After a dozen of us met at the Amtrak station in Norfolk, we tooled around some nearby shipyards, then meandered through the Norfolk State University campus. Next, we covered the Elizabeth River waterfront – HRT ferry stop, Waterside marina, Town Point Park, Nauticus, the battleship Wisconsin and the gorgeous/tranquil Pagoda gardens. After cruising thru Freemason, we planned to twirl around Ghent en route to Park Place, Colonial Place, the Lafayette River and Knitting Mill Creek.
However, an unexpected thunderstorm looked imminent, so we changed our route to head north on the Elizabeth River Trail to arrive at Orapax a bit early for lunch – hopefully avoiding the storm. On the way, we noted the massive number of new buildings in the former Atlantic City (west of the Hague) – a pediatric mental health tower, a new senior living tower, apts and condos on the waterfront. We also saw in this neighborhood – now dubbed “Chelsea”, the new’ish micro-breweries, bakery, restaurants, public art and many enhancements on the ERT.
After a relaxing lunch of Greek food at Orapax, we took the ERT back to Waterside for an ice cream treat and a return to the Amtrak station to load up our bikes. Everybody accounted for!
View Bob's photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/FruZcW8NhuLvuixN8