Southbound 2013

   Its a gray day as we make our way south down the Chesapeake Bay for Norfolk and the Intra Coastal Waterway.
   Not many pleasure boats on the water but the comercial traffic and fishmen are hard at work all year round.

   The full enclosure Sue made is essential for winter sailing. Even without the sun, the enclosure eliminates windchill and provides a comfortable environment.  Step outside and its about 20deg windchill.  It also keeps the cockpit relatively dry during rainshowers and evening dew/frost!

  
Lots of carriers and escorts in port at Norfolk Naval Base for the holiday period, but my favorite is the spooky subs. The ultimate stealth machines. 

Pushing hard we made it through the bridges before the evening rush hour closures - and arrived at Great Bridge Lock. Sue and Genny manned the bow lines and prepared the boat for arrival at Atlantic Yacht Basin.

   It gets pretty cold just sitting around for 8hrs even with a protected enclosure.
   But we're now tied up at the marina, plugged in, fueled, watered, pumped out and running the heater. Ready for a toasty evening, then back to the ICW trek tomorrow. On to North Carolina!