Today we put in the first of four (hopefully only four) days motoring South on the ICW. Our plan is to arrive in Beaufort some time on Sunday if all goes well.
We left Norfolk at 7:20AM after a windy night moored at Waterside marina. The wind was 15 knots from the North. Of course the wind was perfect for a sail, on the day that we had to motor on the narrow ICW channel.
7:50. Saw a bald eagle. It was Emery’s first time seeing a bald eagle. Lots of tugs this time of the morning.
8:20. Waited at the Gilmerton swing bridge for it to open. It was supposed to open at 8:30 but two Norfolk Southern trains had to go through before it would open. Finally got through at 8:57.
Passing under the Gilmerton swing bridge. Our first obstacle of the day
10:00 passed through Great Bridge Lock. We thought it would be busy but there were only four boats including us in the lock.
Holding tight to the lock’s wall.
11:34. Passed through North Landing Swing Bridge. That’s our last swing bridge for today. In fact it was our last obstacle that we would have to wait for.
At some point we passed from Virginia to North Carolina.
3:33. Arrived at Coinjock marina. Packed tightly between two trawlers. Dock hands brought the fuel hose right up to our boat which made it really easy to get fuel.
Finally
Had dinner at Coinjock’s restaurant (nice people and good food) and spent a quiet night on the boat.