Starting from Norfolk to first lock of Dismal swamp

Monday morning dawned bright and still. We went by the Norfolk Navel Yard, again I was astounded by the sheer size of the ships and the cranes that service them. The traffic that had backed up because the Gilmerton Rail Bridge being closed for repairs the day before.  We started out with Skye and soon we were joined by 12 other boats. 

Gilmerton Bridge is a Twin Bascule Drawbridge which spans the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in the City of Chesapeake in South Hampton Roads in southeastern Virginia. Completed in 1938, it carries U.S. Highway 13 and U.S. Highway 460 and is part of the Military Highway (which was completed during World War II in what was then Norfolk County). The Gilmerton Bridge is operated by the City of Chesapeake. 

The bridge opened and off we went to make the 11 am lock - the lock master was great at getting us all in for our gentle rise to the top.  This was going to be a peaceful interesting day. 

The Crew of Skye getting ready to leave

General Dynamics Dry dock

Paddle boat for tourist Norfolk, VA

small boat a navy security boat
protecting the big ship?

Gilmerton bridge

First lock into Dismal Swamp- Deer Creek Lock