Yorktown

We had not planned to go to Yorktown but a fellow Great Looper and Power Squadron Member Rick Johnson, recommended Yorktown as a great place to visit. So we took his recommendation and had a great time. We motored up the York River in a strong wind. Upon arriving at the Riverwalk Landing Marina we felt safe particualarly since we were surrounded by the Coast Guard as the picture shows. As we found out later, near by is the largest Coast Guards training center in the nation, and these boats were being used to train Coxwain's (I think?) The trainers were mostly retired Coast Guards hired as contractors. During the four days we were there we witnessed man overboard drills and docking and towing various ways. The docking at the docks can be difficult since current in the York River can be a knot or more against you. The twin engine boats could be maneuvered preciously in the right hands.



The old town of Yorktown has a modern waterfront (replaced after a flood a few years ago.) There are numerous shops, some great restaurants and the Yorktown Battle parks. A free shuttle trolley takes you around downtown, to the Battlefield, historical buildings, and the Yorktown History Center. There was also an interesting Waterman's Museum that presented the history of the Waterman of Virginia. Rain intruded several times during our stay but did not keep us form getting out to see the sights.





The dockmasters were retired Coast Guard veterns. Mike was also knowledgeable about bicycles. He told me that Yorktown is the Eastern termus of the Trans America bicycle trail that goes all the way to Oregon. A couple from Alaska showed up to start their trek and I took their picture. There bikes were custom with titanium frames from Tennessee (that screw together). They shipped to bikes from Alaska folded up in a box.