The body of water known as Hampton Roads is one of the world’s largest natural harbors (more accurately a roadstead or “roads”). It incorporates the mouths of the Elizabeth, Nansemond, and James rivers, together with several smaller rivers. It empties into the Chesapeake Bay and is only 18 miles to the Atlantic Ocean.
It is not surprising that the region’s economic base is largely port-related, including shipbuilding, ship repair, naval installations, cargo transfer and storage, and manufacturing related to the processing of imports and exports. It has the largest concentration of military bases and facilities of any metropolitan area in the world. Nearly one-fourth of the US active-duty military personnel are stationed here.
It positively vibrates with energy.
The “Roads” separates a number of cities and towns. On previous visits we have stayed in Norfolk and Hampton so this time we decided to try Portsmouth and took a slip at Tidewater Marina for a few days. It has recently changed hands and a major renovation is underway. Downtown Portsmouth has some restaurants and shops but we thought Norfolk offered more.
Some old Ottawa friends made the trip from their place in Charlottesville Virginia to Portsmouth. We had a great visit and caught up on all the goings on it their lives as they transition into retirement.
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Moon Dance IV 