Trip Day: 62 Latitude: 36°50.12' N Locks
Today: 0
Miles Today: 9 Longitude: 076°17.80' W Locks Total: 8
Total Miles: 1,270 Location: Portsmouth,
VA / High Street Ferry Dock
After being in the quiet serenity of the swamp, we faced culture shock when we entered the South Branch of the Elizabeth River. We fell into a line of boats headed north on the ICW.
A group of us
waited for the center span of the railroad bridge to rise after a train had passed.
The river became increasingly more industrial as we approached Norfolk and the Naval presence was clearly evident.
There was just enough room for us to tie up to the docks at High Street Ferry Landing in Portsmouth, which is on the west side of the river across from Norfolk. There were five other boats in the little basin which is on Water Street in the heart of the historic district which will allow us to do a little exploring.
We strolled tree-lined streets with old brick sidewalks and homes listed as circa 1750.
The Portsmouth Lightship was in service between 1916 and 1958. The lightships would anchor at the entrance of major shipping ports (too deep for lighthouses) for 10 to 12 months until a replacement ship relieved the crew of 4 officers and 9 enlisted men. For the time period, she had cutting edge features; electricity and a hollow mast which allowed the crew to climb inside the mast to refill the kerosene tank for the lamp, far less dangerous in rocking and rolling seas.
The ship used huge mushroom anchors with very heavy chain, each link weighing 20 pounds. Large struts locked the chain in place and served to stabilize the ship.
We had dinner and watched a movie at the art deco Commodore theater built in 1945. The lavish interior with a huge stage, art deco ceiling trim, murals on the walls, comfortable chairs and tables, and a phone to place your order all made for a fun night!
With the super moon the tide was super high so we had to roll up our pants legs and wade through water covering the dock to board the boat.
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