Mobjack Bay to Deltaville

A side trip to our engine gurus at American Diesel in Kilmarnock, Va.

Harvey being filmed by students from University of Florida

about the history of Gloucester, VA.

Harvey and Mary Helen discussing options about Harvey's new

sailboat he was given, free.

Regluing the mounting pads on the dinghy at Thyra's dock

The crew after our cruise to Urbanna, Va. Harvey and Mary Helen Morgan, Colletta,

and Thrya Harris

J
uly 8- East River-Mobjack Bay to Deltaville

 Colletta joked that she emptied the water tank as she sprayed off the very, very, muddy anchor and chain.  As the anchor came up, a cedar log was lodged in its claws so it needed to be pried loose with the boat hook. Once underway, the ride to Deltaville was very enjoyable. The Chesapeake Bay had a refreshing breeze and a one foot chop of waves, as the sun shone brightly and the temperatures again began to rise.  We arrived at Deltaville Boat Yard. Tom wanted to talk with the manager and explore the marina as a possible place for winter storage.  It also is a harbor close to the home of our friends Harvey and Mary Helen Morgan.  We borrowed the marina's free bicycles and rode into town to discovere Nauti Nells, a good old fashioned hardware store and had lunch at Patty's Diner.  After a refreshing dip in the pool, the Morgans picked us up for dinner. We enjoyed a car ride through the area with a narrative of the local area and then dinner in Urbana at The Colonial Pizza which is a local restaurant run by Greeks; had Greek salad and Greek pizza.

 

July 9-14 Deltaville and Saluda

Harvey arranged for us to leave our boat at a friend's dock- Thyra's Dock is in deep water with a 30amp hookup so we ran the refrigerator, freezer, and battery chargers.  During this time, Harvey and Mary Helen graciously invited us to stay in their home and enjoy their southern hospitality.  We greatly enjoyed the whole, new, different adventure.  One day we all went to Gloucester as Harvey gave a verbal history to some college students who videotaped him as he strolled thru the town ending at the Presbyterian church where we attended service.  We also drove to West Point, the town, and explored there.  Tom took the opportunity to work on the dinghy and reglue the Weaver davits.  The culinary dishes of the south were many and had to be tested.  We tasted soft-shelled crabs, Greek pizza, BBQ tips  and pulled pork, crab cakes as well as homemade spoon bread and rice salad.  Tom also prepared a dinner of roasted lamb for Thyra and her guests. Our exploring experiences included the many marinas in Deltaville, Hurd's hardware store, the infamous American Standard Diesel, Nauti Nells and other shops in the area.

Harvey and Mary Helen were wonderful hosts and opened their home and hearts to us. We often sat together, along with their daughter Gail, and talked boating, politics, history, family and life.  It was a wonderful break from our boating lifestyle.  Tom often says the best thing about this trip is the wonderful people you meet and spend time with.  We may winter store the boat in Deltaville and hope to see them in the future.

Mobjack Bay

July 6-7. Mobjack Bay-Ware River and East River

Upon leaving the York River, we saw 6 dolphin who played in our bow wake. This is the first dolphin spotting in quite some time. The ride to Mobjack bay was calm and the water was flat, it was also warm.we anchored,Tom dropped the dinghy and he went exploring while Colletta just did nothing.  We all  joined Pam and John in their dinghy and went exploring. We went further up the river and into additional small creeks and enjoyed the view of comfortable homes.  As the boys finish sucking their last dozen oysters we noticed that Greeks Folly had swung around and we were now in less than 2 feet of water and sitting on the bottom. Tom did not seem concerned and we waited till the tide can in before making a decision as to move. After docktails on In Speyered, and the boat was floating, and the sudden thunderstorm, we decided to stay put till morning.

Leaving the Ware river in the morning was an easy escape even in the hot weather. We took a pleasant ride up the North river to view the sites -which includes large luxurious homes and the Elmington mansion. Temperature and heat index continued to rise as we explored more of Mobjack Bay.  On the east river we anchored at the mouth of Put-in-creek. Once again we joined Jon and Pam in their dinghy to explore the area.  There are no navigation markers where we were exploring, so we did run aground in 2 feet water a couple of times.  No damage done but the captain did get harassed.  Back on th boat we relaxed, read, napped and enjoyed the peaceful setting.  The osprey are very plentiful and many nests are close by.  They are extremely protective of they "homes" and are often heard chirping and squaking loudly to their mate. They are proficient fishing birds and can often be seen with their catch in their claws.

