Harborfest in Norfolk, VA

Coming into Portsmouth and Norfolk we had some waiting getting through two bridges on the Elizabeth River. They’re restricted from 3:30 to 5:30pm due to traffic and we were delayed at a R.R. bridge so there was a lot of sitting and waiting. We got a slip at the Tidewater Yacht Marina on the Portsmouth side and enjoyed modern conveniences once again.

Some tidbits about Portsmouth, VA: it's located on the world's largest and deepest natural harbor and is located at the Zero Mile Marker on the ICW - the midway point between Miami and Maine.

The next day we headed out to the anchorage off Hospital Point, home of the country’s oldest and largest US naval hospital. We hadn’t planned it this way but we’re here for Norfolk’s 23rd annual Harborfest. This ferry crosses the river every 30 min. for $1 so we went over to look around. Historical tidbit: the first ferry service in America was established on the Elizabeth River between Portsmouth and Norfolk in 1636.


Norfolk is known for their mermaid statues; this is one at the waterfront and one of the tall ships in for the festival.

I liked this sculpture – it’s called The Homecoming.

We had ringside seats Friday evening for the Parade of Sail complete with tall ships and a huge Navy ship with sailors lining the decks – really neat to see.


The heat wave continues – really too hot to enjoy the Harborfest. We found some relief in the downtown mall, MacArthur Center, and even discreetly brought our non-service dog in with us. Then we toured the USS Wisconsin battleship and tried to stay in the shade.



Here are some stats of the Iowa -Class ship: Length 887 ft; Beam 108 ft.; Draft with full load 37ft. 9 in. She was launched in December 1943 and saw action in WW II, the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. The Wisconsin is currently in the Inactive Fleet, reserved for national emergencies. The big guns were pretty impressive.

This was the view of the bow from the dinghy dock – also impressive!

Back at the anchorage it's party time. The boats are pouring in now for the fireworks show tonight; I saw one group of 20 boats rafted together. We counted six “blue lights” cruising around: Portsmouth and Norfolk Police Depts; Portsmouth Fire Dept; Norfolk Fire and Rescue and US Coast Guard. We felt very safe! The Coast Guard did a rescue demonstration complete with helicopter and there was another parade of working boats. The climax was the spectacular fireworks display at 9:30pm. We’re actually glad Ginger is losing her hearing. Fireworks used to terrify her; now she just gets nervous!

Just so you know I’m not exaggerating about the heat, here is proof of the 100+ temps out in the cockpit. It was only 98 down below – pretty tough for these northern people!

Leaving Norfolk it was impressive going past the huge naval ships and aircraft carriers in our "little" boat; there's a major naval presence here. We're currently in Hampton, VA and it's supposedly the last day of the heat wave. It was 100 again today; the average high for early June is 81 degrees. We anchored here the first night and came into the city marina the past two nights mainly to plug in our air conditioning - aaaah, relief!