Coinjock, NC

Sunday 11/5/2017

Depart: Hampton, VA anchorage 8:05 a.m.

Arrive: Coinjock Marina, Coinjock, NC 4:00 p.m.

Distance: 50 NM

Shortly after leaving our anchorage, we passed by Hampton University and saw many of last night’s sailboats lined up!

Entrance to our anchorage last night

Row of Hampton University sailboats

As we headed towards the ICW we found we had to pick and choose our path to avoid tangling with a colorful “ultra-large container ship”.  Shortly after we saw the ship heading our way, the captain turned off so it turned into a non-issue for us.

Ultra-large, colorful Container Ship

Looking at the skies up ahead, Clark said, “Where’s the sun?”

Naval Ship in the Fog

Foggy Norfolk

Eerie how only the flag appears in color!

After the boring trip on the Chesapeake Bay, the sites around Hampton and Norfolk, Virginia were almost overwhelming.

Norfolk, VA

Waterside Docks in Norfolk

Naval Vessel under repair 

Flaming Smokestack near Norfolk

 

We had several bridges to pass under today. Some were high enough not to require an opening and others, i.e. the railroad bridges, had to be opened for even the smallest sport boats. We could clear the 33-foot high vehicle bridge. Clark did not realize that the railroad bridge was closed. As he turned to pass under the car bridge, I pointed out that our path was blocked by the downed railroad bridge.

Combination vehicle bridge with parallel railroad bridge

Even the small guys can't go under the RR bridge!

Our lovely view while we waited for the RR bridge to open

25 minutes later, it is finally opening

Waiting 30 minutes for Railroad Bridge #7 to open started a collection of boats to move along the ICW together. When we reached Great Bridge Lock, we found a large number of large-sized boats waiting to lock through – a mix of sailboats and trawlers. Looking at the number of boats ahead of us in queue and the few behind us, I was convinced that we would not be able to find space to lock through. Amazingly we fit – all 11 or 12 of us!  Exiting the lock and passing under Great Bridge, we made quite a caravan.

Caravan of boats at Great Bridge Lock

Mileage Chart for sites on ICW

Opening of Great Bridge - "Get in Line!"

 We also passed a swing bridge.

Passing Open Swing Bridge

Looking down the road closed for the bridge opening

The channel we traveled was narrow. Since sailboats travel significantly slower than trawlers, the sailboats pulled over to the side of the channel to allow the faster boats to pass. Even so Clark was reluctant to pass given the looks along the side of the waterway.

Tree parts in the water

Sun struck Grasses on Waterway

Just before reaching our destination for the night, we passed the strangest-looking tow I have ever seen. It consisted of multiple vessels / rafts tied together like a set of train cars and all pulled by a tug at the front of the line.

“Mile-long”, Seven-part Tow

With the 30-minute wait at the railroad bridge near Norfolk in conjunction with an hour’s wait / locking through at Great Bridge Lock, we had another long day on the water arriving at Coinjock Marina near 4:00 p.m.

Docked Bow-to-Stern at Coinjock Marina

As soon as we docked I grabbed my laundry bag and ran for the washers. Clark made a reservation for dinner at 6:00, so I figured I had just enough time to get my laundry done and a much-needed shower before we sat down to eat. At the marina restaurant, prime rib is available if you call ahead, so Clark called ahead to reserve his 16 oz. slab of meat. He had two size choices – 16 or 32 ounces. I opted for crab cakes and shrimp instead.

Before we went to dinner, Clark captured the sunset at Coinjock, NC.

Sunset at Coinjock Marina