Some places never lose their magic — no matter how many times you return. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of those rare spots. Perched above the Pacific in La Jolla, it’s a dramatic mix of rugged cliffs, rare pine trees, and golden beaches that somehow feels wild and refined at the same time.
One of my all-time favorite chefs and globetrotters was the legendary Anthony Bourdain. He once said, “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
Now, let’s talk about Cape May, New Jersey. This little beach hamlet managed to break my heart in ways I didn’t see coming. Sure, the journey was fun and educational, but it was also like an unseasoned clam chowder – something was missing. Granted, I visited during the off-season, which meant fewer crowds but also fewer attractions. But honestly, after hearing my travel buddy’s tales of the summer madness in these beach towns, I’m pretty relieved I dodged the peak tourist frenzy. Cape May might not have lived up to the hype, but hey, at least I got a history lesson out of it!
A little background on this excursion – I was visiting my buddy Phil and his wife Amanda in Lewes, Delaware. With Amanda tied up at work, Phil and I seized the opportunity for a boys’ day out, setting our sights on Cape May. Our journey began at the Lewes Ferry Terminal, one of the nicest I’ve seen, and the On the Rocks Dockside Grill. Now, ferry protocol: arrive early, check in, line up the car, head inside to chill, and wait for the call. And since work was the last thing on our minds, we cozied up to the bar for some top-notch Bloody Marys because, hey, when on holiday, it’s practically the law! Here is a link to the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.
Pictures: The Lewes Ferry Terminal
Pictures: The Lewes Ferry Terminal | The Breakfast of Champions
It’s like the iconic moment at the Indy 500 when they holler, “Drivers, Start Your Engines!” But here, at the ferry terminal, it’s our turn. A crackle over the PA system signals it’s time to hustle to our cars and prepare to board. These salty sailors work their magic, seamlessly ushering vehicles onto the ferry. Once aboard, we ascended to the upper deck, ready to soak in the 85-minute voyage to Cape May. Despite the November chill nipping at our noses, we braved the brisk air for a while before retreating indoors to explore the ship and chill a bit more. I bet the trip in the summer is even more amazing. But, alas, we made do. And just like that, as the shoreline drew near, the call echoed once more, beckoning us back to our car for the next leg of our adventure.
Pictures: Boarded and set to go! | Looking back at Lewes
Pictures: Bundled up for the Crossing | Approaching the Cape May Ferry Terminal | Passing a Ferry
Southern New Jersey boasts rich farmland, offering bountiful harvests of fresh produce. This fertile region is known for its vibrant, community-driven agricultural traditions. Here, farmers cultivate a bounty of crops, from juicy tomatoes to sweet corn, under the sun-drenched skies of the Garden State.
Our next stop was Nauti Spirits, a true farm-to-bottle operation, which is also one of NJ’s largest distilleries, with two massive all-copper pot stills and a column still. It is located on a bucolic 60-acre coastal working farm that sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, less than 5 minutes from (and between) downtown Cape May and the Cape May – Lewes Ferry. The distillery is unique in NJ, as they use much of what they grow on their farm to produce their spirits.
Pictures: Cool Vibe inside Nauti Spirts
Walking in, you’re hit with that vibe—cool, laid-back, and totally inviting. The staff? Top-notch. The place? Gorgeous, with sunflowers swaying in the breeze like a scene from a postcard. We sampled their spirits, and while they were good, let’s just say the bourbon left a little something to be desired for the price. But hey, it’s all about the experience, right? So we kicked back, sipping our cocktails, soaking in the vibe, and reveling in the beauty of local agriculture. Cheers to that!
Pictures: Sunflowers at Nauti Spirits | Bourbon on the Rocks and a Nauti Mule
Our stomachs growling, we decided to grab a bite before diving into our Cape May adventure. The chosen spot? Lucky Bones Back Water Grill. Not that it would matter to me (I’m a pescatarian), but with a name like Lucky Bones and the aroma of a pit barbecue as you stepped out of your car, you’d think the menu would scream BBQ. Spoiler alert: BBQ wasn’t the star of this show.
Curious about the quirky name, I found out that “Lucky Bone” refers to the peculiar hook-like claw of the male horseshoe crab. Back in Cape May’s whaling days, sailors deemed these claws lucky charms, taking them to sea for protection. Hence, the name “Lucky Bones.”
