Got an early start down the Elizabeth river. Navy ships, container ships, cranes loading gravel, the large power plant, juxtaposed with marsh, sports fisherman catching speckled trout, children fishing from bulkheads, ducks.
Our first bridge, Gilmerton. We hailed them on the approach. They answered “Gilmerton”. We said we were approaching, they said copy that. Then there was uncertainty about whether or not the bridge would open. It is a frightening thing to watch the mast approach a massive steel structure. We now know bridges and that 65 feet is enough.
Our first lock was Great Bridge lock which lifted us. Getting in was a little scary. The book says not to cleat your line but I would next time, initially. The dock tender asked for our stern line way too forward and we came within inches of hitting the boat in front of us, a very expensive motor yacht. David reversed well, which the book also says not to do and we avoided a collision. After the lock, all the boats approach a bridge which times with the lock. The bridge tender urges everyone on the radio to hurry up. Then a northbound tug came on the radio and announced he was coming through first. He was pushing a giant barge. We were to stay clear but the two motor yachts pushed through dangerously ahead of the barge. We stayed out of the way and the tug captain thanked us.
After the bridge we held up other boats as we were looking for a place to stop along the park. The bridge tender let us know. “That Josie captain, you need to speed up or get out of the way!” We moved forward and let other boats pass. Then the lock closed again and we turned around in the relative peace of the closed canal. Found a spot on the bulkhead at the park. David decided we would stay the day and night in Great Bridge. He really said this, “We are not in a hurry.”
We went to the museum dedicated to the battle of Great Bridge where William Woodford and various patriots held off the British at a bloody battle across a causeway in the marsh. 100 Brits were killed and one patriot wounded. They forced a British retreat allowing the supply chain to George Washington to continue to flow. The patriots were aided by the Culpepper militia whose motto was ”don’t tread on me.” The docent at the museum said that Woodford was somehow related to the Kentucky bourbon but he died in Charleston on a prison ship.
The battle of great bridge was pivotal in our independence, that, and some critical miscommunications including one involving a British commander who suggested they stay and guard the port of Norfolk but never received an answer from his superiors and left the area, acting on old orders, before the new ones made it to him.
At Great Bridge, we also met Tom and Stephen, two Tayana owners who came from the marina across the canal to see our boat. Then we went and got tours of theirs. Stephen has done some major adjustments to his 88 Tayana “Log Cabin.” He and Amy are living on her. Wood stove, many cool storage solutions, dark wood interior. Coils of hose in the refrig to make cold water before it comes out of a brass spigot. Filled in holding tank and has a sawdust toilet bucket system with a urine diverter. Putting a copper based coating on his bottom. Adding a large sewing machine on one side and has a workbench on the other. Has prism fixtures that dip into the cabin to spread sunlight. Dog named Kip likes banana chips. Beautiful brass stanchions, rail mounted. Brass lamps, copper sinks, oriental rug. Lovely.
Tom has a boat named red something. He sailed to Maine for the summer. Was headed south last
season when a boat rammed him at anchor. Has been in boat repairs all summer, hoping to head south soon. A bright light other than the anchor light at night may be a good idea. We have some small leds. That may work.
Saw another Tayana “Gypsy” that is being completely overhauled. Interesting boat yard with sheds over water slips and rickety dockage.
Dinner at Big Woody’s. Wings and a beer with Eagles fans.
