It was such a beautiful day on the Ches. Bay we decided to run from Va.
Beach, Lynnhaven Bridge, to 'Waterside',Norfolk, VA.. It turned out to be abt a 5 .5 hr run.
The temps were in the low 80s with S to SW winds. They were light in the
AM but freshened to abt 15 kts in the late afternoon. The sky remained
clear all day.
There were the typical tanker/ cargo- container & coalier traffic coming
and going. The Navy and Coast Guard were very active with exercises
and escort duties.
As we left the Elizabeth River from our destination, Waterside, we heard
the Coast Guard announce they were escorting a Naval War Ship and for
everyone to maintain the typical 500 yd and slow speed steerage
requirements. By the time we approached the Navy Base, the main
channel was effectively closed to deep draft vessels. As I approached the
area near the far channel edge I was scrutinized by a very fast escort
patrol boat with a mounted 50 cal on its bow. I was told to move outside
the channel boundaries [plenty of water for a CD25] and to maintain slow
speed. I was 1 3/4miles from the vessel in question.
This AM paper noted that this submarine had departed for its 6 month
deployment. She was a beautiful sight to watch as she slid out of the
harbor and headed to sea. They are so graceful, but don't get close to
them; either for security or for the wake they can throw.
Next Friday, 6 June, while the Lankford Gathering is doing their 'thing', we
here in the Tidewater area will have to endure the Tall Ships arrival for
the Norfolk Annual Harborfest[ Fri., Sat. & Sunday]. I suspect the Parade
of Sails will start sometime around noon on the 6th with the vessels
hauling anchor off Cape Henry Light, Va. Beach, bright and early and
terminating at the Waterside Marina area.
Several years back I was on USCGAUX Safety Patrol which started before
dawn leading into such a parade. The view across the Lower Ches. Bay
from Cape Henry area, East, was one that would bring you back to the
1700s with all those tall masted ships at anchor... what a sight.
Another fine observation was a RF246 Rosborough with an I/O making
way east. I must admit it was a pretty sight, also. There are a few in the
area now, one with a single OB and the extended roof line. Still, only one
CD25 working down here that I know of. There are a few CD22s, though.
So much for the 'Right Coast Report' from the Lower Ches. Bay, Virginia
Beach, VA. Y'all be well and keep the anchor light on.