Oct 16, 2013

We donned the waterproofs first thing as some sea fog had rolled in and we had drizzle to contend with. The jackets came off before we headed into the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel then ditched the jackets late in the afternoon at Ocean City as it had warmed up and the chill was gone but strong wind stayed with us throughout the day so it became a bit wearing by the time we got in. This is the information board about the bridges and tunnels.



This is a shot from the viewing area looking back at the restaurant and the bridge just before the first tunnel heads under the ocean. The sign at the entry to this dock says ‘Maximum 2 rods and reels per person, no cooking, no tents, no camping, and no alcohol’ I don’t know how they can get their lines out without tangling up with everyone else’s.



Once we got onto the island we found extensive cropping with corn finished, potatoes, some sort of turnip type crop and cotton and a number of vegetable processing plants along the way. The communities and housing seemed very marginal in this area along the main highway and only improved slightly as we headed for Chincoteague Island and soon housing was replaced by holiday type homes and activities with the vast majority of all of it closed down for the season. This is the Lighthouse taken from a distance which was where the road to the Refuge and Seaside was closed due to the Federal Government shutdown. A bonus was that when we left we took a secondary road and this was a nicer ride with forest areas as well as farming, sweeping corners and also some less marginal communities.



Our next spot to stop was at Ocean City, Maryland and this is a shot of the roller coaster (Closed) and the whole place looked a bit like a nearly fully deserted Gold Coast and we had most of the road to ourselves. We stopped for a walk on the boardwalk but it was a bit eerie. The accommodation and attractions continued for 15 kms before we got back to just road.



And the Indian carving at the entrance to the boardwalk.



Finally we got into Rehoboth Beach and were delighted to find a really attractive town with tasteful accommodation, shops, boardwalk and private homes. This tells you the history of the place.



The appearance of the town is one of a large permanent population with capacity to cater for larger numbers. We enjoyed Martha’s Vineyard (previous entry) but the commercial side of things here seems more polished. This is a view along one of several little alleys between the main street and others behind it.



And some gulls enjoying being fed on the beach.

Bits and Bobs:



A new sign we have come across today. This was just before the bridge as we headed back from Chincoteague Island but we had seen several on the road heading north along the island previously.



A bit of a giggle … Norm coming back to quote me when he walked into our bathroom here ‘well thank God I finally have my own hand basin”.

Last night’s Accommodation:



Norfolk Waterside Marriott
235 E Main Street
Norfolk, VA 23510

Beautiful hotel with gracious public spaces and wonderfully friendly and helpful staff. The room was lovely and comfortable and the restaurants here lovely. Parking literally across the road and a connecting walkway through on the third level. Nice and convenient.