These chilly temperatures are good for sleeping, but that's about it. We woke up this morning to find the Carnival Sunrise had pulled into their home dock overnight. I pulled the sweatpants and long-sleeved T out of storage before getting the anchor up. The chain was caked in mud and needed to be washed off before coming onboard. After that, Fiberglass Beach needed to be washed off as well. As a result of all this washing -- in the wind -- I was soaking wet and retreated to the warmth of the pilothouse and found a towel. The trip up the Elizabeth River has always been a favorite of ours. Between the shipyards, cargo terminals, and Naval base, there is plenty to look at.
We followed behind the cargo ship Robert E. Peary which was returning to sea. Marine police patrolled the Naval base, here in front of the USS Bataan. We cruised past three aircraft carriers and then crossed over the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. On the north shore stood the Old Point Comfort lighthouse on the grounds of Fort Monroe. We set a direct route across the Chesapeake Bay to Cape Charles. The pelicans were traveling along with us. Quickly it seemed as if everyone else was traveling our way. A fleet of menhaden boats out of Reedville was converging upon us.
All the boats met and formed a circle just off our port. Small tenders began working large nets. We maintained heading and skirted all of the action. Off our starboard, the Coast Guard was conducting helicopter rescue drills. All of this action made the crossing seem to pass quickly.
Cape Charles has long been an annual destination. We pulled into the Town Marina and quickly started on chores. Barry got laundry going and then washed Crossroads. I followed behind him and gave her a much needed waxing. Salt spray over the past few months has definitely taken away her shine. After a few hours, I called it quits and cleaned up. I dug deeper into long-term storage and pulled out jeans and my jacket. We enjoyed dinner at Kelly's then walked the main street (Mason Avenue). I was definitely glad I brought my jacket. We saw many familiar places, but were equally excited to see so much new development. Retail and apartment buildings had sprouted up along the waterside since the last time we were here. We will revisit several of these places tomorrow during business hours.
Crab pot floats hung on the fence behind The Shanty. We walked out to A Dock watched another beautiful Cape Charles sunset.
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