Elmington Manison

another tough day on the voyage

Oyster men working their trade

 

Wormley Creek to Sarah Creek Anchorage

July 5th - Wormley Creek to Sara Creek anchorage - York River

Tom returned the car this morning, then we prepared the boat for departure. The sun is shining today but the wind has also kicked up. We left after noon and just went 4 miles across the river to an anchorage in Sara Creek, dropped the dingy and went exploring. Tom stopped at a working boat yard after he was told he could buy oysters there.  He found the right person to talk to and bought 2 dozen oysters for 50cents each.  We promptly went back to the boat and he and John and U-tube shucked a dozen oysters and they sucked them right down.  The six of us then enjoyed docktails on the deck of Greeks Folly. The wind died and things became very still so Tom took a quick dip, to avoid the needles-which are small jelly fish, then we enjoyed a wonderful steak dinner.  

If you don't know to do something, U Tube it!

Working shucking oysters

The fruits of our labors

 

Portsmouth to Wormley Creek Marina, Va.

Tuesday, June 28-Portsmouth to Wormly Creek Marina, VA

We left around noon to finally head up north into the Chesapeake Bay.  The bay has many rivers and towns so we will take our time heading north and visit many new places. Upon leaving we encountered some major traffic, precisely a fuel ship being escorted by the Coast Guard. All three Coast Guard escorts were carrying with firearms and we were instructed to stay out of the secure zone surrounding the ship. We also left the channel and headed north a little too soon, as an aircraft carrier was due to arrive in three hours. That would have been a sight to see! As we headed north the wind picked up and so did the waves. Not a bad ride, but in the beams sea, Greeks Folly rolls.  Because of the waves and the rain, Colleta was happy when we turned up the York River. With some help from the marina, we found the narrow channel into Wormly creek. This small marina is family owned, very friendly and helpful to cruisers.  We will be here until after July 4 and we picked a good Marina to stay.  

Wednesday, June 29-Wormly Creek Marina.

The day was spent working. After a nourishing breakfast, we set right in getting busy. Colletta thoroughly cleaned the cabin of the boat as well as ridding the flybridge of the dead flies from Dismal Swamp. Tom worked on the outboard motor, ran electric cable for the freezer, and replaced his bike tires.  The day was very productive. After a "redneck shower", we enjoyed a beer on the back deck and docktails with Pam and John.  

Thursday, June 30-Wormley Creek Marina.

Tom and John headed into Yorktown and picked up our car from Enterprise.  Enterprise gives "Loopers" a discount so it is a good idea to get some transportation.  The car will be ours for the next five days as we plan on sightseeing, reprovisioning, and just looking around.  Tom and John picked up boat supplies for Short Vacation.  Tom and Colletta then ventured into Hampton after the outboard engine part. The GPS said 14 miles and a 45 minute trip. Wow. One of those places you can't get to from here.  The marina was in an out of the way place, and the part was the wrong one. The only positive of the road trip was a stop at Dairy Queen.  Back at the boat, we put the dingy in the water, and went exploring. There is a Coast Guard training station up a narrow finger of the river and we wanted to see it. It was a nice ride.  After a delicious chicken dinner, we watched 13 Coast Guard boats return to the station at dusk.

Friday, July 1st- Wormley Creek Marina 

After a quick breakfast, the four of us headed out to shop for supplies.  The stops included Home Depot, Walmart, Cosco - which of course included a hot dog lunch, Total wine, a resale shop and.            .  The other objective of the day was for Tom and Jon to get the rub rail installed on Jons dinghy while it was at the canvas makers shop.  The men got this accomplished and returned to the boat with fried chicken dinner and sea salt ice cream.  A nice treat.  Pam and Colletta enjoyed cocktails aboard In Speyered as they had returned to their boat earlier in the day.

Saturday, July 2nd - Wormley Creek Marina 

Today was spent in Colonial Williamsburg.  After a stop at the visitors center, we went about exploring the area.  The historic area had 18th century shops, military reenactments, colonial markets and programs scheduled throughout the day.  We visited the Governor's Palace and beautiful gardens, the Capitol, a brickyard, a blacksmith and tin shop, and the public jail.  One of the highlights was a 'public audience with Thomas Jefferson and George Wythe.' If only these two could be leading our country today- it would be wonderful; the ideals of our country were based on sound principal of freedom and rights, by the people and for the people!!! The other highlight was the Fife and Drum march down the Main Street to the Palace Green.  This touring and history stuff is tiring, we all came home and took a nap.  We enjoyed ending the day socializing on the deck of Greeks Folly.

