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.