Claiborne:
The Hampton Roads USCG has set up a phone number for emergency calls that cannot use (or get through on) marine VHF channel 16: 1-877-SCCJSAR (722-5727).  They cover waters from the MD/DE borders through VA to the NC border.  This is especially important to Chesapeake cruisers, including the Potomac and other adjoining navigable rivers. 
Regards, Jim

Well, this is a new one on me.  I have never before heard of spending the night on “the small wall by the Deep Creek Bridge.” Of course, this spot is in Virginia, and a little bit out of my area of expertise, but, hey, that doesn’t mean a thing since it appears this is a good place for cruising craft and their crews to berth!

We now skip the delightful Visitors Center because we love stopping at the small wall by the Deep Creek bridge (just south of the lock on the east side). La Familia Restaurant is must stop for us, just a great family owned
local Mexican restaurant.  We have stopped there 4 times now, we like it that much.  Plus across the street is a nice grocery where we can bring the shopping cart right back to the boat (and always return the cart so the next
boaters can enjoy the same privileges).  Robert, one of the lock keepers at Deep Creek is a hoot, if you tie-up at the long docks between the bridge & lock (Elizabeth’s Dock), he has been known to bring pastries by in the
morning!
Bob & Lynn Williamson
On Legrace in the Erie Canal at Spencerport NY (enjoying this weekend’s
canal festival)

We have spent the night at the free dock just south of the Deep Creek Lock. An excellent stop if you catch the last lock of the day heading south. If full, rafting is expected. Quiet and small park for a stroll.
James Lea

We have also enjoyed several overnights at the Deep Creek Bridge. There’s even an auto parts store across the street where we were able to find a radiator hose that was a perfect fit for our Westerbeke 27. La Familia Restaurant is not to be missed; however, when we stopped there last month, we noted a homeless couple living in their car behind the restaurant. We were also approached by a couple of guys who appeared to be checking us out. Be sure to lock up when you leave your boat.
We first encountered Robert at Deep Creek lock 4 or 5 years ago. He not only offered us coffee and pastries, but has also entertained us with his amazing skills on the conch horn. Be sure to check out his conch garden and, if you have one to spare, Robert would be most appreciative. By the way, if you are running late, give Robert a call (757-487-0831) – he very well may hold the lock opening for you if there is no one else waiting. And, as always, “tips are always appreciated”!
Allan DeWall
S/V Cat Rageous, Nonsuch 30U

Claiborne,
I motored through the Jordan Bridge span last week and am happy to report that the span has been removed.
Allan DeWall
S/V Cat Rageous

P 181258Z JUN 09 ZUI ASN-AS1169000006
FM COMCOGARD SECTOR HAMPTON ROADS VA
TO VIRGINIA PILOTS ASSN NORFOLK VA//90-1100 VAPILOTS UD//
BALTIMORE PILOTS ASSN BALTIMORE MD//87-574 MARPILOTS//
CCGDFIVE PORTSMOUTH VA//DPW/DRMC//
CDRUSAED NORFOLK VA
AIG 8916
INFO NGA NAVSAFETY BETHESDA MD
BT
UNCLAS //N16670//
SUBJ: SAFETY BROADCAST NOTICE TO MARINERS
HRD BNM 290-09
VA – CHESAPEAKE BAY – ELIZABETH RIVER SOUTHERN BRANCH
MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT MISENER MARINE CONSTRUCTION INC WILL BE
CONDUCTING BRIDGE FENDER REPAIR ON THE GILMERTON BRIDGE FROM 7 P.M.
FRIDAY JULY 17 UNTIL 6 A.M. MONDAY JULY 20, 2009. ONE BARGE WILL BE
ONSCENE TENDED BY THE TUG BAYOU BEAST. REPRESENTATIVES FROM MISENER
MARINE CONSTRUCTION INC WILL BE MONITORING VHF-FM CHANNEL 13 AND 16.
WHILE THE ENTIRE CHANNEL WILL NOT BE BLOCKED BY THIS OPERATION, IT
IS REQUESTED THAT MARINERS TRANSITING THIS PORTION OF THE ELIZABETH
RIVER CONTACT MISENER MARINE CONSTRUCTION INC VIA VHF-FM CHANNEL 13,
THIRTY MINUTES PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE GILMERTON BRIDGE TO ENSURE A
DELAY FREE PASSAGE. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT JOHN C. ESKINS
AT 813-233-6338 OR HAROLD FOSKEY AT 813-363-0187. MARINERS ARE
ADVISED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN TRANSITING THE AREA.
CANCEL AT//201100Z JUL 09//
BT
NNNN

From the "Local Notice to Mariners":

Mariners are advised that the Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge, at AIWW mile 5.8, across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake VA, will be closed to vessels requiring an opening beginning at 6 a.m. until and including 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2009 to facilitate machinery repairs. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating drawbridge regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(e). Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly.

