As expected, the storm kept us in Solomons Island for two days. It was good we decided not to continue on as we 
heard reports of 50+ mph winds in some regions of the Chesapeake. With the storm passed we made our way further south over several days passing the mouth of the Potomac and finally crossing into Virginia waters.
Virginia has already proven to be a bit different than Maryland. The other night we anchored in a small river which also happened to be the backyard of Langley Air Force Base. We saw fighter jets coming and going throughout the day but the unexpected treat was that in the evening we heard a trumpet playing taps over the base loudspeaker. Of course, in the morning (a bit early by my account), we also were greeted with the same trumpet playing revelry. Nonetheless, a nice acknowledgement that we had arrived in Virginia and a US military area.
Of course that was nothing compared to our arrival in Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads is the bay entrance to Norfolk, Newport News, Portsmouth and the community of Hampton. Norfolk, being the most significant as it is home to the word’s largest naval base. As we entered the area there were naval vessels, big and small, in the area as well as the normal commercial traffic. Additionally, we saw huge helicopters flying overhead. Quite exciting!
We opted to tie up at the docks of Hampton. Hampton is a wonderful community away from the hustle and bustle of the naval base. Its downtown is lovely with Victorian homes, the Cousteau Society and the Virginia Air & Space Museum. The oldest building in the town is St. John’s Church. There we are reminded that we are now in the south as the cemetery includes a large monument commerating lost Confederate comrades. Finally, as if we were expected, the town held a parade!! The occasion, the Hampton University homecoming. Their mascot, a pirate – what fun!!
Next stop – the entrance to the Intracoastal Waterway!
The Admiral
11/01/08
heard reports of 50+ mph winds in some regions of the Chesapeake. With the storm passed we made our way further south over several days passing the mouth of the Potomac and finally crossing into Virginia waters.Virginia has already proven to be a bit different than Maryland. The other night we anchored in a small river which also happened to be the backyard of Langley Air Force Base. We saw fighter jets coming and going throughout the day but the unexpected treat was that in the evening we heard a trumpet playing taps over the base loudspeaker. Of course, in the morning (a bit early by my account), we also were greeted with the same trumpet playing revelry. Nonetheless, a nice acknowledgement that we had arrived in Virginia and a US military area.
Of course that was nothing compared to our arrival in Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads is the bay entrance to Norfolk, Newport News, Portsmouth and the community of Hampton. Norfolk, being the most significant as it is home to the word’s largest naval base. As we entered the area there were naval vessels, big and small, in the area as well as the normal commercial traffic. Additionally, we saw huge helicopters flying overhead. Quite exciting!
We opted to tie up at the docks of Hampton. Hampton is a wonderful community away from the hustle and bustle of the naval base. Its downtown is lovely with Victorian homes, the Cousteau Society and the Virginia Air & Space Museum. The oldest building in the town is St. John’s Church. There we are reminded that we are now in the south as the cemetery includes a large monument commerating lost Confederate comrades. Finally, as if we were expected, the town held a parade!! The occasion, the Hampton University homecoming. Their mascot, a pirate – what fun!!
Next stop – the entrance to the Intracoastal Waterway!
The Admiral
11/01/08
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