June 12-June 14                          Portsmouth, Virginia

We were glad we had stayed for Harborfest. The fireworks display over the Elizabeth River was the best we had ever witnessed.  For thirty minutes, dual synchronized fireworks burst above us.  Our seats on the bow of the boat were perfect to enjoy every one. 

On Monday, we readied the boat for departure, paid our bills at the marina, turned in the EZ Pass for all the tolls and the rental car.  Tuesday morning, we rose early, disconnected all the lines, started the engines, and then experienced an unexpected problem.  One of the engines died and refused to start.  John, the service manager came immediately.

After an hour, it was determined one fuel tank (we have two) held a lot of water.  Pumping ensued and more than 15 gallons of water were removed from the tank!  We had fueled several days earlier from a source on the dock which had not been in service for several weeks.  We were the first to receive fuel after its repair.  Apparently, the lines or tank had been invaded by water from the heavy rains during the idle period.  We were the fortunate boaters who received all that water into our fuel tanks.

After making sure the water had been removed and performing other cautionary measures, the engines were again started.  They ran for more than an hour without problems.  Our planned destination was a five hour journey from Portsmouth and it was decided to delay the trip another day.