May 4, 2019 Top Rack Marina to Waterside Marina - Norfolk VA

May 4, 2019

Very short travel day today.  Just moved the boat from Top Rack Marina just off the entrance to the dismal swamp canal to Waterside Marina in the heart of downtown Norfolk.  This will be our home base for the next week as we attend the American Great Loop Cruisers Association (AGLCA) Spring Rendezvous.  The 8-mile trip was almost eerily odd in the change of landscape from natural to industrial, military and urban.   We got held up at a railroad bridge that after allowing a LONG train to go by took an excruciatingly long 10 minutes to very slowly fully open before giving the clear to proceed signal.  

Waiting for the bridge to lift

Still waiting as it SLOWLY lifts

Finally ready for us to transit

Lots of industry

 Then it was past row after row of assorted naval ships being repaired, updated, or outfitted.   There are several more miles of them to come once we leave Norfolk and head for the Chesapeake Bay.

Weird boats....

Small boats....

Big boats - our navy has them all

  

  Tight quarters maneuvering with a stern in starboard side tie up.  We managed to get in without any big issues.  Some nice bigger boats here already that are doing the loop.  Too many 50-55 footers making me feel small. 

49' DeFever, 50' Mikelson and 53' Trader  against the far wall

51' Symbol cockpit motor yacht in foreground

Took a  walkabout and found a nice burger and beer place for lunch.   Saw a couple dressed up as Princess Leia and Darth Vader.  Realized it was Star Wars Day – may the fourth be with you!  

These mermaid statues are "a thing" here at Waterside 

 We need to find a grocery to  do some reprovisioning and replenish the ships store.   Food is getting a bit scarce.  At least there’s plenty of restaurants all around. 

Journey May 4, 2019.  Note that section of red where we upped the RPM's to blow out the turbo.

.