Portsmouth, VA
Founded in 1752, Portmouth, VA is home to the oldest, continuosly operating, naval shipyard in the US, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard – originally known as Gosport Shipyard. Established in 1767 under the British flag, it was scorched (shelled and then burned to the ground) during both the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War, then rebuilt, twice, shortly thereafter.
During World War II employment at the shipyard surged to nearly 43,000 workers – mostly women – as the navy built and repaired numerous war ships. Thank you ladies for your service! And Thank You Ray and Caryl.
Today the yard specializes in repairing, overhauling, and modernizing warships, including nuke subs. When you visit by boat or in person, look closely – as destroyers, oilers, cruisers, subs, frigates, aircraft carriers, and even an amphibious assault ship might be found in the Naval Station Norfolk.
As we floated by at 8 knots we saw aircraft carrier USS George H W Bush (CVN77) and USS Harry S. Truman (USS75).
and to give you perspective, that’s Slip Away approaching the USS Carter Hall (LSD50).
We also saw a training Rescue Operation with a very skilled helicopter pilot.
Tidewater Yacht Marina, Crawford Bay, Portsmouth
Construction on the docks at Tidewater is done! In celebration of the annual Harbor Fest, we got to enjoy a low country boil. Sorry I did not take the photo sooner – the grill was originally overflowing with fresh corn, potatoes, sausage, crawdads, clams, shrimp and so much more. Boater’s: Click here to learn more about the Marina .
Port Haywood Lighthouse – Wolf Trap
We enjoyed smooth waters on our run from Portmouth to Deltaville.
Deltaville, Norview Marina
Found at the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, year round population is a paltry 1,100, yet, Deltaville has over 25 marinas!
Stingray Point
Ready for a fishy fable?
Sometime during the 17th century the english explorer Captain John Smith was fishing off a shoal at the tip of Deltaville. Yes, it was the infamous dude who reportedly loved Pocahantas; but not all historians agree on that report.
Sidebar – John and the Indian Princess met in 1607, when she was only 11. At 14 the Princess married Indian warrior Kocoum. In 1614, Pocahontas was kidnapped in a power move to end the first Anglo-Powhatan War, her husband Kocoum was murdered. Raped by her captors, the pregnant princess was later married to Englishman John Rolfe. Here’s a link to more of her story.
Notice it was the “first” war; just 8 years later the second war begins.
Continuing the Deltaville fish tale, Capt. Smith caught a large ray, that promptly stung him. Turns out a Cownose Ray has a venomous sting, leading Smith to believe death was imminent.
Miraculously, after the application of a “snake oil,” Smith survived – and then ate the offending ray, most likely sauteed in more oil. And that’s how the location earned the moniker Stingray Point.
Thank you to Tom and Pat for spoiling us at your summer respite, Norview Marina in Deltaville.
The dinghy ride was fun! Thanks for letting Capt. Rick relax as a happy passenger. Here are a few photos from our ride.
We spotted another Sea Trek for B and B! This boat is in rough shape, but the name is very special.
Wondering what an Oyster boat looks like? This is Wolf Trap.
Lighthouse time!
Oyster Heaven
Roughly 30 minutes from the marina you will find Topping, VA. the location of the Merroir Tasting Room. This time we ordered double the oysters for the 4 of us – two dozen! Half Rappahannock River Oysters and half Olde Salts Oysters. Pat and Mike you were right – it was the Best oyster bar, so far! Curious where the oysters are from? Check here.
Virginia is the top oyster-producing state on the East Coast. 2023 was a record year, with over 700,000 bushels harvested. A little easy math: a bushel is about 100 oysters, so that’s 70 million oysters! The Rappahannock River in the Deltaville area is a key oyster-producing area; oh so delicioso.
Fun Facts: The maximum daily limit per commercial vessel is equal to the number of registered commercial fisherman licensees on board times eight bushels, with a cap of 24 bushels per vessel, per day, or 200 dozen oysters – far more than Tom and Pat and Rick and I could consume – although I think Mike, or Michelle might be willing to try! Apparently they also have limited fishing hours from Monday through Friday; giving the innocent oysters a relaxing weekend without the fear of being chilled and consumed.
Solomons, MD – Calverts
This stop was new to us.
The family run marina is BY FAR the best docking rates we have experienced. Ready? Transient docks are $1 per foot per day (yep) and power is $10. For our 52 KK, that was a total of $62. Hey Dave Lubs – the monthly rate is $14 per foot, plus power! I think that is better than Crisfield, MD.
There is a lovely pool, that appeared to be empty, until you zoom in to see one user enjoying the clean water :-)
There are fun places to visit nearby Calverts, like the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art’s Center, plus numerous other spots on Solomon’s Island, easily accessible if you launch your dinghy. We will explore more on our return journey.
A special Lighthouse for Caryl
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse was built in 1875 and is still an active Beacon of Navigation. 150 years strong, it’s the only screw-pile lighthouse still standing at its original site. Isn’t she a beauty!
As we approached Annapolis I noticed this cargo ship – from this angle it appears a collision with the bridge is imminent. Capt Rick says it’s an optical illusion …
Given the history of this area, it gave me pause. Remember Baltimore, where the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024. Click here for an update on that fateful event, one year after the crash.
Annapolis, MD, finally!
Nearly ten weeks have elapsed since Tonto’s Reward departed Fort Myers – Reunited at last, Buttercup was VERY happy to see Gail.
After a long slow journey from Southwest Florida to Annapolis, Exhale will be decompressing in Annapolis for a short while. It’s also time to look for a dog groomer for Buttercup.
Celebrating Milestones
June 14, Happy Anniversary Paul and Celeste – Celebrating 50!
June 15 – Happy Father’s Day
June 17 – Birthday Harrison Wilder Bishop is two!
And now a word from the Captain:
Our previous travels on the Chesapeake have been rough [2018 once, 2021 twice and 2023 twice], souring our impression of this area. Each time, weather was NOT our friend, thus we did not experience the “magical allure” of the Chesapeake, as touted by so many of our boating friends.
To our surprise, the last three days of travel on the Chesapeake have been delightful, with calm waters and no more than the lightest bit of rain. We did have a bizarre “hatch” of ticks launch a full scale attack on the boat, but the ever vigilant efforts [of Capt. Rick] won out – as the pests were banished by a strong stream of water.
So far, our 2025 journey on the Chesapeake has softened our perception of this area. Perhaps there is a valid reason there are sooo many boaters here. Here’s to Fair Winds and Smooth Sailing.
Capt. Rick
Exhale on the Water 