9/22/15 Norfolk - Proctor

9/22/15 - Tuesday

Jake & Shye Proctor; Carol Pattison

Tuesday morning, Jake picked up Shye after her class at Old Dominion University and came to Samba to take us on a sightseeing extravaganza of Norfolk. First, though, was a cup of coffee & tea on Samba.

Because our marina was right next to the Nauticus Museum & the USS Wisconsin, it made sense to start there.

The USS Wisconsin was quite an amazing battleship!

Though we were on the front of the ship, the bow
was way out in the distance

Even the chains were huge. Notice where they come to on Shye's legs!

Jake was a great tour guide

It's hard to imagine firing these massive guns!

Another set of guns in the back of the ship

The officers mess doubled as a triage ward in times of war.
Notice the operating lights above the table!

Shye loved pushing buttons

Everything was vintage 70's equipment

Jim checking out the daily com station orders

The "stairs" were made to slide down when in a hurry

The ship's chaplain seemed a bit stiff -
frozen in time. He was rather stoic.

This was a picture of the thousands of sailors who were the
USS Wisconsin crew. Jake pointed out their various ranks.

Mer Shye and ...

Mer Carol

A shark tank in the Nauticus Museum

Carol explaining that Jake's great uncle wore a uniform like this

Attaching our Nauticus stickers to the mermaid

... and signing them

The USS Wisconsin had an amazing bow profile

Jim & Carol

Shye & Jake

 After the fascinating tour of the USS Wisconsin & the Nauticus Museum, Jake took us out to the Sandbridge community of Virginia Beach. We were in the middle of a pretty strong nor'easter so the seas were quite rough. Jim's legs felt like they were being sandblasted from the blowing sand.

Some rough surf

"I just have to get my toesies in the water!!!"

While on the beach, we had a great opportunity to watch 3 guys unpack their kites and boards and see them launch into the crazy surf. What a show they provided!

2 of the 3 kites were aloft & gently hanging in the high winds

Mounting his board in the surf

Some serious air!!!

Don't try this at home!

Even a few surfers were trying to hang 10

A wildlife refuge at the end of Sandbridge

After a fun day on the town, dinner at Mahi Ma's was just the thing!

Jake wasn't sure whether he realllly wanted to try a raw oyster

"Eeeuuuuu, gross. Are you really going to eat that?"

"That's just wrong!"

Jake successfully passed the raw oyster initiation. What a great day and evening we had. It was such a blessing to see Jake & Shye.