The best part about being an early riser is getting to see the sun come up.

Then the morning got even better because I got to use this wonderful outdoor shower!  What a treat!

The plan for the day included visiting with friends from Virginia who just happened to be vacationing in Delaware at the same time that I was visiting.  Until I met up with them though, I decided to attempt to work on editing / uploading photos.  Kool Beans was the perfect place for a delicious breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

As much as I love a road trip, I usually spend so much time exploring that I don’t have enough time for quietly relaxing.  This morning, though, I decided to do just that and it was lovely!  I even took some time to read.

Soon though, it was time to head to Rehobeth.  Riding Rt 1 along the Atlantic Ocean, I was excited to get to go over … you guessed it … a bridge!!  The Indian River Inlet Bridge opened to traffic in 2012, replacing several  bridges before it.  I pulled over to take this shot and could even have walked over on the pedestrian / bicycle lane in order to get better photos, but I needed to get on down the road.

Once I got to Rehobeth, I was just about done in by the traffic, the search for a parking space, and the time spent trying to pay for parking.  Thank goodness I was able to meet up with good friends, who also put extra quarters in the parking meter for me (this photo taken by a friend, with a cell phone).

I’m more used to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which is less developed and less crowded, but the ocean is still a thrill and I was glad to be able to play in it for a bit.

After the beach, we headed to Mike and Kellie’s home in Milton, DE.  Milton is “the birthplace of five governors, a town divided in allegiance during the Civil War, home to many officers who participated in the famous War of 1812, and rich in both agricultural and political facts and figures” (http://www.historicmilton.com/about-milton.html).

Mike, Ralph, and I (and Mike’s dog, Rosie) took a walk around this historic community.

Mike is an excellent (and funny!) tour guide.  For some reason, this cabin, built in 1781, was open to passersby and Ralph and I had to check it out.

It was a beautiful evening and I just could not stop taking pictures!

We briefly explored an old cemetery

Visited the Dogfish Head Brewery (unfortunately, we were not able to take a Brewery Tour)

And enjoyed some quiet time in the yard

The ride back to Bethany was marked by reaching the 4000th mile on the new bike as I watched a gorgeous sunset.

Life is good!