Mike and Beth's Adventures

The fog is lifting as Loopers approach Solomon Maryland May 15th - 17th, 2022 On May 15th we departed Deltaville Virginia for Solomon Maryland, a 64 mile trip in the fog.  We used radar, AIS (send and receive), VHF radios, and our chart plotters to get us to our destination.  Others were making the same northbound journey on Chesapeake Bay, so we formed a convoy of 6 boats, all headed to a common end point.  In essence we played follow the leader and had many sets of eyes keeping track of other traffic on the bay so we could maintain safe passage for our group.   We did see at least one irresponsible boater travelling at 39 knots in the fog.  He was not responding to radio calls when we asked him if he really needed to be moving at that speed given the conditions.  All other boaters in our vicinity were very cooperative and had the same interest in safely transiting to our destinations. Just prior to arriving in the Solomon area, the fog lifted and it ...

Naval Station Norfolk May 6th-13th, 2022 Norfolk and it's sister city Portsmouth are naval towns.  Collectively they are home to Naval Station Norfolk and a major center for ship building and repair.  There are numerous warships undergoing repairs and updates as well as new construction.  I was impressed with the observed activity level as much work was underway to keep our fleet ready for action.  Alfred Thayer Mahan would have been proud. Even Aircraft Carriers need bottom paint In every direction you look, ships are in port for repairs, maintenance and upgrades. The naval hospital in Portsmouth has been looking after the health needs of our sailors since the 1830's.  It has undergone many expansions and occupies a prominent spot on the waterfront.   Portsmouth Naval Hospital To facilitate travel across the Elizabeth River from Portsmouth to Norfolk, there is a Ferry, which runs continuously till 10 pm, and for $2/person will whisk you to the other s...