Thomas Jefferson and George Wyth reenactment

Many of the issues of that time are with us today.

Two new friends we met at Williamsburg

 

Sunday, July 3rd - Wormley Creek Marina 

We found a Lutheran Church and attended the 930 service.  Like many churchs, the usual schedule had been altered for the summer.  The service had a small group of attendees and was held in the small chapel. The day was overcast and wet with rain or mist much of the day.  We went to historic Yorktown, to the Colonial National Historical Park.  Yorktown is where Cornwallis and the British troops surrendered to Washington to end the war.  Independence Day is celebrated tomorrow, July 4th, 1776; but the formal surrender actually occurred on October 19, 1781, 5 years later.  This area has so much history imbedded into the territory, both from the Revolutionary War and the Civil war.  The park tour guides were excellent, entertaining and extremely knowledgeable-real history buffs.  The day may have been gray, but we could feel the patriotism and pride, as  well as the awe that their area demands.  

Monday, July 4th - Wormley Creek Marina 

Happy Independence Day!!!!  The day is still rainy, overcast and gray but we are in good moods.  Tom picked up electric wire and fixed the power to the freezer- a relief and success on his part.  We just played on the boat with little jobs. The rain lasted most of the day and unfortunately the fireworks for the evening were cancelled.  We had docktails, the three boats, and dinner on Short Vacation- the holiday fare of brats, coleslaw, watermelon, potato salad and brownies- some things are just universal.  Some of the locals on the river shot off fireworks so we did celebrate too. 

June 24-27, 2016 Alligator River Marina/ Dismal Swamp/ Norfolk, Va.

June 24, Alligator River Marina to Elizabeth city.

Up by 730 in preparation for departure which, of course, includes a breakfast sandwich from the convenient store. The winds have died, seas are calm, and the Dismal Swamp awaits. Little did we know, that passing through Albemarle sound consisted mostly of dodging crab pots. Every crab boat on the sound was checking their pots today because of the high winds  and bad weather the last two days. Tom's driving consisted of zigzags and avoiding the multi colored floats.  We pulled into Elizabeth city around 1238, sterning in to the free docks at the public marina.  The marina finger piers are as long as your thumbnail so sterning in is necessarily if we want to get off the boat. Getting off on the swim platform makes it easy step to the dock. We went and  visited the Albemarle Museum, very impressive building for a small town. The history of the town and sound are well documented and very interesting. We then stroll through the town, which didn't take us very long, but did find a bakery for cherry turnovers. Elizabeth City like many small towns has struggled to keep it's downtown viable. Back at the docks there are now six boats moored,  many Loopers, so docktails will commence at 5:30. We enjoyed visiting with the other boaters-Drifter(Mike and Vicki),

InSpeyered 2  (Al and Jane), No Hurry (Dale and Carol, Spooky the cat) and Tropical Diversion (Wes and Karen).  It is fun and enlightening to share experiences with other boaters; we have immediate commonalities. It was movie night in the park so we enjoyed the Firemans free popcorn, free water sprinkler, but not the movie Smurfs.  Leftovers for dinner were delicious and the bed , tonight, was extremely comfortable.

A crabber working the sound. It is there living but
dodging crab pot floats all day is tiring.

A building where they build blimps in Elizabeth City. Every
blimp except for Goodyear's

The welcome sign when you pull into the free city docks.

This is one of the things Elizabeth City is famous
for. The Rose Buddies.

The rose bushes the Rose buddies use.

The Museum of the Albemarle

Docktails with fellow Loopers on the docks.

The fire dept. turned out to keep the kids cool on a hot summer
evening before the movie

 

June 25,  Elizabeth city to Dismal Swamp visitor center. 

