 |
| I identified with this bronze sculpture of "tourists" on the Norfolk waterfront today and fit right in with them. We decided to stay and visit for a day before heading on down the ICW. It was cloudy but looks like we will miss the worst of rainy weather that was headed our way. |
 |
| The USS Wisconsin was one of the largest and last battleships built for the US Navy. It is one of four Iowa class battleships and is now at its final home here in Norfolk to let folks like us take tours and visit. It last served in the First Gulf War but was originally comissioned in 1944. Definitely worth a visit and be sure to pay a little extra and take the guided tour below decks. Those guides have served on board and love this ship as you can tell when you listen to them share their personal stories. Jay really liked the bow view of the battleship in this photo - pretty impressive. We were able to tie up our dinghy to his right at the public dock. |
 |
| Mighty power behind us with 3 turrets of 3 - 16" guns on the USS Wisconsin. Jay liked the ship's windlass on the left side of the photo to hoist and lower the 2000+ ft of anchor chain. |
 |
| The day was impressive with a real feel of the naval presence here in Norfolk. This Armed Forces Memorial was moving since the bronze curved plates were reproductions of sections of real letters written home to family from Armed Forces veterans who never got to come home. The letters were strewn around the memorial for you to read as though they were cast to the wind. It makes us thankful for everyone who has served our country to keep us free. |
