Full Throttle

Spring has arrived in Urbanna!
Madly flowering cherry trees amongst the pines

Finally, the time came to untie docklines on the good life in Deltaville.  We had to drop south to West Palm Beach, Florida to pick up Ingrid & Squiz, who had bravely decided to join us for some down time in the Bahamas.  It was with great reluctance that we bid farewell to Dennis and his outstanding dockhands (Matt & Cage) at the marina.  Needless to say, we didn’t even make it out of Jackson Creek before discovering our GPS was not linking to our new iPad & thus the Navionics charts.  Hmmm…when in doubt, throw out the anchor…so we did!

Travelling the ICW rugged up for cold & rain

Initially, the GPS steadfastly refused to connect, so our trusty Cap’n set about connecting last year’s tiny burner phone in his steering console, and so with only Google guiding us, out we slid into the wilds of Chesapeake Bay.  Winds were blowing 20kts or more from the north; the seas short and choppy.  It was most unpleasant, but our Cap’n was happily in his element.  GS gripped on for dear life.  Well, we at least had a quick trip into Norfolk!

After some exciting moments following in the wake of a large and heavy tow along a new (to us) but much shallower channel into a bouncy Elizabeth River, then trying to ruin a new submarine’s first day out, we finally came to rest at Hospital Point anchorage.  Yes, the wind continued to blow a treat, right into the anchorage.  Just three try-hards on the hook, hoping our anchors held.  It was indeed a very sloppy night and worse, the dinghy could not be safely launched next morning.  

Let’s keep moving…

In a choppy Elizabeth River, Norfolk dodging subs
 - as one must in this vast Navy complex!