Atlantic Yacht Basin
800-992-2489
Reporting Date: 8/4/09
Gasoline Price (including all taxes): $2.55
Diesel Fuel Price (including all taxes): $1.97
Any Quantity Discount Y/N: No If so: How much for how many gallons:
Any Boat/US Discount Y/N If so: How much:
Any SeaTow Discount Y/N If so: How much:

Subject: Waterside Marina and Fuel Prices
Cruising News: Claiborne,
When a serious back problem forced us to pull in in Norfolk, we were pleased to find exceptional winter rates beginning Dec 1, and good attention at Waterside City Marina. You can even use the gym just up the street. There is bus service at Waterside (see HRT.com for schedules and stops) so you don\'t have to have a car or pay taxi rates. There\'s a downtown bus 310 that\'s free that mainly travels Granby Street. And we can\'t say enough good about the medical services we acessed and the care we received at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. If we had to have a medical problem, this was the right spot.
I also checked fuel prices 1/15/09 at Portsmouth Ocean Marine – Diesel 1.85 (-.10) for BoatUS. members.
We're about to head south from Norfolk. Hoping for warmer weather somewhere.
Happy New Year
Jeanie and Wes Quigley
MV Miss Ruby

Tidewater and Waterside look to be chock-a-block full, as is AYB and the walls at Great Bridge.  Everyone is on the move.  We arrived here at 13:30 and called ahead to AYB to find out it was full.  So we stopped early and got a slip at Waterside.  For those of you who have memories of this being an adventurous place to stay, meaning dangerous, I can tell you it seems now to be wonderful.  We met a couple of Segway riding policemen who advised the area has improved dramatically in the last few years.  So, if Tidewater is full, this is a good alternative.
Scott

Received a note late on 10/15/08 from one of our most faithful correspondents, Captain Allan DeWall, that copied a newspaper article reporting the permanent “closing” of the “Jordan Bridge” at Statute Mile 2.8. Unfortunately, as the article is copyrighted, I can not reproduce it here.
Anyway, I e-mailed Captain Allan, and asked whether all this meant the span in question would remain in the open position. After some research, he replied:

Claiborne,
I found a bit more about the plans for closing the bridge.  The following is from an online brochure entitled “Decommisioning of the Jordan Bridge; Your Questions Answered”:
What will happen to the bridge?
The lift span will be placed in the “up” position and gates will be down and locked. Within six months of the
decommission date, Public Works will work with a contractor to begin complete disassembly of the bridge to remove it from the waterway. The City plans to salvage the steel in an effort to offset removal expenses.
You can download the 2-page brochure at:
http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/pub-wrks/pdffiles/jordan-bridge-assessment/Jordan-Bridge-Decommissioning-Brochure-opt.pdf
Cheers,
Allan

Subject: ICW bridge closing in Norfolk, VA
Message: Claiborne,
The first two bridges encountered by southbound ICW cruisers leaving Norfolk are the normally- raised Norfolk & Portsmouth Railroad Bridge at ICW M/M 2.6 and the Jordan Highway Bridge at ICW M/M 2.8. The Jordan Bridge has been declared unsafe for highway traffic and will close permanently on November 8. The bridge will be raised to it\’s full 145 foot height after closure and will no longer impede ICW traffic flow.
The Jordan Bridge is the first on-request bridge south of Norfolk and sits 15\’ above low water. It is built of girders and rises horizontally between two towers.
Norman R. Blinn

Subject: Hospital Point, VA anchorage changes.
Message: The popular Hospital Point anchorage in Norfolk, has changed: the area used to carry anywhere from 4-10′ depths; however, it seems to have been dredged recently. So, get used to 8-20′ at the anchorage. There is also a yellow weather buoy in the center of the anchoring area. The rumor that \\\”all crabpot floaters are gone from this anchorage\\\” is not true; there are a few, but thankfully, not the abundance one used to see.
Raf Belliard

