<\/p>\n
The transition from bucolic Intra Coastal Waterway and Dismal Swamp is startling. You exit the locks at t he head of the Swamp, pass a mile or two of countryside, catch osprey at their work, and then-<\/p>\n
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Boom! You are in the heart of a modern shipping port and major naval base.<\/p>\n
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The visual contrast to where we have been the last month is almost too much.<\/p>\n
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We are definitely back in the industrial age.<\/p>\n
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There are a variety of law enforcement agencies out patrolling.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
For those so inclined the “Naval” architecture on display is fascinating.<\/p>\n
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Although we hug the starboard side of the channel, the better to study and photograph what our tax dollars have helped to create, we are not challenged.<\/p>\n
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But the security appears t o be of serious intent.<\/p>\n
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This marine is standing guard on the bow of an aircraft carrier. She appears well armed to dispense a lethal greeting.<\/p>\n
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There are some interesting commercial vessels to study as well.<\/p>\n
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And even a cruiser or two.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, at the marina where Wind Horse<\/em> arrives, Mother Nature’s offspring are in attendance. This local is less than 100 feet (30m) away, totally unconcerned with anything but fishing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It is still a bit too warm for our tastes, our I pad computer and washer are fixed, we have just learned we have family visiting on Long Island Sound (New York), and we are off to the Big City.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"