Voyageur Sailing

Friday, November 9, 2012

NORFOLK, VA: Battleship Haven

The s/v American Rover!

Waterside Marina, Norfolk Va

Docked at Waterside Marina, we've met many cruisers who are making their way to bahama, and the caribbean. While here we are seizing the opportunity to visit the sights. Battleship USS Wisconsin is the star of the show but there are many lovely 2 and three masted schooners which have been refitted. What a place!

The Bow of the USS Wisconsin built in 1950's served through to the Gulf War!

Norwegian S/V Statsraad Lehmkhul

We are docked at the Waterside Marina in Norfolk Va. The mecca for all things ship-like! This Norwegian vessel is a leadership training vessel for Norway's sea cadets. It arrived a day before us and was heading up to Baltimore next morning. I'd hate to be the guy on the ropes of this monster...

Feathery Freeloader!

It amazes me that so far from land we can be boarded by some cute little exhausted birdies! One rainy day in Ìn Newfoundland, a little sparrow landed on Voyageur`s deck then crawled behind our helmsperson to stay out of the wind till his wings dried. Once drier and stronger, he would fly short distances on board and finally; strong enough, he flew away!
This little fellow joined us on our way up York River. He stayed with us for half an hour hopping around the deck and lifelines till he finally got the strength to fly away. That evening at anchor we identified him with the help of our Audubon Society's" Birds of the North America " book. He is a crimson crown kinglet, olive green with a crimson tuft that is only visible when he is aroused or (in this guy`s case...cold and fearful!)

Cold Weather Sailing

Since Hurricane Sandy passed the weather has taken a turn. It is cold! Sailing down the Chesapeak, the winds have been favourable but we need to dress for it!We anchored at Grog Island picking our way between sticks that the locals had impaled in the seabed demarcating the sandy shoals.WE enjoy a warm supper and hot tea because once we get to bed, we must wear lots of clothing . WE have had to add another Hudson's Bay Blanket to our bed!