Marine Air Conditioning Repair
Cruising News: Claiborne,
While on a trip to the Chesapeake a few weeks ago, my marine AC broke down while in the York River north of Norfolk, VA.  I called Ocean Options , Annapolis, MD , and they gave me their service reps name in the Norfolk area.  I contacted him on a Tues. evening and he was on my boat the next morning at 9am.  He drove an hour each way and put in some more refirgerate in the system.  He only charges $45.00/ hr. labor cost.  What a find.  His name is John of John's Marine Services at 757/373-9897.  I would recommend him to anyone needing marine air conditioning services.
Phil
S/V Katash

Marine Air Conditioning Repair
Cruising News: Claiborne,
While on a trip to the Chesapeake a few weeks ago, my marine AC broke down while in the York River north of Norfolk, VA.  I called Ocean Options , Annapolis, MD , and they gave me their service reps name in the Norfolk area.  I contacted him on a Tues. evening and he was on my boat the next morning at 9am.  He drove an hour each way and put in some more refirgerate in the system.  He only charges $45.00/ hr. labor cost.  What a find.  His name is John of John's Marine Services at 757/373-9897.  I would recommend him to anyone needing marine air conditioning services.
Phil
S/V Katash

Subject: Norfolk ICW
Cruising News: Just a quick note on Hospital Point.  There were virtually no crab pots in the HP anchorage.  First time in many years.  Makes for a fine point of departure, especially northbound cruisers.  We had a great time.  Visited the dinghy dock at Waterside (upstream from the battleship)  for USD 3 and explored Norfolk.  The old battleship dinghy dock has disappeared.
Bob Todd

Subject: Norfolk ICW
Cruising News: Just a quick note on Hospital Point.  There were virtually no crab pots in the HP anchorage.  First time in many years.  Makes for a fine point of departure, especially northbound cruisers.  We had a great time.  Visited the dinghy dock at Waterside (upstream from the battleship)  for USD 3 and explored Norfolk.  The old battleship dinghy dock has disappeared.
Bob Todd

Subject: Bridge closure at MM 3.6
Cruising News: The Norfolk & Western RR bridge on the ICW at MM 3.6 has been closed for two days, only opening for about a half hour each day.   It was open today from 9:00AM to 9:30AM and closed for the rest of the day. The Coast Guard says it will post the bridge status on channel 22a.  North bound trawlers will need to make the 8:30AM opening of the bridge at MM 8.8 which is closed from 6:30AM till 8:30AM.  This allows an hour to make it to the bridge at MM 3.6 before it closes.  No estimate as to when repairs will be complete.
Sue & Bob Mimlitch

VA – CHESAPEAKE BAY – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AIWW) – ELIZABETH RIVER (SOUTHERN BRANCH) TO THE ALBERMARLE AND CHESAPEAKE CANAL FENDER SYSTEM REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED AT THE NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH BELTLINE RAILROAD BRIDGE AT AIWW MILE 2.6 ACROSS THE SOUTHERN BRANCH OF THE ELIZABETH RIVER IN CHESAPEAKE VA EACH DAY FROM 7AM TO 5PM BEGINNING ON 17 JUN 08 UNTIL 11 SEP 08. TO FACILLITATE REPAIRS, A CRANE BARGE WILL OCCUPY THE CHANNEL REDUCING THE AVAILABLE HORIZONTAL CLEARANCE TO 230 FEET. MARINERS REQUIRING THE FULL WIDTH OF THE CHANNEL ARE REQUESTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST A TWO-HOUR ADVANCE NOTICE BY CALLING THE SUPERINTENDENT AT (757) 237-0519. MARINERS SHOULD USE EXTREME CAUTION WHILE TRANSITING THE AREA.
BT

Subject: Bridge closure at MM 3.6
Cruising News: The Norfolk & Western RR bridge on the ICW at MM 3.6 has been closed for two days, only opening for about a half hour each day.  It was open today from 9:00AM to 9:30AM and closed for the rest of the day.  The Coast Guard says it will post the bridge status on channel 22a.  North bound trawlers will need to make the 8:30AM opening of the bridge at MM 8.8 which is closed from 6:30AM till 8:30AM.  This allows an hour to make it to the bridge at MM 3.6 before it closes.  No estimate as to when repairs will be complete.
Sue & Bob Mimlitch

