Marooned in Norfolk

We’ve had thunderstorms and/or torrential rains with NOAA small craft advisories every day for a week! The sun finally came out Saturday, with winds less than 10 knots, and we spent the afternoon getting ready to cast off this morning. It looked like we might have a short weather window to make the ICW. Last night the winds picked up again and have not abated. It’s a toss up whether the airplanes taking off or the 20 knot winds – gusting to 25 - are noisier. Between wind gusts in the rigging and waves slapping the hull, we had another “Sleepless in Norfolk” night. We’re watching the weather daily, very eager to be on our way.

When we rented the car, we visited Nauticus Maritime Museum and the Virginia Air and Space Museum. The grandkids would have enjoyed both; they are well done and very interactive. One of the highlights for us was an IMAX film at the Air and Space Museum called “Space Station” depicting daily life aboard the International Space Station. The station is constantly manned by an international crew of three to four scientists for four months at a time. After four months, they are replaced by a new crew. Another exhibit we enjoyed was the Apollo Mission. The Apollo 12 re-entry capsule, totally charred on the bottom, was on display.