Ships Log- Day Two- November 15, 2013

Ships log day two November 15, 2013

10:52 am- leaving Norfolk (mile “0”) heading south! Going down “The Ditch” That is the nickname for Intracoastal Waterway.

Mile “0” is in Norfolk Virginia. This is one of the largest shipyards in the world. All Navy, all the time. There is no doubt who you root for at the Army Navy game! We travel along until under a massive bridge as you encounter a seven mile long congested stretch with six bridges.

    

They say that you should enjoy the ride and the scenery on the Intracoastal Waterway. That is because you have no choice. It is all stop and go, stop and go, and stop. The fastest you can motor is 6 mph, but you don’t get a chance many times to go that “fast” for long. There are bridges that you have to wait to open-the hours that are posted don’t always coincide with what the operators do on that particular day..

What I have found fascinating is the different types of bridges- at mile 2.6 and 3.6 are railroad bridges, pictured below.  The Jordon Lift bridge at mile 2.8 was dismantled in 2009 and the center span removed so you can go right through this one. The Gilmerton Bridge at mile 5.8 was having electrical problems…a 30 minute delay. The way it works is so cool. I took a few different pictures so you can see it.

                                    

This is with the bridge down to let the trains cross. The next is 1/3 the way up- the huge cable on either side pull the middle portion of the bridge up. You have to call on your radio to have it raised. A sailboat had called in and we asked the bridge if we we could follow it in. They said to go ahead. If you don’t time the bridges right, you could be idling in the river for 3+ hours…

Or if you miss the “Great Bridge Lock” you have to wait until noon the following day!

Two more bridges we went though.

At mile 7.2, you get to choose two routes south; the first one is Dismal Swamp. It is narrow and only 6 feet deep in spots. Do you think anyone would pick this???? The one we went on was the Virginia Cut. The depth is 12 feet with a channel width of 90 feet. It still seems pretty narrow with the traffic going both ways with giant tugs and barges.

The Great Bridge Lock was really fun. Mile 11.5. It is like a mini Panama Canal. We almost missed it because of the delays with the other bridges. It was only opened from 11 am until 2 pm. Luckily Captain Eric heard that a tug had a special pass and he allowed us to get in front of him. You enter in with a few other vessels and the back panel closes. Everyone ties up and the water starts rising!!

Steve tying up to the pilings

Susie holding the line

Nice tug boat guy carrying pipes- they cap each end so they float! The pipes were so long I couldn’t get them all in the picture! The tug and the pipes went all by themselves in the lock next! The picture on the right (or starboard in boat speak) is the lock with the water level down.

Cute guy on boat tying the boat off and putting out the fenders (the rubber bumper things for Capt Ron fans) is Steve and I'm holding a line while the lock fills.

One more bridge, below. Mile 12.0 is the Great Bridge Bascule Bridge. Right after that is the fuel dock and marina slip where we tied up for the night. 

Ate at the Courthouse restaurant (a tradition in Great Bridge.) Their menu looks like a summons. Too funny. Great food.

All day and 12 miles!!