Leaving 2024 In Our Wake

Hampton to Great Bridge  |  4.2 Hours  |  22.3 Miles   

We were again blessed with unseasonably warm and calm weather on this last day of 2024. Sunset Creek offered up a perfect reflection of the waterside homes. We knocked out our departure chores and were underway right at 8:00. Top of the hour chimes from Hampton University's Memorial Church Bell Tower serenaded us as we passed.  

Several large pods of dolphin escorted us across Hampton Roads. It never gets old to stand on the bow and watch these graceful creatures bob, weave, jump, and spin. A Notice To Mariners broadcast on the VHF radio informed us of channel restrictions as MV Orion was departing Portsmouth Marine Terminal. All the excitement had passed by the time we reached the area and we experienced no delays. The Navy piers always provide plenty of visual interest.     

As we made our way south on the Elizabeth River we came to Portsmouth Marine Terminal. It is currently the staging area for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, the largest offshore wind project in the United States. The large yellow transition pieces connect the orange monopiles to the turbine generators. Offshore assembly has begun with MV Orion transporting turbine components 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. The project will install 176 of the 14.7-megawatt turbines upon its completion in 2026. It was sunny, we were warm, and were making great time. We had even begun talking of the possibility of making more miles than planned. Then we heard the radio notice that the Belt Line Railroad Bridge would be closing. Ugghh. We slowed to idle and waited for 45 minutes for the bridge to rise and allow vessel passage. The large crane off our starboard loomed over us as we waited. 

Once the Belt Line Railroad Bridge was in our wake, we had a clear path to the Great Bridge Lock. Barry's time and distance calculations enabled us to pull right into the lock chamber for the short drop of about a foot. A half hour later the Great Bridge Bascule Bridge opened. We passed through, made a quick U-turn, and tied up at the free dock for the night. Our final afternoon of 2024 was spent walking through the pine forest of the Waterway Trail. As I sit writing this and watching the Penn State game, fireworks are sounding outside. 2024 was a challenging year in many ways, but it is going out with a bang. Change your calendar to 2025 and have a wonderful year! 

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A Great First Day

Deltaville to Hampton  |  6.2 Hours  |  42 Miles   

We went to sleep knowing everything about our Day 1 Departure would be familiar. We were ready to get moving soon after the wake-up alarm sounded. Our tasks and the order in which they needed to be performed were not new. The route and the scenery we'd pass along the way have been the same for years. Today's success would come down to execution of that knowledge. One final check ensured that the through-hulls had been opened and all docklines and fenders had been brought onboard. Crossroads slowly exited her slip at 7:30 and we eased through Stingray Point Marina. Whenever we pass our former sailboat, Laughing Place, we think back on the seven great years we had with her while also knowing that cruising with Crossroads is so much more comfortable. Three little buffleheads led us out Stingray Channel as the rising sun cast a warm glow on the waterfront homes.

Our turn into the Rappahannock River occurred as the sun climbed above the treetops. Upriver, the Norris Bridge shone brightly in the morning light.

A small group of watermen were positioned at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. We watched as the crews brought in the day's oyster harvest.

It was a beautiful morning: no wind, no waves, no crab pots, no traffic, and no heavy jacket required. I went outside and cleaned up the docklines as we passed Wolf Trap Light. The bright sun warmed up the pilothouse to where we actually had to open the doors to cool down. We exited the Chesapeake Bay at Thimble Shoals Channel and were greeted by a group of cormorants on a day marker. A family enjoyed a day at the beach. The kids were in bathing suits. It was warm for December ... but far from being THAT warm.

We continued to check off the landmarks: the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, The Chamberlin, and construction at the Hampton Roads Tunnel. The day passed quickly and we experienced no issues on this warm-up leg. We pulled into Bluewater Marina and tied ourselves up at the fuel dock as the office was closed for the holiday. Day 1 turned out to be a great day. We took a late afternoon walk through the neighborhood that stretched into an early evening walk. The many Christmas decorations continue celebrate the season that, for me, feels so long ago. How quickly we have transitioned from Christmas to cruising.  

Deja Vu All Over Again

Deltaville  

Tonight we find ourselves in the exact same position we were 365 days ago. In the morning, we will disconnect the shore power, bring our docklines onboard, and depart on our quest for warmer temperatures and bluer waters. There have been (and still are) challenges and concerns, but we look forward to seeing where this winter cruise takes us. More of that stuff later. We have plans to catch up with friends and family along our way to favorite destinations. Thank you for coming along with us! As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions.

This morning we loaded the last of our clothing and provisions into my car, closed up the house, and headed to Crossroads. How odd it felt to have done this in short sleeves. By the time we reached Deltaville, the temperature was in the upper 60s. We know well that these mild days are just a tease and the "90 Days of February" are to be avoided. To that end, we got busy putting everything in proper places. The first task was to load three large cooler bags into our two small freezers. Miraculously, I managed to get everything to fit! We celebrated by taking my car to long-term parking and putting it under cover. The replica Stingray Point Lighthouse was looking good under a blue sky. A few more tasks were completed before darkness set in and the rain began. Tomorrow looks like a good travel day. Crossroads is ready. We are too.