Portsmouth, Virginia, was our next stop after the Dismal Swamp. We stayed at Ocean Yacht Marina June 16 through June 19. The first night we discovered there was a concert just five minutes from where we docked, at the downtown arena. “Sunsconcerts” every Thursday evening. Sunday there was a Juneteenth celebration at the same venue.
Portsmouth is located in southwest Virginia across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. As of 2020 the population was 97,915. As we entered Portsmouth, we noticed many ships and industrial marina sites.
In 1620, the future site of Portsmouth was recognized as a ship building location by John Wood, a shipbuilder who petitioned King James I of England for a land grant. The surrounding area was soon settled as a plantation community.
Portsmouth was founded by Colonel William Crawford, a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. It was established as a town in 1752 by the Virginia General Assembly and was named for Portsmouth, England.
The Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth are historic and active U.S. Navy facilities in Portsmouth. I discovered my oldest nephew, Dr. Adam Thompson, was born at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, as Gary and Candy lived in Virginia Beach.
Every morning we heard the Star Spangled Banner played, as this is a regular occurrence at Naval bases. And we heard church bells – there are are many churches in downtown Portsmouth. We attended Mass Saturday at St. Paul’s.
Marinas always have some interesting characters – and this one did not disappoint. The dock hands and office assistants were very helpful. They even arranged for a car service on Friday so we could get provisions at where else – WalMart! Our driver Johnny was quite entertaining.
Patrick wanted someone to look at one of our air conditioners. The office assistant said no problem, we have a guy named Tiny who lives on a sailboat and works on air conditioners. Turns out Tiny was not so tiny and no way was he going to fit where the air conditioner is located. Tiny said his financee could do the job under his supervision. (First indication he was probably not going to work out.)
Saturday morning we walked down to a green market and bought fresh tomatoes, etc. The day came and went and no sign of Tiny or return phone call. But the office sent another guy who was excellent and fixed the problem. Tiny and fiancee sauntered over to our boat with their equipment Sunday afternoon, but they were too late. Things always work out – just have to be patient.
Two sites we saw downtown were very interesting. The first was the “First Order Fresnel Lens” from the Hog Island Lighthouse. The fresnel lens was named after Augustin Fresnel – the French physicist who devised this lens optical system around 1822.
At about 10 feet high and 2500 pounds, this lens is among the largest and brightest of its kind. Only the lens at Makapu’u Point Light, Hawaii, is larger.
Another interesting site was the “Lightship Portsmouth.” Lightships were floating lighthouses. They were anchored at the entrance of ports, bays and outer limits to off-lying danger areas such as shoals and reefs. These vessels served as aids to navigation.
The Lightship Portsmouth is on the waterfront as a museum and is a National Historic Landmark.
Here are some more photos from our stay in Portsmouth.
Pat and Cindy's Great Loop Adventure 
16 responses to “Portsmouth, Virginia”
Virgina, keep going and don’t look back
Tevie
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Tevie – great to hear from you. We are in Delaware ! Moving right along.
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Sorry I have had covid for the last 5 days. Feeling fine now. Your trip adventures are out of this world. There is no other time to do it! We love you and cheering you on.
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The commentary of your trip
Is great. Love it.
Cam
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Hello Cam, and thank you. I love to write. Patrick is the numbers guy. The trip is going much better than I anticipated! Hello to you and Stephanie.
Cindy and Pat
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Happy Sunday dear ones! You guys are moving right along……….we are really enjoying the ride!!
Portsmouth explored…….Unique with the “big and the small”.
Spar Gemini looks like Gary, Indiana. 4 giant and very heavy cranes on the same boat. Monster.#1
Monster #2 was Mystic with a small town population. Beautiful and very sleek.
Floating light houses “Lightships”. Great idea……never saw one before. Our learning curve grows!.
Gracias! Aprenda algo nuevo cada dia”
Bill and Margarita
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Love your blog & pictures. Excellent! Feels like we r on a grand tour. Thank u for all of your efforts in sharing. Blessings & prayers to you, Florian
Sent from my iPhone
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Florian, thank you. I’m posting a lot of pics because the blog site will publish the blog into a book when I’m finished. So it will be my “photo album.” Sure do miss you and Karen. Blessings to you !
Cindy and Patrick
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Loved the history lesson! And I am sure it was cool to meet Sunshine’s long lost twin.
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Hi Alyson, miss you ! Funny ti see that other Sunshine boat. We never got to connect with them. Sure do miss you. I see on linked in Elisa finally hired someone. Hope you are doing well.
Cynthia
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Pat and Cindy – I look so forward to your posts! I am fascinated by your adventures, and truly enjoy the focus on the history of each location. Thanks for continuing to brighten my day!
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Hello Peggy! great to hear from you. Hope all is well. Say hi to Marjorie for us. Miss you!
Cindy and Pat
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Hi friends – I WILL!
PS – Aunt Peg’s nephew has 67 days 💛
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67 days! AWESOME. We are praying for him. – Cindy and Pat
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Hey Pat and Cindy – This is Dan the too tall man that y’all met in Oriental. My friend Ted got me hooked up to follow y’all and it’s been just about a good a read as the actual adventure. I know every night your saying “Grace” before each meal is amazing too as you struggle to thank our God for the joy you are having in viewing the beautiful creation He has lovingly given to us.
Was a privilege to meet you folks in Oriental and vicariously I am traveling with y’all. I know it’s difficult but try to have fun!
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Dan, thank you! So great to hear from you. We loved meeting you, you are such a nice , caring man. Thank you for your kind word. The privilege is ours to have met you. Hopefully some day our paths will cross again!
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