We got our showers and had an early breakfast so that Barry could be to the ship's store at 8:00 am to pick up a new generator impeller. I had the boat prepared for departure. A quick installation and we'd be off. The best laid plans were quickly dispatched. The part was out of stock and would have to be overnighted. We would stay in Great Bridge yet another day. The bascule bridge just west of us opens on the hour, letting out a wave of cruisers eager to make their way south. Today, we were resigned to watching the parade go by.
After lunch we bundled up and went for a walk. Several camellias at the dockmaster's office are in full bloom. Their pink blossoms were bright spots against another dreary day. We walked across the bridge to the park and visitor's center, which was closed. We checked out the displays around the grounds before following a well-maintained trail into the woods. We passed along the "beach" I mentioned yesterday. The water level in the canal is still lower than normal, but not low enough to hinder navigation. Most of the colorful autumn foliage has faded to brown so seeing color was a treat. A few bright red leaves on the forest floor and some gold leaves framing Crossroads in the distance were highlights.
The walk was flat, easy, and just what we needed. We haven't really been off the boat for close to four days. My knees and back are getting achy. We watched as the bridge opened and yet another motoryacht passed through. More historical signs took our minds off the parade. Great Bridge is the site of the first land battle of the American Revolution in Virginia and America's first victory. On December 9, 1775 Virginia riflemen defended passage across the swamp against Lord Dunmore's British troops. The defeat forced Dunmore to evacuate Norfolk.
So the impeller is supposed to arrive tomorrow by 10:30. Hopefully all goes well and we can join in the next parade heading south.
No comments:
Post a Comment