The Necessity of Flexibility

Cruising  north on the ICW has required a large degree of flexibility.  We have had to adjust our schedule numerous times due to strong currents, forceful winds, high seas and even a lack of dock availability.  We have even encountered marinas which had no fuel.  We have learned valuable lessons in flexibility and adaptability and recognize that our planned daily schedule might need to be revised, altered or simply cancelled.

We arrived at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club in howling winds, but managed to safely dock with the help of two able dockhands.  After spending Easter Sunday and the following day at the beautiful yacht club we chose to leave on the third day when the winds were supposed to be less fierce.  As we got into the main shipping channel approximately three miles to the north, we encountered our worst sea and wind conditions to date.   We even had some challenges turning the boat around.  We called the Norfolk club and asked whether we could return for another night.  They were very accommodating and we felt that we made the safest decision.  That evening we had dinner with another boating couple who had completed their Great Loop trip in 1988.   They have over 50 years of boating experience.  They shared their boating wisdom with us… “When in doubt, chicken out.”   Our revision to that is, “When in doubt, think it out.”

As we continue cruising on this coast, we have had the opportunity to anchor near Camp Lejeune, cruise past the Norfolk Navy shipyard, and watch patrols of young Coast Guard seamen train near our dock at Yorktown, VA.  We are inspired by their dedication and professionalism.  In the future, we will be cruising to Annapolis, home of the Naval Academy and up the Hudson River past West Point.  We are grateful to these fine men and women for their service.