The day dawned and brought with it a hint of sun, a welcome change from the previous 3 days.
My plan was to travel over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Tucked between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Eastern shore is “defined by two elements: the fertile land and the water”.
I looked forward to going over the 17.6 mile Bay Bridge Tunnel and was happy to find that it had a visitors center and pier midway across the bay. Well you know me … I just had to stop and walk all the way out to the end of the pier before heading on my way.
It fascinates me that cars travelthrough a tunnel under the water in the break between the two rock edges.
Once back on the road, and knowing that I’d have much more time to explore the Eastern Shore the next day, I pushed on up to Bethany Beach, Delaware. After a short but wonderful visit with dear friends, I set out to explore a bit. On a borrowed bike, I hit a pretty bikeway which ultimately led me to the Indian River Inlet Bridge.
The view of the ocean and the Delaware Seashore State Park was beautiful.
Every bike ride should end with a cold beer, at least in my opinion, and I found that, and fish tacos, at Hammerheads Dockside. It was just the fuel I needed for the ride back over the bridge. After that, it was a quick visit to the beach and time to settle in for the evening.
The next morning, I was up early for the drive back down the Eastern Shore. I stopped in Cape Charles, a town founded in 1884 as the southern terminus of the New York, Philidelphia, and Norfolk Railroad. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this train town also boasts a water tower that looks like a lighthouse.
I found my way down to the bay and within minutes, I was out of my shoes, had rolled up my pants, and was enjoying the feel of the sand and the water.
The next stop was the Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge. “Located at the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, this area is one of the most important avian migration funnels in North America. Each fall, like colorful clockwork, the refuge is the scene of a spectacular drama as millions of songbirds and monarch butterflies and thousands of raptors converge on their voyage south”.
In addition to photography, the refuge offers the visitor opportunities for fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and education.
I wish I’d had a kayak with me this day!
All to0 soon, it was time to start the trip back home to the mountains. While disappointed to leave the water and marine life, it was time to get home to prepare for my first post-wreck bike trip.
Next Up: Kentucky
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Beautiful pictures and text Laurie.
Thanks! It was a great trip 🙂
Now to get the Kentucky travel posted … maybe this weekend!
That was a fabulous part of your vacation. I would have loved to “ride” bike with you across the Chesapeake. Beautiful.
It really is such a unique and beautiful place. I’ve loved every visit there.
Come on down! (or over, down, up) 🙂
Enjoyed reading about your vacation.You captured some really good shots! I do agree that every bike ride should end with an ice cold beer! Can’t wait to read about your time in Kentucky!
Someday we’ll meet up after a day of travel and chat over a beer … even if it’s a virtual chat!
Wait ’til you hear about the Kentucky end of the day beer … oh my! Next post 🙂
Looks like a winter morning almost…
You mean that first one? I agree!
What a wonderful photographic tour…thank you. 🙂
So glad you joined me 🙂 and glad you liked it as well.
Very nice. One photo after the other is just terrific. None however beat the butterfly photos. My favorites.
Those butterfly photos are so engaging … the bright colors just draw the eye, don’t they?
THanks Bruce!
Fabulous! I could almost feel the wind on my face and the smell of salty sea air! The photos are all great – your gorgeous toes, be-ringed and painted [what a wonderfully girly biker you are!] in the dappled water, the thought of the tunnel beneath the water, the butterflies, the long bridge…….. for me the best is the first shot of the pretty bikeway – breath-taking! My heart is so happy for you that this trip on the bike [borrowed or not] went so well! xoxo
That bikeway was so beautiful, Pauline, and such an unexpected surprise! I loved it.
and yes! I always say that my monthly pedicure is my girly thing – that, and that I carry a nail file in my saddlebags 🙂
Absolutely stunning. Love, love, love the photos of the flowers and butterflies. 🙂
Thank you, Suz. Those butterflies, flitting amongst the flowers, were so uplifting to see and the colors thankfully came through in the photos.
They were certainly stunning. Made me smile. 🙂
Very beautiful images, I saw beautiful butterflies 🙂
Thank you so much! Very glad that you liked the butterflies – they definitely brought smiles to my face.
Laurie, what a fabulous photo journal of your trip. I had to go back and re-read the part about the bike. I was confusing bike and bicycle, but now it all makes sense. You have us all trained to assume the bike with the engine attached. 🙂
Can you tell us more about the LOVE statue? I’ve never seen anything quite like it and as you know, I’m a sucker for re-purposing things.
I can’t choose one favorite photo, but I’ll try for my top three: those gorgeous butterflies on the bright yellow flowers took my breath away; the water tower/lighthouse had a lot of mystery and whimsy; and the train tracks evoked a powerful image from my youth.
Nicely done!
Alys, thanks for the great comments! You are not alone on the bike thing … my friends get confused, too!
As far as the LOVE statue goes: I’m assuming you’ve heard of “The City of Brotherly Love’s best-known landmark is LOVE itself — the Robert Indiana sculpture in John F. Kennedy Plaza, northwest of City Hall. Installed in 1976” (quote from Wikipedia). In Virginia, and probably elsewhere, some localities have been creating their own version of a LOVE statue, using items that identify their community. This is one of the most unique ones I’ve seen, although I’m not sure what the tire signifies.