VA – CHESAPEAKE BAY – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AIWW) – ELIZABETH RIVER (SOUTHERN BRANCH) TO THE ALBERMARLE AND CHESAPEAKE CANAL FENDER SYSTEM REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED AT THE NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH BELTLINE RAILROAD BRIDGE AT AIWW MILE 2.6 ACROSS THE SOUTHERN BRANCH OF THE ELIZABETH RIVER IN CHESAPEAKE VA EACH DAY FROM 7AM TO 5PM BEGINNING ON 17 JUN 08 UNTIL 11 SEP 08. TO FACILLITATE REPAIRS, A CRANE BARGE WILL OCCUPY THE CHANNEL REDUCING THE AVAILABLE HORIZONTAL CLEARANCE TO 230 FEET. MARINERS REQUIRING THE FULL WIDTH OF THE CHANNEL ARE REQUESTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST A TWO-HOUR ADVANCE NOTICE BY CALLING THE SUPERINTENDENT AT (757) 237-0519. MARINERS SHOULD USE EXTREME CAUTION WHILE TRANSITING THE AREA.
BT

To perform emergency electrical repairs, mariners are advised that the Jordan (vertical lift) Bridge, at AIWW mile 2.8, across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, in Chesapeake, VA, will be maintained in the limited open-to-navigation position at 75 feet, above mean high water, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Sunday, March 9, 2008.  Vessel openings of the draw span in excess of 75 feet will be provided on signal every two hours on the odd hour at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.   Mariners should plan their trips accordingly.

To perform emergency electrical repairs, mariners are advised that the Jordan (vertical lift) Bridge, at AIWW mile 2.8, across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, in Chesapeake, VA, will be maintained in the limited open-to-navigation position at 75 feet, above mean high water, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Sunday, March 9, 2008.  Vessel openings of the draw span in excess of 75 feet will be provided on signal every two hours on the odd hour at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.   Mariners should plan their trips accordingly.

 Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (aiww)­ Elizabeth River (southern Branch) To The Albermarle And Chesapeake Canal Emergency Electrical Repairs Are Scheduled For The Jordan (vertical Lift) Bridge At Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Mile 2.8, On The Southern Branch Of The Elizabeth River, In Chesapeake, Va. The Bridge Will Be Maintained In The Limited Open-to-navigation Position At 75 Feet, Above Mean High Water, From 7 A.m. To 7 P.m., On Sunday, March 9, 2008. Vessel Openings Of The Draw Span In Excess Of 75 Feet And Will Be Provided On Signal Every Two Hours On The Odd Hour At 7 A.m., 9 A.m., 11 A.m., 1 P.m., 3 P.m., 5 P.m. And 7 P.m. Mariners Are Advised To Proceed With Caution When In This Area.

 Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (aiww)­ Elizabeth River (southern Branch) To The Albermarle And Chesapeake Canal Emergency Electrical Repairs Are Scheduled For The Jordan (vertical Lift) Bridge At Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Mile 2.8, On The Southern Branch Of The Elizabeth River, In Chesapeake, Va. The Bridge Will Be Maintained In The Limited Open-to-navigation Position At 75 Feet, Above Mean High Water, From 7 A.m. To 7 P.m., On Sunday, March 9, 2008. Vessel Openings Of The Draw Span In Excess Of 75 Feet And Will Be Provided On Signal Every Two Hours On The Odd Hour At 7 A.m., 9 A.m., 11 A.m., 1 P.m., 3 P.m., 5 P.m. And 7 P.m. Mariners Are Advised To Proceed With Caution When In This Area.

We're planning on relocating to Virginia Beach VA for retirement within the next year and will need to find a new home port for Prime Time. Looking for recommendations on marinas in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area(availability/quality/cost).

Thanks, Dale & Irene Lauermann
Prime Time #3215

We're planning on relocating to Virginia Beach VA for retirement within the next year and will need to find a new home port for Prime Time. Looking for recommendations on marinas in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area(availability/quality/cost).

Thanks, Dale & Irene Lauermann
Prime Time #3215

Claiborne:
Your readers should be advised of the following, based on our Northbound passage at the first of Nov:
Marker 115 [Statute Mile 45.5] — shoaling reported on west side, but we saw min 8′ at mid tide (not much range there)
Marker 87 [Statute Mile 39.5] — definite shoaling on east side. We were crowded into the mark by southbound traffic and saw 4′ 50 ft from the mark.
Happy Cruising and Merry Christmas
Roger & Kaye Sykes
RAGGED EDGE

At mid channel between R86 and G87 we found 10 feet of water decreasing to 8 feet within 100 feet southbound. We had very strong winds and thought it best to keep moving rather than go explore further. Capt. Dave on At Last, GB46
David Jenkins