2018 - June 21 - Day 6 - Big boats and navy police

The paddling part of Day 6 is in the books. Not a long distance but it was one of the stretches of water I had the most apprehension about. I was worried about boat traffic and military facilities. My concerns were not without merit.

When I pushed off from the marina I could see a massive container ship in the distance heading out of the Elizabeth River. So incredibly big. I altered my course to avoid getting anywhere near the channel until it had passed.

I have never used my VHF radio to hail other vessels before. Today I used it seven times to alert oncoming boats to my presence. The conversations generally went something like this:
Me:
“White vessel exiting Elizabeth River near green marker buoy number 5, please be advised there is a kayaker 1/4 mile ahead of you in the direction of the HR bridge-tunnel”

Vessel: “Roger that, thanks for the heads-up” or
“Thanks for the warning, I have eyes on you and will alter course”

A police boat even thanked me for alerting him to my presence.

Every time i did it the boat acknowledged. I was feeling more secure and less vulnerable out there. It was exactly why I needed the VHF and it worked just like it was supposed to.. Until the battery ran out. It ran out just as I was pulling even with an aircraft carrier at Norfolk Naval station.

I had been listening to the VHF chatter and had heard the Naval station warn a sailboat to alter course to avoid prohibited military waters. Even though my charts said there was a gap between the prohibited waters and the channel, I decided to go into the designated boating channel even though staying out of it reduced the chance of close encounters with power boats. Normally that would have been fine. Today was not normal. And I had no VHF. I presume they tried to hail me but got no response.

When I was about halfway past the facility a navy police patrol boat pulled up alongside me. The sailor who spoke to me was polite, and they did not seem mad, but the message they delivered was unwelcome: “Sir, there are some drills today using live blank ammunition and we need you to move further over to the other side of the channel.” I asked how far. He said “all the way” and actually apologized.

It was a wide channel and going to the other side was adding distance. I was already damn tired from crossing Hampton roads but there was no choice in the matter. Ultimately it was a hassle but I made it through OK.

I am sooo grateful to Charlotte Webb Chandler (who I have not seen in 30 years) and her family for allowing this crazy kayak guy to spend the night at their place. So many people have stepped in to help me on this trip and I appreciate all of you! But Charlotte gets today’s big shout-out.

Richard McMillan, another college friend I. This area is threatening to drive over and take me out for a beer soon. Looking forward to it.

Today was actually Day 6 despite the caption! I was unable to stop between Old Point Comfort and Charlottes house. Everything was military or cargo piers or open water.

It does not look very impressive in this image but the container ship made me feel very small and vulnerable!

Fishhugger’s berth for the night. Charlottes house in background.

This is what I needed.