Rick and Susan Go Sailing on Promise: You Know You Are in Norfolk When . . .

Saturday the 10th dawned very fall like, cool, sunny, and colorful. We topped off at Spring Cove and motored out to the bay. Our winds were dead on the nose, hence a change of plans not to push to Norfolk but stop for one night at Dosiers in Deltaville. On Sunday we had another south wind with rolling seas and bright sun. We motored to York River Yacht Haven in Gloucester, VA, and just relaxed for the evening off the boat. It had been a day of sun glare and pounding by that south wind. In case you remembered, like my friend Anita did, this is where we first met snapping shrimp. Good news, they are much quieter right now. It appears it is winter for shrimp, too.

Monday was a more interesting day. Don't misread us, uneventful is always good. But today we had company on the Bay as well as coming up to Hampton Roads and the Elizabeth River to Norfolk. We pulled into Waterside Marina by 2:30; would you believe we have a bit of a sunburn from three days in the cockpit? Where did we lose that sunscreen when it got down to 36 degrees?

We love Norfolk. So much to do, the art options are plenty, notable restaurants, we can walk to a full mall with theaters . . . and the town is very accommodating. Tuesday morning brought forcasted rain and winds so we went to Harris Teeter with two other sailing couples. That makes groceries fun and provides a chance for us to swap plans, local knowledge and maybe be a guide this year, as we are on our second voyage south. We will be here until Thursday because NOAA calls for strong winds another day.

You know you are in Norfolk when . . .