Trial Run

Great Bridge: 15^th September

Our first adventure gave our guests a taste, albeit a small one, of America’s vast Intra-Coastal Waterway.  Norfolk marks Mile 0 and our smooth run south up the Elizabeth River to Great Bridge, offered a couple of easy hours of river cruising.  This section of the ICW reveals the extent of the area’s shipping industry.  We dodged all manner of craft, but especially large tows and tugs going about their daily business.  There is also the chance to transit beneath modern and rustic iron bridges, avoid seemingly low hanging electrical cables and even lock through the Great Bridge Lock that separates salt and fresh water.  Despite all the industry, charming sections of swamp cedars, marshlands and wooded pine forest that importantly offer homes to a variety of animal & bird life, provide us a taste of  “wild” river experience.

Great Bridge (an interesting bascule bridge) with tow going through (photo from 2009)

WJ3 tied up at the dock between Great Bridge and the Great Bridge Lock
 (seen, closed, behind us) (photo 2009)

We settled in at the free dock between the lock and Great Bridge (a majestic bascule swing bridge).  Great Bridge is the site of an historic Revolutionary War Battle.  In 1775, in order to recruit more men, British Governor, John Murray offered slaves a chance to serve for their freedom.  That same year, on December 9^th, the Battle of Great Bridge saw a British force of 600 (half of whom were African American) defeated by Patriots.  This famous battleground was right beside our dock.  

Map of the Battle of Great Bridge (Norfolk's Cannonball
Walking Tour - taken through a Mall window at MacArthur Centre)

Chesapeake is home for Heather and Bill (Aeolus) and we had pre-planned a BBQ dinner with them.  How handy that Cap’n Trusty had docked us right next to a picnic table.  With flames from WJ3’s BBQ lighting up the night sky (much to the mirth of those not initiated in true BBQ performance), we feasted on a traditional Aussie barbie (with the exception of lamb chops – lamb is a wee bit hard to find) and finished off with lashings of Heather’s cheesecake.

The next morning, Heather drove us to the nearest supermarket to replenish our supplies and on the way, took a detour via a locally celebrated pop-up shop selling, wait for it,  Maine lobster rolls!  Our lunch, naturally!  Those tasty rolls conjured up memories of our trip to Maine (and dodging Hurricane Earl) that’s for sure.  This made for good “voyage” beginnings for us all.

Except for Herbert, who had made an overnight grab for a more upmarket spot under the bimini.  Our trusty Cap’n quickly resettled him in a nearby tree (a room with a view) and judging by the insect bites covering our arms & legs after, he would not starve.  Our guests were relieved!

Meet Herbert, boatyard friend and fellow live-aboard.
 Well, it is nearly Halloween...