VIRGINIA

Almost midway through the Dismal Swamp we entered the state of Virginia and almost upon exiting the last of two locks (which raise and lower us into and out of the canal) we enter Portsmouth/Norfolk harbor. It's a busy place with lots of ships which we cannot go within 500yds of and armed patrol boats to make sure we don't. What a contrast from the primeval forest we just came from.

John, of course, was in heaven looking at all the military ships . Directly across from us are a couple of America's largest warships. Shipyards stretch as far as we can see. Ahead we see the glass and concrete towers of Norfolk's business district. As early as 1620 the area caught the interest of shipbuilders and in 1680 Norfolk got the nod to build one of the 20 official ports which the Virginia House of Burgesses decreed that all the Colony's business was to be conducted. It became a town in 1752.

Norfolk is the home of the world's largest naval base. Long before the arrival of the English Colonists in Chesapeake Bay, the Chesipean Indians had a settlement here. Everyone must agree it's a good spot.

As we entered the Chesapeake Bay things appeared to be going well. NOT SO!! Captain John went to the engine room to do his normal engine check and the port engine was leaking water and anti freeze. The good news is that we were within range of the marina that we had planned to stay overnight in. The bad news is that it took one week to find a part and a mechanic who could repair it. As we lounge here today, we realize it wasn't so bad. We got to meet some really great people and visit some wonderful historical sights!