There is a farmers market in the park this morning at nine so we decided to leave at 10. The market had fresh produce vendors and crafters. We made our purchases and departed at 1000 with Drifter and InSpeyered. On this river into the dismal Swamp the shorelines are completely green with trees and vegetation. The water is deep in the center and you see an occasional wooden dock, sometimes usable and sometimes dilapidated. So far on this interesting nature trip we have seen,squirrels, turtles, one Eagle, a pair of osprey and a snake who is swimming in the water. The Dismal swamp is so named because the Europeans used the word "dismal" which meant "swamp ". This Dismal swamp is not "dismal"; it is an adventure.  We went through the South Mill lock. It was the first lock in a few months. The lift was over 8 feet and the fenders ended up higher than the lock wall. Upon exiting, the lockmaster drives to the South Mill Bridge and then opens the bridge for the boats who previously just went through the lock. After the bridge the dismal Swamp narrows considerably. The ride through the swamp is slow-5 mph-and the scenery is picturesque, but definitely the same for 25 miles. Arrived at visitor center. Pleasantly surprised at the dock and accommodations. The two women at the Welcome Center, Geneve and her assistant were a delight to talk with and shared park information with us. Tom assisted them with the credit card machine and cash register tape-just like old times. They offered us a free bag of ice cubes. (Ice is always appreciated cruising, especially when free.). Took a short walk on the boardwalk and through the park, enjoy docktails on

InSpeyered 2, and slept well.

The bridge to get thru exiting Elizabeth City

Very rustic and eerie in the Dismal Swamp

You might be a redneck if this is your deer stand. This was way up on
the tree. How they got it there I haven't a clue.

Entering the first lock.

Narrow channel and very shallow. We bumped 3 times and have no
idea what it was.

 



Drifters and InSpeyered 2 leaving the first lock in the Dismal Swamp

 

Sunday, June 26- Dismal Swamp to Portsmouth, VA

Pushed away from dock at 0700, morning was sunny but cool. Today we are traveling in canyon with tall green trees on both sides. We see pretty butterflies as they are attracted to certain flowers on the Ivy. The birds sing sweetly and we enjoy their tune. Passed a few kayakers, and had a few thumps in the day. We entered the Deep Creek lock after a 45 minute wait and were relieved to be tied up.  The boat Drifter, traveling with us only had one engine, got sideways in the lock, and tied off facing the opposite direction. The lockmaster, Robert Peek, is a legendary character and lives to talk, share and entertain the boaters coming thru.  He demonstrated his ability to blow a tune a conch shell and accepted a small shell from us to add to his collection.  We exited the lock with InSpeyered as Drifter remained tied to the lock and awaited the arrival of Tow Boat US.  Greeks Folly continues on its way, quickly reconnected with the ICW and headed in Norfolk VA.  The waterway into Norfolk is interesting viewing and somewhat challenging due to the many bridges, increased boat traffic, and the huge naval ships.  We rounded a corner only to be see an aircraft carrier in port with many other battleships.  An awesome sight!!! We docked at Tidewater Marina and once again caught up with Short Vacation.  The four of us headed into Portsmouth for a look around.  Like other stops, most stores were closed on Sunday. After a late lunch, headed back to the boats.

This sign is posted in the South Mills Lock

All our traveling buddy boats at the Visitor Center. No power but nice bathrooms.

Walking back from the little museum across the pedestrian
swing bridge. Boats do have the right of way.

A mother deer and her baby. the baby is to the right of the mom.
It was soo tiny. It had to be a new born.

A another day, same view. very narrow with lots of vegetation

A sign you pass on your way thru the swamp

Drifters getting sideways in the lock. Supposed to be bow first. In Mike's defense
he only had one engine.

World famous lockmaster Mr. Robert Peeks.

 

Monday, June 27 Norfolk Virginia.

We are heading to Norfolk today via a ferry across the river. Is we are walking to the ferry we stop to watch a naval ship being escorted in to harbor. We watch in amazement and awe of the captains ability to maneuver the ships in the narrow channel. We take a quick ferry ride to Norfolk, walk the riverfront, and head to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the USS Wisconsin battleship moored there.  These museums are always a lesson in history and a salute to soldiers and naval air man. We walk through Norfolk looking at shops and finding a great little café for lunch across from the library.  The sidewalk art work this year in Norfolk is mermaids, much like the cows in Chicago, kind of.  Back at the marina we jump in the pool to cool off and relax. This was one her that we enjoyed at this marina.

An aircraft carrier under construction

The biggest crane we ever saw. The must have incredible
things that this lifts.

Another big war ship cruising down the river

Waiting for the ferry back across the river

The USS Wisconsin at the Naval Museum

How you like to come tooling down this street after
a couple of beers and see this at the end of the block.

One of the mermaids thru out Norfolk

If you don't have light house you get a light ship.