Coinjock, NC to Portsmouth, Virginia

Wednesday, June 4, 2008 We departed Coinjock Marina at 7:40 AM. The winds were SW 10 - 15 with gusts to 25. The morning started off very hazy and smoky due to the wildfires in North Carolina. It was a warm morning and the temperatures are predicted to be in the mid-90's. This is above normal for June. Today was the day for bridges. We went under eight bridges, with five of those bridges only opening on the hour or half hour, and two on demand.

Just one of the eight bridges

We alo had one lock, the Great Bridge Lock that seperates the watersheds of the Albemarle Sound and the Chesapeake Bay. We went up about a foot.

Great Bridge Lock

This was a hot and slow day for travel. Captain Kevin had to time our speed to the openings of the bridges. We arrived at Tidewater Yacht Marina at 1:00 PM. The marina is on Mile Marker "0" on the "ICW". (http://www.tyamarinamarina.com/)

"Island Hopper" docked at Tidewater Yacht Marina

A Mallard swimming in the Marina

While leaving for dinner, Kevin mentioned that Jim Thompson, an attorney from Cincinnatiand his fromer office mate, who now lives in Terre Verde, FL with his wife Roni, was keeping their boat in the marina. We looked over the dock and saw "La Bateau" tied bow to stern with "Island Hopper". We didn't notice this earlier, since we couldn't see "Le Bateau's" stern from the dock. They are literally on the same dock. Of course, we called Jim immediately and told him that "Le Beteau" was looking good.

"Le Bateau" docked across from "Island Hopper" in Portsmouth

The marina's location was great to walk ino the town for dinner. We walked at least 1 1/2 miles along the waterfront and into the town. On High Street we found a charming restaurant, Cafe Europa,and had a great meal. Then it was back to "Island Hopper" for the evening. It was still in the mid 80's at 10:00 PM. Portsmouth's History Portsmouth's evolution has been tied to the sea. The Naval Shipyard, founded in 1767, now services nuclear-powered vessels, and this portion of the Elizabeth River remains as busy as ever. Ocean-going container ships load and unload at Portsmouth Marine Terminal and Coast Guard vessels ply the waters near their home base of Portsmouth. Olde Town has museums, restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The Elizabeth River Ferry shuttles visitor to and from Norfolk into downton Portmouth. This is a great way to tour both towns.