We stayed at a sardine camp in Virginia Beach. I call it that because that’s how they packed us in there. I didn’t take any photos because a) didn’t think about it and b) wasn’t much to photo. But, it served the purpose of a place to stay while in Hampton Roads. Our friend Trish had her change of command for the cutter Northland. She’s on to Headquarters in DC now, the “chief fish cop” as Ben puts it succinctly. So watch out illegal fisherpeoples!
This was the first time I’ve ever been on a Coast Guard ship. I don’t think I’ve even been on the Eagle yet. Yes, it’s a smaller version of a Navy ship – white hull instead of gray. The ceremony was nice, and Trish’s speech was definitely her speed and fun to listen to.
The sunny day and shaded tent didn’t make a good background for the photos, but you get the picture.
Trish had the reception at Smartmouth. They’ve expanded since we were last there, it’s a nice open space. Her cake was great – apparently they have an inflatable unicorn as a mascot of sorts on the boat. The uni has had several adventures while Trish had command.
FYI – the PEZ in the boat is cocaine. Large drug bust. See, the unicorn had many adventures.
It’s been very hot. As Ben has said several times during the trip, we are going the wrong way in the summer. We should be going north! Instead, we head south. The RV park we’re in has no shade and the trailer is uncomfortable from about 2 until the sun goes down.
We met Tess and Jeff at a new brewery in VA Beach Thursday…well, new to us. They opened in 2019. New Realm Brewery. The food and beer were good. It was great to see them again. They are RV’ers, so we talked about connecting in the winter. They’ll be fun to meet up with for sure.
Friday we continue our journey south, taking a few days to get to Huntsville.
Ben and Megan Travel the World 