… and we could not be happier to say so. We stayed on the boat in Chesapeake, VA, from our arrival in late August 2020 until late October when repairs were well underway. At that time, we headed home to Texas where we spent the winter catching up with family and friends as well as maintenance on our homes there. It was wonderful to spend the holidays with those we love. It was another extreme weather experience with the Big Freeze in Texas. Fortunately we were only without power for 30 hours and never without water. Peter’s home did have damage with frozen pipes and pool equipment but all were repaired fairly quickly.
We survived the “snowpocalypse”. Worst winter weather either of us have experienced in TX. 
Easter weekend, April 3, we arrived back at Atlantic Yacht Basin with Quite Nice freshly repaired and looking good as new. In addition to the hurricane damage repairs, we had routine maintenance done and felt like we have a new boat. We spent the month of April making a few improvements and performing maintenance of our own, Mostly, we were waiting for the weather to get warm enough that we felt comfortable being on deck most of the day.
Our loop days #208-294 were spent at AYB (I count any day we are on the boat). Our original plan had called for a break from fall of 2020 until spring of 2021 so we are not really off the projected schedule, just didn’t make the route anticipated for summer 2020. Cruising and, particularly cruising the Great Loop, calls for the utmost in flexibility. We had great support from Ken and Linda Horton, the AGLCA Harbor Hosts who went way beyond the call of duty many time and became great friends.
We have continued to approach every day with gratitude. So, let’s get back to it.
Day 295 – 296, May 1 – 2, 2021, Norfolk, VA
We were grinning from ear to ear as we were once again on the move. The move from Chesapeake to Norfolk was a short one at only 11 miles but such a pleasure none the less. Waterside Marina was a hopping place with lots of activity on a delightful spring weekend with people anxious to get out once again and enjoy the sunshine.
Day 297 – 299, May 3 – 5, Hampton, VA
Another short run to Hampton, VA. We thought we would keep the trips fairly short until we were confident the boat mechanicals were still purring. Along the way we were passing through the largest naval facility in the world. Miles of naval vessels and the facilities to maintain them.
Each of these waterfront towns has its own unique charm. Within walking distance were several good restaurants though not much in the way of shopping. Weather kept us a day longer than planned but that is the nature of cruising.
bustling waterfront of Norfolk and her battle ships to the quiet and calm of Hampton.
Day 300 – 304, May 6 – 10, Deltaville, VA
Now we were leaving the Elizabeth River and actually into Chesapeake Bay. We quickly were reminded of all of the cautions we were given regarding boating on the Chez. It is a large body of open water with the wind and waves that go with it. A little more bouncy than we had hoped for but we were never uncomfortable. We quickly scurried below to make a few adjustments for the conditions that we should have made before leaving the dock. A little deceiving when you are up a creek in a protected area then on the river (still not too bad) then you hit the open bay and WOW. The winds diminished as the day progressed and we were able to relax more and enjoy. Deltaville Marina is another delightful change of scenery.
We visited the Maritime Museum. There is always interesting to learn about the history of the coastal towns. We had noticed a very interesting restored boat docked next to us, the “F. D. Crockett”. At the museum there was an extensive display with the history of the boat.
Had a brief visit here with several fellow Texas boaters including new friends who are friends with the previous owners of our boat. Boating seems to be a small world.
