Atlantic Yacht Basin, Great Bridge, VA

Eddy, our TowBoat US driver, picked us back up at 7 am Monday morning and we headed out against a strong north wind and an accompanying contrary current... we were glad we weren't trying to make with the 9.9.



As we headed through the swing bridge at Pungo Ferry, we passed  a Coast Guard ATN that looked like it was ready to to replace some missing day markers.


By 1 pm  we made it to the face dock at Atlantic Yacht Basin.  The red diamond is right above our mast.  They put us at the end of the dock to make it easy to land.  All well and good, but it's like a quarter mile hike to get to the bathroom!  The trip was easy and in spite of the wind and cool temps, it was sunny and pleasant.

We checked in and made sure they knew we were looking for a mechanic and possibly some engine parts.  The service manager checked us out and said he'd order a gasket set and have someone available to work on the engine Wednesday.  This yard in well known for doing good work, so we're optimistic.  As we headed back down the dock we spied this beauty heading out. Don't know what they had done, but it looked beautiful, but what a lot of varnish work!

We started checking out what we'd need to do to get ready for them and then hunkered down as it started to rain.  We were below when we heard a lot of chatter right near us.  I looked out as a group of shells headed out into the rain!   An 8, several 4's, pairs and singles.  By the time they came back the rain had stopped and there was more chatter as they returned.

My first reaction seeing the two girls was that they were texting!
...but I think they were comparing blisters!

We witnessed the same routine this afternoon, but with the good weather, we were on deck watching.  It's the Great Bridge Crew Club.  It seems to be a really active club. AYB gives them free storage space and a place to launch.

The rain returned during the evening with a vengeance, including thunder and lightning,  and after we went to bed we even had some hail, but by morning all was clear.

The rocker cover and thermostat are removed.

Dan spent today taking the engine apart to be ready for the mechanic tomorrow.  We put the motor back on the dinghy and re-assembled the ladder.  I worked on cleaning the ladder and that lead to lots of other cleaning - - - we did take a break to walk up town and had lunch, but the day flew by.

~~~_/)~~~M&D