Fort Monroe, VA

October 22, 2012 Monday

It was another sunrise departure.  It was important for us to leave as early as possible today.  We had to complete 52 nautical miles with the little daylight available to us for this time of year.  There was great hope for a little wind to push us along.  Our wish came true,  for most of the day we had a northwest wind 10 kts, with our main sail, a favorable tide and waves we were pushed down the Chesapeake Bay.   We made great time, much better than we expected and approached Fort Monroe, Virginia early enough to tour Fort Monroe. Terry wanted to visit his birth place, so we wheeled right into Old Point Comfort Marina next to the entrance of the fort. Terry's father was stationed here while in the Army.  The Fort's grounds and housing were beautiful.  No longer a military base many of the residences are for lease.
Fort Monroe is the largest stone fortification ever built in the United States.  Construction began in 1819 and continued for 15 years.  Robert E. Lee was stationed here from 1831-1834 as a lieutenant of engineers, he had complete charge of the construction on the Fort.

Another beautiful sunrise departure, leaving Reedville, VA

Sailing past Fort Monroe

Fort Monroe residence from the water

Once the famous Chamberlin Hotel, built in 1930's, next to Fort Monroe

Mote around the Fort

More mote views

Old Fort Comfort Lighthouse, built 1802, remains an active navigational aid.
During War of 1812 the tower was used as a look out by a British Invasion force while they attacked Washington.

Robert E. Lee's house while stationed at Fort Monroe 1831-1834

Not a Fort without artillery

Carrier departing Norfolk, VA

Sailors atop of the carrier

Inside the Chamberlin, now a retirement home, but also houses an award winner restaurant  (yes we had dinner there)

Outside the Chamberlin