On the water again heading South Dec 2012

Hi there Family and Friends!
Well this year we left it a little late to travel south but so far it worked out on the trip down the Chesapeake Bay to Norfolk , the start of the ICW.
Day 1:
Saturday 1st Dec we left our boating home and headed for Reedville a quaint little Virginia town at about the half way point to Norfolk. We had following seas which made for a pleasant ride, only problem was there was fog sometimes quite thick with visibility less than a mile most of the way. Fortunately as we're headed into the marina  at Cockrell Creek the weather cleared and the sun was shining .After a 4 hour journey we were able to tie up at the small Reedville Marina and Crazy Crab Restaurant at the fuel dock. . After settling in ,we took a walk through the town and visited the little Fishermens Museum ,the Model Train Museum and a tour of one of the old houses  owned by the Taylor family.All for the price of $3 each! After a cocktail onward the boat we walked all of about 12 steps to the Crazy Crab Restaurant where we dined with the locals.The place was full by 6.30pm and people waiting to be seated.The steamed shrimp were one of the best meals we have had recently, and the fresh flounder and rockfish were pretty good also. A successful  first day cruising!

Day 2:
Had a leisurely morning and left about 11am , the water was less calm initially but at least no fog! A we approached the York River area , amazingly the water calmed down and took on a smooth glassy appearance .We also saw our first brown pelicans , three of them in a line skimming the surface .They usually only come up the Chesapeake Bay about half way .As we entered into Hampton area we slowed down and made the last part of the journey passing by all the Navy vessels, mainly aircraft carriers  Norfolk is famous for. Reminded me of when my Dad came  over  from NZ and we were invited to go on board the brand new John C.Stennis aircraft carrier. he was like and excited school boy! We decided to try Portsmouth as we had stayed in Norfolf previously. Docked at the Tidewater Marina with its nice floating docks and then took a short walk into the town. Started out with a beer at a huge sports bar with about 14 TV's playing various American Football games simultaneously . Two exciting games were just finishing and the crowd were really getting excited.Afterwards we took a stroll through a lovely old historic housing area and then went to eat at the genuine German Bier Garden! Graeme had schnitzel and I the pork loin complete with red cabbage,sauerkraut and German potato salad and mustard .
Back to the boat for an early night.
Over and out
Erica and Graeme.

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