So very glad you liked the photos … and for the reasons you listed! The butterflies and flowers were so beautiful that day. Seemed like there were hundreds!
I guess I was vaguely aware of this, but not to the extent that you are. I should read more about it. Thanks for sharing more of the details.
Oh my there is a whole world of interesting things to see and do. I hope I live a long, healthy life so I can continue to travel and enjoy it.
Peerless but not pier less 🙂
So glad you commented about the pier! Given my penchant for piers, I just had to include yet another!
Gosh, just lovely, LB! I felt like I was along for the whole beautiful journey. Thanks for the wonderful escapism. Can’t wait to see more. xoxoxoxox
So glad you came along with me, Dani! I’m hoping to work on my Kentucky travels later today 🙂
Thanks for taking us along on this trip with you, Laurie. I haven’t ever been there, and now I feel like I have, in a way! Love the toes in the water!! Great pier. 🙂
Something about a pier, right? So glad you enjoyed the photos, Mary, and truly, I’m so glad that people feel like they came along on the trip with me. Thats the goal!
Oh, how fun to have taken this trip with you right from the comfort of my den 🙂 Wonderful photos all, but seeing as how a number of previous commenters chose their favorite, I’m going to do the same: love the fishing rod shots!! And of course, the toes in the water made me smile. Looking forward to Kentucky!
I’m glad you liked the fishing rod shots! I debated whether to include them but I just couldn’t leave them out … it was incredible to see the devotion that those fishing had to their sport.
Laurie these are just gorgeous images and nobody could tell a road trip story like you do. The fishing rod images are so sharp along with the flower and butterfly shots 🙂 I have to say though I live the tree lined covered path also. It’s to hard to pick a favorite so I won’t ! I told you in the last post the next road trip I take I am sending the photos to you 🙂
You know, the whole reason I started blogging was to share my travels with family and friends who wanted to keep in touch with me as I rode alone. People started telling me that they felt like they were along for the trip and I’m so glad you feel that way, too. It’s just so fun to share.
That tree lined path was such an unexpected surprise! Absolutely beautiful … and quiet, too!
OOPS meant to say I love the tree line covered path 🙂
Holy cow, what a string of show-stopping photos! I really like the first fishing pole portrait. And your toe rings! I just kept saying, “wow. Wow.” as I read through and saw your images. I’m so glad you are a person who is compelled to stop and take a closer look.
Crystal, your enthusiastic comments always make me smile with gratitude! So glad you liked the photos!!
Brings back memories from our beach trip last summer. I love that area!
We’ll have to make a trip there together sometime, Ruth!
This might be one of my all time favorite of your photo series. Somehow you captured the very essence of a visit to any of the Atlantic coastal areas, and made my heart swell with longing.
I’m so glad you liked this … and your words brought a BIG smile to my face!!
That was the full meal deal! Thanks so much for sharing your fab photo’s. I love that pathway through the trees. It’s like a chapel in nature. The forgotten railway line photo is perfect for your post about your travels too. Loving that POV. What a beautiful part of the country Laurie. I can’t get enough of the ocean and beach. I’m born in June, the sign of the crab. Could that be why? Don’t know but it’s where I always want to be, near the water. Happily there are always streams, crystal clear lakes and falls to enjoy in the mountains too. How the heck is it that I live on the prairies, gads, go figure. I noticed Tangier Island on your map, I think I’ve told you but that’s where Mr B bought a dime store ring and the next day proposed in Irvington. Hehe, what a guy. He was probably shaking in his boats. I remember the ferry ride back to the mainland, we hung out on the upper deck, the sun was out and it was breezy as we clipped along. It was a recipe for closing your eyes and I took a wee nap on his lap 😀 Hopefully the fiancé to be didn’t snore, LOL.
I do remember your Tangier Island story AND you told me of your time in Irvingtion, too. Do you still have that dime store ring tucked away somewhere? I love the story of coming home on the ferry.
The Middle Peninsula / Chesapeake Bay truly is an incredible place to be.
I can’t wait to go back!
I sure do have it tucked away LB. It’s on a ribbon in my Jewelry box 😀
Wow!
So beautiful!
Thank you!!
Looks like a lovely area to explore. I drove from DC to Manassas and then to Richmond. Next time I’ll try the coast.
oh I hope you can! The Chesapeake Bay, Middle Peninsula, and Eastern Shore are just wonderful … beautiful, historic, fairly unspoiled
We like to fish the island and pier on the Bay Bridge Tunnel. Nice coffee house restaurant!
Bill, I cannot remember when I was on the Bay Bridge, but i definitely did not know about that pier and restaurant! So cool!
I love the places you visit Laurie! 🙂 Your photos are absolutely stunning. The photo of the water tower with the dramatic sky in the background is exquisite!
Love “LOVE” and the other images in this post.
Thanks Rona! Good to hear from you! Hope all is well!