We started the day motoring gently down the tree lined canal and have ended it Portsmouth VA docked opposite an aircraft carrier.
With absolutely no disrespect to the wonderful hospitality of North Carolina we have finally made it to another state. It is easy to forget how big America is. The canal changed character with tall trees festooned with creeper - Virginian, possibly. We were second in the convoy which does make it easier. There were still a lot of tree stumps in the canal to be avoided. Bob and Judy "Adestra" and Steve "Slow Flight" have been great company and we have all taken turns in going first down the canal. The second lock keeper was an entertainer and there were conch blowing competitions. Bob asked Gary if he had his conch out and Gary misheard and thought he said "cock", so he was a little taken aback till we explained it was the shell. Steve gave us one of his conches but it is harder to create any reasonable sound out of them than you think.
The canal ends and suddenly you enter the deepest and largest port in the world. Six bridges of varying size and. Complexity had to be negotiated, with tugs and barges coming from every direction. Plus the U.S. Navy with patrolling boats that want you to stay at least 50ft from any warship, and this is in a channel that only seems 200ft wide - slight exaggeration there but you get my point.
Our idea of security: 3 aircraft carriers, 4 missile cruisers, 3 nuclear subs, and us. We slept well.
The free docks are right in the old town of Portsmouth with some fascinating history and beautiful buildings. Dinner at the Crab Shack complete with bibs and bucket for the shells. Delicious.
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