We all needed a break from the record breaking July temperatures. What better way than going on a relaxed float trip in cold water of the upper James river. Many thanks to James River Runners for exceeding all expectations. Make a note that no GPS will get you to the right place. Bridges that are out and inaccessible ferries make the trip interesting, at least for the hour while we figured it out. Note: always follow the directions provided by the outfitter.
Our Sea Scouts just finished a successful 8-day cruise in the lower Chesapeake Bay with 2 boats, 2 adults, and 9 scouts. This year we visited Portsmouth, Yorktown, Fishing Bay, Deltaville, Onancock, Cape Charles, and downtown Hampton. We toured museums, paddled kayaks, swam like fish, and ate tons of ice cream. The winds were great, yielding speeds of 6-7 kts the whole time, all without a single day of close hauled sailing. For safety, we wore face coverings while ashore, measured temperatures every day, and used copious hand sanitizer when we returned from visits ashore. This was a milestone event for many of the scouts because this was their only outlet in the last 5 months. They demonstrated skill and good seamanship. Bravo-Zulu.
Sea Scouts of Ship 1610 spent the afternoon at a "social distance" event. This was our Kayak Rodeo at Dandy Point. Scouts demonstrated skills important to kayaking: paddling in a strait line for a quarter mile, backing up for 100 yards, paddling sideways, making pivots, and recovering from a capsize. Overcast skies meant that we didn't burn like a crisp while exploring Factory Point. Making great use of the kayaks donated by Bob and Pixie. With water depth of only 4 feet, mild current, and protection from the 16 knot nor'easterly, this area is perfect for learning kayak skills. Once the skills are acquired, there are white sandy beaches and wildlife filled marshes that beckon to the adventurous. Looking forward to coming back here again.
Even in the midst of a worldwide health crisis, the Sea Scouts can find an opportunity to get exercise and enjoy one another’s fellowship, all while maintaining distance as recommended by the Surgeon General. The fairly new Virginia Capital Trail is a paved route from Williamsburg to Richmond, passing through some of the most historical landmarks in Virginia. Bicycles were the preferred mode of travel for our group. So they readied their bikes, packed some snacks, filled up their water bottles, and headed west from Chickahominy Riverfront Park. This part of the trail parallels Virginia Route 5 through a wooded section, which was immune to the 16 knot gusts. After a brief stop at Sherwood Forrest, the crew turned around and cycled back to Chickahominy. A total of 19 miles. Don't forget about ice cream at the finish line.
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Log of Ship 1610AuthorMembers of the ship can submit posts to Skipper Norm. Archives
September 2023
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