The Adventures of Adriana1: Myrtle Beach to Detlaville,VA

Leaving Southport, South Carolina we took the ICW to a great anchorage at Wrightville Beach, near Wilmington, S.C..on Tuesday, May 22. Wrightsville beach is 'right' on the ocean. We were anchored in this popular anchorage with many other boats. With 'Japheth' on one side and 'C'est le Vie'on the other.With currents and winds we all did a lot of swinging. It was strange to see us almost on top of each other at one time of day and than totally away later in the day. Jeff and Ann on C'est Le Vie came over to see us by dingy to say they were heading home to Beaufort, N.C.Since we were going there next they gave us some tips and ideas. We met the folks on Japheth at the Museum the next day. We learned some more about their experiences. Thursday was our day to head north to Beaufort .We chose to go the ocean route while others opted to go the ICW that day with concerns about winds and currents. The weather turned out better than expected and we motor sailed to our next port.Beaufort is a delightful town with a beautiful waterfront,lots of restaurant. All the homes along the water front are from the same era and well cared for. 2 story white frame with verandas. They are all heritage homes and the owners are required to maintain them to the town requirements.The Marine Museum and the boat building shop were highlights. We went back on Saturday to see things we had missed. on Friday.We met up with German friends we'd met in Charleston. Also met with fellow Canadians from Montreal. Beaufort was great but it was time to move on. .
Monday, we took the ICW to an quiet anchorage in Slade Creek, near Belhaven. From there we moved on under or through more bridges,rivers and canals.I think it was in this stretch the antenae on the top of our mast tickled the bridges on 3 occasions. Along the way we'd see trees and marsh areas and then we'd see homes and small communities.and a few times we would be surprised by a long stretch of golf course along the waterways. Once in a while we would encouter a tow pushing a single barge. Nothing like the huge barges on the mid American rivers. Tues, May 29 we anchored in South Lake just south of a big sound..The next day we crossed Albermarle Sound just before the wind and rain set in. We were thankful the heavy rain didn't last too long since the waterways were winding and lots of markers to watch for.That evening we tied up to a long dock at Great Bridge thinking it could be the free dock the 'Skipper Bob book' talked about . But when Bill went for a walk he found an office and found out there was a fee.
That eve. we were surprised by a visit from Tom and Chris on Polar Pacer-also Canadians we'd met in Charleston.
Our dock at Great Bridges was just before a new lift bridge and our only lock on the ICW.. . After doing this bridge and lock[only a 1.5 foot drop] we soon were getting into the built up area of Norfolk and Portsmouth.-barges,-bridges[ road and railroad], lots of industry. Besides this it is also a navy base and shipbuilding centre. We had to wait at one bridge for at least 15 minutes for a train carrying Virginian coal [over 200 cars] to cross. Before long we were in our marina right at the beautiful waterfront of Norfolk.In some ways it reminded us of Chicago.We were greeted by Peter and MarieClaire, our German friends. who had arrived at this marina the day before.
Since we arrived late morning we had time to explore Nauticus another historical and marine museum.We also boarded and toured the naval warship 'Wisconsin'.These ports are at the bottom end of Chesapeake Bay.This would mark the start of exploring and sailing these amazing waters. From Norfolk we and other sail boats passed many Naval warships with warnings to stay our distance-- out the busy channels to the open waters of the bay. We had a great sail north to Deltaville.A small place but definitely a boating capital for many boaters-- it has so many marinas. And from our marina we have a view of Rappahannock River and many sailboats out sailing . We were thankful to get into our marina before a major thunder storm. We rented a car for Monday and Tuesday so we could visit Colonial Williamsburg , Yorktown and Jamestown.We did!!