Monday, November 3, 2008

Halloween in Hampton then on to Norfolk











October 31 and November 1




Went to bed Thursday night with every intention of heading out to Norfolk in the morning. However, when we woke up in the morning, knowing how much Christopher was looking forward to Halloween we considered our options. Hampton we were now becoming familiar with and the city was very welcoming to boaters. Norfolk we didn't know what to expect. So we stayed another day anchored in Hampton. We spent the day doing the usual 'hey what stuff should we get done done while we're here?' stuff, (like more laundry) but made sure we stopped early enough to be ready for trick or treating. Christopher drew a face on a mini pumpkin created the right atmosphere. A bug and two pirates boarded the dingy and headed for shore. We found out that when a bug is surrounded by two pirates even bugs says "Arrrgh!" At the city dock, a fellow boater we met ( on Kai Ohana - http://www.kaiohana.com/) who was going to visit some friends in a nearby neighbourhood encouraged us to head that way. Turned out to be perfect. A friendly neighbourhood and the houses we went to were very welcoming. One bunch even greeted us at the road, all the adults in costume. After "pilaging" about 7 houses, we headed back to the dock and visited with two boats there before heading back to Tiffany Rose to look through the loot that the bug said was very heavy.








Saturday we did head out for Norfolk. All week we had heard on the VHF radio frequent warnings to boaters that warships were leaving the dock and that you had to keep a distance away (Norfolk is a very busy naval centre). So we were expecting a somewhat nervewracking entrance to the city, but I guess Saturday morning is a good time to travel, not one warship came our way and no shots were fired over our bow! We anchored in the water just off of downtown and scooted over to go on a tour of one, the SS Wisconsin. It was huge! Very impressive. Christopher also enjoyed the naval museum that was there as well. Lots of war ship information that he was very interested in. And to top it off it was another sunny T-shirt weather day!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Shirley, Dave, and Christopher,

It was a pleasure to meet you in Hampton. We are glad in assisting Christopher on his trick or treating adventure. He was awesome in his bug costume. We love that you are participatory parents and in good form with you pirate costumes.

Fair Winds from the Kai Ohana Crew

Alison Treat said...

Hi, I'm writing a historical novel and I'm trying to find out how long it would take to travel by boat from Norfolk to Hampton. My google search turned up your post, so I was wondering if you could help me. Any info would be great. Thank you so much!

Alison Treat said...

Just wanted to add, what an exciting family adventure you're having. Your blog is so cool!