The predicted 15, gusting to 20, winds were closer to 20, gusting to 30, but it was behind us and we had a smooth seven-hour ride. The clouds soon burned off and we were treated to clear, blue skies and sunshine that kept us warm in the pilothouse. We crossed over the Hampton Roads Tunnel and turned passed the Naval base. This portion of water has always been one of my favorites and it is a privilege to observe our Naval fleet in such close proximity.
We tied up at Waterside Marina and began the process of cleaning Crossroads of salt spray and pollen. It is Pollen Season in Virginia, and while everything has taken on a tint of yellow, the accumulation of pollen on our black canvas was particularly interesting.
With the boat clean, we hit the showers in to get ready for my most anticipated part of the day. We have ultimately come to Norfolk to attend the Great Loop Spring Rendezvous. It is a gathering of folks in all stages of the Great Loop -- those who have completed the journey, those like us who are in progress, and those still in the planning phase. Its a great opportunity to meet folks who we'll see along the way.
A second, and even brighter highlight for me, was the opportunity to meet friends, and Norfolk residents, Linda and David. They picked us up for dinner at Surfrider, followed by a frozen treat at Dairy Queen. It was great to catch up and awful hard to say goodbye at the end of the evening. As we prepare to start the Great Loop, I know there will be plenty more difficult goodbyes to come.
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