OB September 29

Hike and Biked 12.5 KM

We were up early after being awakened in the night by a low-flying helicopter (probably) and a Screech Owl (we think, though Peterson’s doesn’t list a Screech Owl any more).

It was a quick drive to Assateague National Seashore, and we were welcomed right away by some horses:

We paid for two nights (Site C49) since it IS possible that the government will shut down Tuesday and we’ll be S.O.L.

It was early, so we walked the beach for an hour, saw some Gulls and Sanderlings:

some people fishing, and the gathering for the funeral of a local surfer:

Apparently, the ritual is for surfing friends to go out in to the water and form a circle with boards as a tribute. We didn’t stay, but it sounded lovely.

We got to our site, ate lunch, met Sharon and Fred, our neighbours from Seattle, and went for a bike ride amongst horses and Egrets:

Back at the site, we talked some more to Sharon and Fred, met more neighbours with their Hound, Jack-for Jack Daniels, and saw a doe and two fawns (one was hiding):

David found a patch of Prickly Pear Cactus (way out here?)":

then we watched as a horse helped himself to the food on a neighbour’s picnic table (there are seven kids and two adults!). Apparently it got at least one bag of marshmallows:

There was a glorious sunset tonight:

Here’s the view from my chair:

Outer Banks (OB): September 27 and 28

September 27

Loved the Eastern Seashore last fall, so decided on a couple of weeks out here again this year.

We left in plenty of time and had a leisurely drive to Gananoque and a two-second border crossing. We were passed by several police vehicles, including seven motorcycle cops. We’re thinking maybe a funeral somewhere east?

The leaves are starting to change through New York and Pennsylvania. Speaking of New York, have you ever noticed the Greek and Roman names of towns along I81? Cicero, Syracuse, Utica, Rome, Camilius,, Homer, Ithaca and Marathon? Have thought this before but am writing it for the first time.

We stayed in the PA Welcome Center but wouldn’t recommend it (very noisy). Go further south and stay in the Flying J at Exit 211.

It was a good travelling day. Here’s the view from my chair:

September 28

Up early and off to Delaware. We passed a sign for “Quaker Steak and Lube” and two “Bieber” buses (you never know).

In Smyrna, DE, there is a great Welcome Center with an interesting set up for truckers. Since there is  “No Idling”, there are machines in the parking lot and you can pay for heat, cooling and hydro for you vehicle. Very interesting.

We passed through Dover and it was Race Weekend at Dover Downs (race was Sunday). There were RVs everywhere and tailgate set ups and lots of people. And, for some reason, there were scores of Yard Sales set up along Highway 13.

We headed for the Trap Pond State Park and passed another phenomenon: hydro poles (or just tall tree trunks) for TV aerials.

We got to the park, paid our $30, got water and electricity and stayed in a noisy Saturday night place.

Here’s the view from my chair: