We did get an early start – leaving Hospital Hill at sunrise. Our journey today through the ICW will take us out of Virginia and into North Carolina.
We motored through the Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake Virginia. Since we had such a late start, the lock wasn’t too busy – only four other boats were with us. (The lock can hold up to 20 boats at a time.) It’s fun to see the variety of stickers from prior sailors littered on the fenders on the concrete wall.
The Great Bridge Lock keeps salt water from the Elizabeth River and the freshwater from the Currituck Sound from mixing. John Smith (of Jamestown fame) christened the Elizabeth River in 1608 – in honor of Princess Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of the reigning king, James I. The name Currituck originated from an Indian word which meant “Land of the Wild Goose.”
Our anchor spot for the night is right by Buck Island, North Carolina. It was a bright sunny day but still chilly. Rain forecasted for tomorrow so getting our rain gear prepared.
