BEIGE CITY

May 5-19, 2026

We went through our first lock just sound of Norfolk, VA. It was an easy one, just two feet in depth. Great way to get some lock experience!

Distance sign at the first lock. We had just come from Coinjock which is 37 miles south. Interestingly, it shows Miami, FL being 1064 miles south which was basically where we started our great loop journey!

Coming into Norfolk, VA which is just south of Hampton, there are huge naval aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines in the naval base.

I hate to be disparaging toward an entire city, but Hampton, VA is pretty beige. We stayed at the Docks @ Downtown Hampton for two weeks for some down time and we needed a cheap spot to put the boat while we attended my niece’s wedding. Hampton fit the bill, but it was mildly boring, especially when you don’t have a car. They did have a “First Friday” which included a street fair, bands, a small market.

It was nice to have some relaxation time to just decompress a bit. Moving from place to place puts you into a mild anxiety state due to the unknown of the travel and having each marina being just that much different from the previous one. We rented a car and headed out on May 12. Spent two nights getting to Alpharetta and three nights for the wedding festivities. It was an amazing time with a bridal luncheon, tour of the wedding venue, time with family and friends. Megan and Grant looked amazing and Megan’s brother Matt who officiated the ceremony did a fantastic job. It was a perfect weather night and it was nice to be able to move from inside to outside during the evening. It was hard to leave!!

We left for Hampton, VA on Sunday, did errands on Monday and prepped the boat on Tuesday for a Wednesday departure.

Air and Space museum in Hampton.

Hampton Bay from the top of the Air and Space museum