June 14-June 16                          Urbanna, Virginia

 With engines purring, we left Portsmouth and headed toward the Rappahannock River on the western shore of Virginia.  The wind was a pleasant 8kts and cruising conditions were ideal.  White beaches and lovely beach homes lined the shore of the bay.  Near Deltaville, we turned into the wide mouth of the Rappahannock and headed upstream toward Urbanna.

The well-marked channel is deep but, like most of the bay, the river becomes very shallow a considerable distance from shore.  We had been cautioned about shoaling at R2 marker as we entered the entrance to Upton Creek, which would take us to our marina in Urbana.  David carefully lined up with the green markers and we safely made it to Bridge Marina.

After docking, we walked four short blocks into town and learned most stores open only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  We saw the lovely Victorian homes and churches, read the historical markers and admired the beautiful gardens.  In Virginia, two names are ubiquitous--Carter and Lee. Both families were renowned for their wealth or their military prowess.  Robert E. Lee was doubly blessed as his mother was a Carter.  Urbana boasts of the beautiful antebellum home of Alfred Lee, still privately owned.    

    
                                                                                                                                                                                          
We stopped at the Neanderthal Café, Home of Righteous Ribs and Bodacious Butts (a barbeque place) for a cool drink and experience some local food (soft shell crab was a specialty item).

David began a conversation with a fellow customer at the bar and learned he had recently published a book.  Garry Fitchet is a native of Urbanna but has lived and worked in many places.  A successful Domino’s franchise owner, he sold the business and became a trainer and motivational leader.  His book is an effort to help others determine what they truly want in life and what matters most in achieving happiness and success.  Life is a Bicycle (If You Stop Pedaling You Fall Off) is the clever theme of the book.  We were impressed with Garry’s candor and conversation about his experiences.  Hopefully, his book will become an inspiration to those who are seeking guidance in their careers and life.

We were fortunate to be present in Urbana for the first day of trolley service for the summer season.  We had a delightful tour of this small, charming village with its many pristine homes, beautiful lawns, and historic churches.  No Walmart’s or franchise restaurants here!  Urbana is a friendly town where everyone we met wanted to engage in conversation and offer any help we might need.

Bridge Marina is owned by John and Barbara who live in a beautiful yellow home overlooking the property.  The office/clubhouse is new, modern, and immaculate.  The floating docks have recently been rebuilt and most were filled with permanent slip-holders.  It is definitely one of the best marinas we have encountered on Chesapeake Bay.