New Sights Along A Familiar Path

Hampton to Great Bridge  |  4.7 Hours  |  22 Miles  

Darkness transitioned to dawn as we prepared to get underway this morning. As we unplugged the power cord and readied our docklines, a light snow fell and accumulated on our fender covers. That was a definite sign that we needed to get further south. We eased off the dock and exited the Hampton River  with a careful watch to avoid obstacles of all sizes -- from a floating log to the inbound bulk carrier Odysseas 1. We calculated the speed we needed to maintain to reach the 11:30 lock opening in Great Bridge and were happy to have a few extra minutes available for unforeseen delays.

Although pretty to look at, the darkness and heavy cloud cover conspired to limit photo opportunities. The best I could do with my phone were silhouette shots of the Navy aircraft carriers and cargo terminal cranes. Soon the cloud cover burned off and we were able to enjoy more detailed looks at the Navy ships moored along the banks of the Elizabeth River, including the USNS Oscar V. Peterson (formerly known as the USNS Harvey Milk). 

Outbound cargo ship traffic was heavy. As we waited for the ZIM Mount Rainier to cross us word came over the VHF radio that all three of the railroad bridges ahead of us were preparing to close. Yes, all the possible unforeseen delays were now in play.

We continued south and were passed by a departing wind farm support vessel. Components sat loaded on ships awaiting transport to Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project which is currently on hold while Dominion battles the federal government's project suspension in court. Norfolk's Waterside district is always a favorite spot. Across the water, Portsmouth's Christmas tree had me thinking of how the Christmas Eve festivities of just a week ago feel so distant.

The USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) sat at the BAE Systems Norfolk Shipyard while getting repairs. Good news -- as the Beltline Railroad Bridge came into view, it was in the up position. Similarly, the No. 5 and No. 7 railroad bridges had also reopened by the time we arrived. Luck was on our side today and we pulled into the Great Bridge Lock right at 11:30. We had the whole chamber to ourselves as we rose about six inches before exiting and making the noon opening of the Great Bridge Bridge. 

We made a quick U-turn and eased onto the City of Chesapeake's free dock in front of the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum. As a bonus this year, we were able to plug into power. (Yay! We will have heat tonight without running the generator.) The day had turned out to be quite pleasant so we went for a little walk and found the museum was open. In all our prior stops here, the museum had always been closed. Our docent Carol led us through the eight galleries with interactive displays highlighting life in 18th Century Virginia. Of note, December 9 was the 250th anniversary of the crucial Battle of Great Bridge in the Revolutionary War. Lord Dunmore's forces were crushed, ending British royal authority in Virginia and forcing the governor's evacuation. The major Patriot victory boosted morale and showcased the militia effectiveness, solidifying the Revolution's start in the South. 

Barry and I wish everyone a Happy New Year! We will celebrate at Boater's Midnight (9:00). As Auld Lang Syne plays (and fellow Wahoos instinctively sing the words to The Good Old Song) we will be asleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow as we cross into North Carolina and stage to cross Albemarle Sound on Friday.