Each year, around the first of June, Norfolk, Va. hosts Harborfest. It’s one of those typical summer festivals: food, entertainment, concerts, sunshine, liquid refreshment (lemonade for us, thank you). Although this was the 35th year, I believe it was only the third Harborfest I’ve ever attended. Motor Man and I drove to Portsmouth and rode the paddlewheel ferry across the Elizabeth River.
The river was a busy place with police and fire boats, vintage workboats, tugs and pleasure craft. Tall ships were anchored at the waterfront and most were open for tours. That large boat in the center is the lunch/dinner cruise ship, The Spirit of Norfolk, which is docked at Waterside on the Norfolk waterfront.
Motor Man and I have a fondness for tug-boats. He’s amazed at their power. I just think they’re cute.
This workboat, Rainbow Chaser, belongs to a friend of ours. He competed in the Harborfest Workboat Race and finished second, when the turbo-charger broke just short of the finish line. (And you just KNOW that I know what a turbo-charger is, don’t you?)
The Coast Guard Cutter, Beluga, was docked at the waterfront and was open for tours. So Motor Man and I went aboard, where we discovered steep ladders and tight quarters.
This beautiful tall ship is the Kalmar Nyckel. You may be reading more about her in a future post.
After a couple of hours in the sun and 90 degree temps, Motor Man and I were ready to board the ferry for the return trip across the river. We were dog-tired.
these days of mine 