Norfolk, and the end of the ICW!

We made it to Norfolk!  As stated before, Norfolk/Portsmouth is mile 0 on the Atlantic ICW.  From here we enter Chesapeake Bay.  The last 50 miles were a slough, dealing with restricted bridge openings, and a lock which only opens on the top of the hour.  Miss it by 10 minutes, and you have to wait another hour.  But we made it trough today, and are at the Waterside Marina in Norfolk.  Just so happens, there is a festival at the marina complex today, featuring DJ's with my favorite music.....

Sunset at Belhaven, NC. 

The ICW here cuts through several large rivers, such as the Neuse, Pungo and Alligator Rivers. Here we are crossing the Neuse in some substantial chop.  

This part of coastal North Carolina reminds me of home. 

Duck blinds are common on the ICW here.  I wonder what type of ducks they get?  

Dinner at Belhaven. 

Something in common with South Louisiana.  Belhaven is having to raise homes due to sea level rise, and more storm surge. 

I like the small blue sign at this church in Belhaven. It is a very welcoming community. 

This "decoy" was on the dock at Belhaven.  I wonder what they are trying to scare off?? 

This guy wins the most interesting Looper award.  He is doing the loop very quickly on this jetboat (notice the loop flag).  He has a hammock he sleeps on.  He is a 50 year old West Point grad, and has a limited time to complete the loop.  He started in New Orleans.  An interesting guy! 

Dessert in Belhaven.  Just like Mama's banana pudding! 

What is it about us? This guy buzzed us and with a roar! 

We have anchored out a bit saving the time of going into marinas.  This is sunset on the hook at the NC/VA border.  

The ICW at the Virginia border. We have spotted Golden and Bald Eagles, and a ton of nesting Osprey.

Boats lined up in the lock.  We have been travelling with the snowbirds headed north for the summer, and have been with the same pack since Myrtle Beach. 

Norfolk is a military town, and these are pics with the navy's sixth fleet shipyards. 

This is right across from our dock. 

The party was in high gear when we docked. 

We have seen so many towns that have capitalized on their waterfronts for tourism.  Norfolk has done it big time.  All it takes is money and leaders with vision.