Pictures: The “Sargeant Joe Friday” Mahi Sandwich | Beer with more Personality
Back to our dining experience: we opted for bar seating, as the dining room felt like a relic from another era—eerily cavernous and devoid of charm. The menu? A nostalgic trip to the 1980s, alongside Banana Seat Bikes, Miami Vice suits, and leg warmers. The food was just okay—nothing disastrous, but certainly nothing to write home about. I ordered a Mahi sandwich with house-cut fries. Note to restaurant owners: if you’re going to boast about house-cut fries, make sure you know how to cook them properly! The sandwich itself was as bland and uninspired as Sergeant Joe Friday from Dragnet. At least the beer had a bit of personality, which was more than I could say for the rest of the meal.
Cape May is home to one of the highest concentrations of Victorian homes (second only to San Francisco), drawing visitors from all over. We parked near the Washington Street Mall—a pedestrian promenade brimming with unique shops, quirky boutiques, a variety of restaurants, and laid-back bars. We decided to dive in and explore. The mall had some cool spots but didn’t quite blow us away, so we wandered into the Historic District. The tree-lined streets were dotted with Victorian homes, most of them impressively well-maintained. These ornate, colorful houses definitely added a touch of charm and old-world elegance to the area and I get why people are drawn here.
Picture: Victorian Homes in Cape May | NJ
No visit to Cape May is complete without hitting its pristine beaches—though maybe when it’s a bit warmer! On Cape May Beach, we stumbled upon a quirky beach bunker, a World War II relic standing strong against time and tides. This concrete sentinel adds a dash of history to the sandy shore, perfect for snapping unique photos or pondering its storied past while soaking up the sun. We’d dive deeper into history the next day at Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware, discovering how differently the two states approach these historic sites. Sorry Jersey, Delaware has you beat here.
Pictures: Cape May Bunker | Cape May Bunker and Lighthouse
Our final pit stop: the Cape May Lighthouse, a beacon calling out to explorers like us. Built in 1859, this iconic landmark boasts a height of 157 feet and a staggering 199 steps to the top. Its guiding light once served as a vital navigational aid for ships sailing along the bustling East Coast. While we missed the chance to peek inside, its majestic presence alone was worth the visit.
Pictures: Two views of the Cape May Lighthouse
Pictures: From Cape May’s Maritime Past
As Anthony Bourdain wisely said, “Travel isn’t always pretty…but that’s okay.” So, let’s talk about Cape May, New Jersey. Sure, it didn’t steal the show for me, but hey, that’s part of the adventure, right? From exploring quirky beach bunkers to tasting local spirits, it was a journey sprinkled with surprises and lessons learned. Each stop, whether stellar or just okay, added a new chapter to my story. And isn’t that what travel’s all about? Happy Travels!
Date of Visit: 5 November 2023
Cape Henlopen State Park is a fascinating park, that offers so many different experiences and is worthy of visiting on multiple days. In fact, I would suggest using Lewes, Delaware or another nearby city as a vacation hub – Cape May, New Jersey (blog post coming soon) is a short ferry ride across the bay and Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore are about an hour away. There is so much to do in the area.
A Guys Day
I specifically came to Lewes, Delaware to visit my friends Amanda and Phil. We all took the short trip to Assateague State Park and had a blast. However, on this day, Amanda had to work, so it was just Phil and I for a guy’s day out. That morning both Phil and I had a little work to finish before we headed out. I also made a little breakfast nosh, Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast with Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Delish! On the way to the park, we stopped by to see Amanda at the local Golf Club she bartends for a Bloody Mary. Let’s get this party started!
About the Park
Cape Henlopen State Park, nestled on Delaware’s picturesque coast, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Spanning over 5,000 acres, this coastal gem boasts pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, and lush maritime forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a network of scenic trails, ideal for hiking and biking, while birdwatchers delight in the park’s diverse avian inhabitants.
History buffs can explore the iconic World War II observation towers that stand as silent sentinels along the shoreline. The park’s centerpiece, the historic Fort Miles, provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s military past. Visitors can also indulge in water activities, from swimming in the Atlantic to fishing and kayaking in the park’s tidal salt marshes. With its rich ecological diversity and recreational charm, Cape Henlopen State Park beckons nature lovers and adventure seekers alike to discover the magic of Delaware’s coastal wonders.
Pictures: Park Maps were the focus of our visit, specifically the left-hand map.
