NORFOLK SOUTHERN #7 RAILROAD BRIDGE 5.8

  3. GILMERTON BRIDGE 5.8 (IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE RXR BRIDGE)

TODAY’S LOCKS: 1

  1. DEEP CREEK LOCK 10.6

We started our day off going through the Deep Creek Bridge where we had tied up for the night and joined the three other boats waiting to transit the Deep Creek Lock. The Lockmaster tends to both the bridge and the lock; driving his car between them to let us boaters pass through. He is also responsible for maintaining the grounds around the lock and we do appreciate his presences and assistance.

DEEP CREEK LOCK

LOCKMASTER AND BRIDGE TENDER

We had a bit of a wait for the Norfolk Southern Train Bridge and Gilmerton Bridge but once through we scooted right along to finish our short day. The Norfolk/Portsmouth Harbor is such a busy place; filled with military ships, barges, working tugs, ferries and tour boats. We made quick work of tying up then set off to explore the area.

The park area was filled with kiosks representing a variety of countries as this year’s Norfolk NATO Festival was in full swing. It is a time to celebrate the rich influence of the varied international alliances here in Norfolk. We saw a Bavarian style Oompah Band performing and scads of kilt bedecked folks wandering around.

COMPLETE WITH ACCORDION AND LEDERHOSEN

Norfolk’s signature symbol is the mermaid and we made it a point to visit several of the charming creatures. You would never know when one might pop up!

 

 JUST A SAMPLING OF NORFOLK'S FRIENDLY MERMAIDS

We also paid a visit to the U.S.S. Wisconsin, one of four Iowa-class battleships. This ship was launched in 1943 and commissioned in ’44. The ship served in WW II, the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm after a complete upgrade of its equipment. The City of Norfolk now has stewardship of this historic battleship and invites us all aboard to learn about her inner workings.

LOOKING UP AT THE U.S.S. WISCONSIN, .... WAY UP!

THE MASSIVE ANCHOR CHAIN WITH EACH LINK WEIGHING IN AT 130 LBS

It was Alexis and Craig’s last night with us and we had a great “farewell” evening at the lovely Byrd & Baldwin Brothers Steak House. We had much to reminisce about our past days together and plans to make for future visits on the Quest.