7/29 - 7/31 - Kilmarnock

As usual Erik was up way too early! After Renee and Riva had gotten moving and had coffee and we walked up to “Glazed Donuts” to get cinnamon rolls.  We checked the forecasts as previously it looked like it might get a little rough.  The apps showed the winds were still pretty strong 16-20 knots, but waves didn’t look as bad so we made the decision to head to Kilmarnock. After stopping to fuel up and purchase the necessary antifreeze to winterize the engines 😟( we had a hard time finding the needed antifreeze this time of year).  We headed out into the bay for a fairly long 56 mile run to Kilmarnock.  The bay was pretty bumpy and rolly, with waves 1-2+ feet often splashing over the bow getting us wet all the way up on the fly bridge.  It settled down just a little as we got close to our destination, but it was a long(almost 5 hour) uncomfortable trip.  

Leaving Hampton harbor out onto the river with a view across of Norfolk 
Locally pronounced
 “Naw-fuk”

The small Chesapeake Boat Basin was a welcome sight as we docked, got tied up, and connected electric.  As we got settled in we realized we had tripped the breaker.  After some checking, adjusting, and trying different outlets, we determined there must be a problem with the newly installed 30amp power inlet. Today was about as hot a day as we had had and decided to visit the pool and worry about the electric later after it cooled off.  The swimming pool felt amazing (cool temp and saltwater) and several other boaters were there sharing opinions on best restaurants, coffee, and ice cream in town😋.  We grilled some burgers for dinner, showered , then used the very nice marina courtesy car to head into town for a meeting and quick Walmart stop.  The meeting was very good, and while we were there met the area harbor host, and a young couple who teach sailing!

Yet another blessed day on the waters of Happy Destiny!

Spectacular full moon rising over us at Kilmarnock
This marina is in a very peaceful, rural area

I see the bad moon rising

Our last full day aboard began with finishing the cinnamon rolls from yesterday morning and some boat cleaning.  Erik started washing the outside while Renee did laundry, dishes, and started cleaning the eisenglass windows on the flybridge enclosure; everything was covered with a film of salt after yesterday’s bumpy cruise.  After we got the boat pretty clean, we hopped on the bikes to ride into town to check out the shops.  Kilmarnock has several antique, thrift, and gift shops.  Many of the shops had some beautiful art, interesting trinkets, and lots of souvenirs .  A stop at the town museum was very interesting with many stories and descriptions given by the volunteer and the gentleman who had grown up and lived here all his life.  The museum gave us coupons for popcorn at the shop up the street where we got Crabby corn( old bay seasoning), pecan praline, and  salted dark chocolate caramel.  We made one last stop at Front Porch Coffee house where our new friend from the pool yesterday and ice cream connoisseur, had recommended.  The Mocha chip ice cream affogatos were delicious and Riva enjoyed her pup cup.

Renee and Riva
As the sun is setting behind them

Sites from our walk around the quaint ‘Northern Neck’ town of Kilmarnock
The Northern Neck region refers to the rural 5 county peninsula  area of VA bordered by the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers and emptying into Chesapeake Bay

Boots on the sidewalks outside the establishments 

Riva chilling in the shade outside of 
Front Porch Coffee House
After enjoying her pup cup

The remainder of the afternoon was spent laying out around and floating in the cool, comforting pool and taking short naps.  We chose a local favorite, Lees, for dinner.  Renee enjoyed the meatloaf and tatoes special (withe her favorite…hush puppies) while Erik got in one more local seafood fix partaking in a large platter of grilled flounder, shrimp, scallops and fried oysters along with a delicious crab patty.  Too stuffed for dessert right away we brought home a take out order of strawberry bread pudding to share later with our evening coffee.  While enjoying the gorgeous sunset and moon rise we sat on the porch of the boaters lounge chatting with Jean and his wife (we’ve forgotten her name).  Jean is Canadian hailing from Montreal and they recently purchased a new to them large ocean going sailboat “French Toast”.   His wife was making rosaries as she chatted with Renee and upon completing it she gave it to Renee; will make a nice gift for Felicitas 🤗.  The beautiful, peaceful night was finished out with our usual coffee accompanied by the bread pudding.  

Heading up by the pool at sunset to sit on the porch and enjoy fellowship with other boaters