Back to Centerville

This morning, we hopped on the ferry (nothing to do with out in the park) and crossed the river to Portsmouth.  Pam wanted to walk through the hysterical district.

 

Lots of stuff going on at harborfest

The marina told us we had to be out by noon, so at 12:05, we departed.  As soon as we're on the water, the Coast Guard was broadcasting a notice the the Gilmerton bridge was stuck in the down position.  Of course, our truck and trailer are on the other side of the Gilmerton bridge.  Having passed through there before, I knew that there are 2 bridges at Gilmerton.  One for the highway that has an 11 foot vertical clearance which we've passed under before in the down position.  However, the chart shows the railroad bridge to have a 7 foot clearance.  We can't make it under 7 feet, and the CG didn't say if it was the highway or RR bridge that was stuck.  When we got close, I called the bridge tender on the VHF.  Both bridges are stuck says he.  I told Pam to go up to the bow, and stand so that her head was the same level as the highest part of our boat, so if her head hit, I could stop the boat before it did any damage.  We were able to carefully pick our way under the RR bridge between the low hanging beams without hitting her head.  We cleared the structure by less than a foot.  (or a head)

There must have been 20 large north bound cruisers waiting on the other side.  I guess size does matter.  Sometimes smaller is better.

Next problem was the Great Bridge and lock.  They only open the bridge on the hour.  We got through the lock at ten minutes past the hour.  We would need to wait til the next hour for the bridge to open again.  I heard a barge coming the opposite way on the radio tell the bridge tender he was coming and pushing a red flag.  (Hazardous load)  The bridge has to open for him when he arrives.  I called the barge captain, and asked if we could come under the bridge the same time as him.  He said ok...meet me on the two.  (2 whistles)

We're back at Centerville marina tonight, and reunited with our wonderful Ford truck.  It started.  We're having dinner tonight with Woody and Brenda from Islamorada.  Then hauling out and heading home tomorrow.