Cape May | Life on the Bike and other Fab Things

Does it seem to you that the 2013 Bike Adventure is lasting forever? I feel sure that it must! In reality, it was 7 days long but by not being able to upload photos from the road, I am posting now … almost 2 weeks after the trip!

On this, the 6th day of the trip, I rode the bike to Lewes, DE in order to take the ferry across the Delaware Bay to Cape May, NJ. It was much less expensive (by almost $40) to ride over as a pedestrian than it would have been to ferry the bike over and because of that I was able to get a cup of coffee and relax while the cars and bikes were loaded. Even better, I was able to see the Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware’s seagoing goodwill ambassador ( http://www.kalmarnyckel.org/).

The original Kalmar Nyckel sailed from Sweden to the New World in 1638 leaving its passengers to establish the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley, the Colony of New Sweden in present-day Wilmington, Delaware.

The replica of the Kalmar Nyckel was built by a group of committed citizens to be a continuing witness to the courage and spirit of those individuals who undertook the mid-winter North Atlantic crossing in 1637-1638. The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation notes that “its historical significance rivals that of the Mayflower, yet her remarkable story has never been widely told”. The public can schedule a tour and can sail on the ship, too.

What a contrast between this Tall Ship replica and the modern ferry.

The ride to Cape May is not quite an hour and a half, which gave me plenty of time to explore the ferry and to relax.

Once on Cape May, I took the shuttle into the historic area. During the 6 mile ride, I had time to chat with the shuttle driver. As a former City Council Member, I am always interested in local government issues such as tourism and revenue generation. The driver noted that if local government officials had not had the strength to withstand those who wanted to tear down historic buildings and homes, then Cape May would be just like any other beach community filled with condos and high rise hotels. Instead, it is a booming tourist economy based on it’s history.

I walked for hours, first exploring the more touristy walking mall and then the beach, where you have to pay for beach access. That may not be a surprise to some of you, but it sure was to me!

Following that I walked through the historic neighborhoods and had to keep pulling my jaw up off the ground. WOW!! Not your typical beach rental!

Lunch (and of course, that cold beer) were enjoyed at Jackson Mountain Cafe, and after that it was time to head back to get the shuttle. The trip back across the bay just seemed to call for an ice cream cone and the taking of a “selfie”. Can you tell I’m content?

(I’m the one with the ball cap … ha!)

I quick stop in historic Lewes gave me more time to explore and opportunities for photography …. followed, of course, by a Bass on draft at The Rose and Crown.

Then, it was one final stop in Bethany Beach …

… before heading to Bluecoast for dinner and to buy a thank you gift certificate for friends. I had a blast watching Billy and Trevor shuck a zillion oysters and clams and prepare all kinds of yummy things to eat.