06/21/08 Southern & Western Chesapeake

Leaving Portsmouth & Norfolk, VA we cross the main commercial channel
and head up the Hampton River to spend a couple of days in Hampton, VA at the Public Pier.

We took this shot from a bridge during one of our walks. If you look closely you'll see Hakuna Matata tied up in front of the big red building that has a few shops, the marina facilities including a swimming pool and a parking garage above it all.
We're backed into our slip so we spend the next couple of days as part of the local atmosphere. The weather's quite warm so our awning stays up for shade and a little privacy. This picture was taken from the walkway above us.Another Morgan boat owner lives in the area and comes to see Hakuna Matata and swap info with Bob. He's also kind enough to treat us to lunch at one of his favorite spots and take us to pick up some fresh bread and fruits. It's great to have Morgan boat lovers/owners along our route.

Every time you empty a spot on the boat.....a cat moves in!!

There's an air show going on this weekend in Hampton and we have a spot with a view.

The parking garage turned out to be a great thing as our friend Karen from St Augustine, who was in the area, parked and just walked down to the boat for a visit. We're really enjoying all this company.


There are sponges growing all long the docks. I inquired and it seems they are growing up here instead of the bottom because there isn't enough oxygen content in the water down there for them. That can't be too good. But it is interesting to see them.

The Cousteau Society has an office on the docks.

Just a short distance from there was a grand opening for a beautiful carousel that had just been refurbished. There was another celebration in town.... a street festival Saturday night.

The Virginia Air and Space Center is near the docks so when our stay got extended a day, we visited it.

Notice the Apollo 12 command capsule.

There were numerous planes on display as well as related exhibits and activities.

A shot for the Pratt & Whitney fans!!

The center also houses an IMAX Theater. We watched a great movie on the Grand Canyon and how the Colorado River waters have receded to such a degree that it's life is threatened. In 3-D this was exciting and beautiful as they rafted down the river giving us river history.

Double Feature

The film Blue Planet was filmed from space, amazing and was also about our waters. These films have an impact on you regarding what we are leaving behind for our grandchildren?? We do seem to have been very careless in many ways.

The next day our waters are a little too rough as we venture out.
They remind us of the Colorado River and
we aren't willing to spend a day being tossed about if we have a choice, so...

We head to Old Point Comfort (what a nice name) and Fort Monroe
with fellow boaters that have the same sailing approach...enjoy.

We anchor in Mill Creek near the tunnel bridge. From our vantage point you can see the road traffic heading to the tunnel and the the big ships and commercial ocean traffic.

The day was beautiful in the harbor so we joined our anchor neighbors, Don & Mary, and took our dinghy to Old Point Comfort Marina which is for the military in the area. We check in with a picture ID and are given directions to the Fort Monroe Casement Museum, which happens to be free.

You walk across this bridge which is built over the moat that surrounds the fort.

and through this tunnel

There are also bridges for cars to cross over the moat. We found it very impressive that the fort was maintained so well and still being used.

There was much to see of the old fort as we walked.
The museum was very impressive in its size and content.
If you are ever in the area, it's a must see especially if you have children of an age to be interested.

We play tow-boat on our trip back to the boats as Don's motor took a break.

All this activity made us very hungry especially since we had spotted a golden arch ashore.
So the men made a trip ashore to hike to the arches.
Such Gallantry.

The next day is a successful trip up the Southern part of the Chesapeake.
Lots of fishing going on.

We anchor in Jackson Creek, Deltaville, Va.

As we weave through the markers the next morning somebody has caught breakfast

and I think is expected to share!

After a good days sail, we make our way into Mill Creek

and join other boats at a serene anchorage.

The next morning all the boats set sail...

We're headed to Solomons Island and Zahniser's Yachting Center
where the wind generator parts await us.
First on the to-do-list
Fix the wind generator
and don't fall into the water...more jellyfish!

We're at a mooring but there's still plenty of visitors.
We realize we didn't see swans in the South.
We're familiar with these beautiful guys and know not to feed him because they can get quite nasty when the food runs out. We had a pet goose once and know they can bite pretty hard and give you a good whaling with those strong wings. So just look!!
Speaking of looking...He seems to like his image?

But I have to confess.
This group of ducklings was iresistable and they liked cat food!
The duck family leave us for a very excited audience.
Well things are obviously just ducky in the Solomons.
We're at a marina with great facilities.
We have the loan of a truck from Wayne , a Morgan owner/friend and a neat town to roam in. We're good for a couple of days.