Top 5 Activities
Reliving our Childhood
Both Phil and I grew up in an era of G.I. Joe and are both history buffs, so our first stop was Fort Miles. We had also visited Cape May, New Jersey the day before, where we initially learned about the observation towers and gun bunkers in the area. When visiting the park you have to go up into one of the Observation Towers. The observation towers have a rich history dating back to their construction during World War II when they served as lookout posts for coastal defense. These towers played a crucial role in monitoring the Delaware coast for potential enemy activity. Triangulation techniques were employed in their design, ensuring precise alignment and effective surveillance capabilities during their wartime function. Today, the observation towers are iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Pictures: One of the Observation Towers | About the Observation Towers
Pictures: Spiral Staircase to the Top | Selfie on the Top of the Tower
Pictures: Views from the Observation Slots
Battery 519
From the parking lot, it is a short walk to Battery 519, a 15,000-square-foot fortified underground chamber. Today, the main battery houses the Fort Miles Museum. Along the initial part of the walk, you’ll pass some of the original barracks and several of the weapons that were used to protect the fort and the coast. And of course, our inner childhood came out. . .
Pictures: The Barracks area and some of the weapons used to protect the fort.
Pictures: Boys will be Boys
As you walk up to the main bunker and Museum, you’ll see a couple of the guns used to protect the coast during WW II. The largest gun on display actually came from the USS Missouri, Mighty MO. This massive gun could shoot a 2700-pound shell over 20 miles with pinpoint accuracy. And you can see the damage such a shell can make on the thick steel of a Japanese ship during the war.
Pictures: Mighty Mo’s Big Gun | A shell and the type of damage it did to a Japanese ship
Pictures: Fort Miles Museum
Pictures: Views from the Museum terrace
Beach Time
From Fort Miles, we continued our loop around the park and headed for the Senator David B. McBride Beach Bathhouse. It is a gorgeous facility with a boardwalk to the beach. I can only imagine how busy this place must be in the summer – remember our visit was at the beginning of November.
Pictures: McBride Beach Bathhouse | Boardwalk to the Beach
Pictures: Pillar on the Beach | Only the Shadows Know
Birds of Prey
Right next to the Bathhouse area, you can spot the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Tower. This spot used to be a military bunker, but now it’s a great place to watch different types of raptors fly by. It’s pretty neat that they keep count of all the birds they’ve seen yesterday and overall. So if you’re interested in birdwatching, this is the perfect spot!
Pictures: The Bunker beneath the Hawk Watch | The Hawk Watch Tower
Pictures: Daily and To Date Raptor Sightings | View from the Hawk Watch Tower
The Point
Next up, my favorite part of the park – The Point. The beach was so chill and beautiful! We didn’t have enough time to check the whole thing out, though. Next time, I’d love to take a longer hike out to the point. We noticed a ton of horseshoe crab shells scattered around the beach. Later, we learned that the Delaware Bay and the area off of Cape Henlopen has the world’s largest spawning population of horseshoe crabs, which are the official State Marine Animal. They look like they’re straight out of the movie Predator, pretty cool! We also got to see a couple of other native crabs that were still alive.
Pictures: A couple of the Horseshoe Crab shells
Pictures: Some of the other crabs we saw, per Google Lens – Lady Crab (r) and Ghost Crab (l)
Last Stop – The Fishing Pier
The fishing pier at Cape Henlopen State Park offers a stunning view of the Delaware Bay, with sights of the Ferry port, The Point, a lighthouse, and Cape May, New Jersey. I met several fishermen on the pier who had caught Tautog or Blackfish that day, a fish species that is popular in chowders and similar to Red Snapper. I highly recommend a visit to Cape Henlopen State Park for a great day out!
Historic Downtown Lewes
After a long day, we hit up historic downtown Lewes for a refreshing libation and snack at the Pink Pony, the bar at Bramble & Brine at The Butttery. It’s a super cute bar with hundreds of equestrienne ribbons, and definitely worth checking out when you’re in Lewes.
Pictures: Historic Lewes, Delaware
Pictures: Bramble & Brine at The Buttery | The Pink Pony Bar and Equestrienne Ribbons
Pictures: Crab au Gratin | Older Old Fashion | Yumsies Humsies
Date of Visit: 6 November 2023
I was well overdue on visiting Lewes, Delaware to see longtime friends Amanda and Phil, and when the opportunity came up, I immediately headed East. I mentioned that there were two parks I wanted to visit on the Discoverer’s List of the Best State Park in Each State. Amanda immediately jumped on the opportunity to visit Assateague State Park as it had been on her list of places to visit. With our cooler full and a beautiful day in the forecast, we headed south on the scenic Coast Highway to Maryland. The drive was just over an hour and as we drove through one town after another, I was amazed at the number of miniature golf courses along the way.
I’ve shared a bit about the park, ponies, and wildlife in the next sections. So feel free to skip through and jump to my notes about my visit and about Assateague National Seashore.
About the Park
Assateague State Park, Maryland’s only oceanfront park, is located on Maryland’s eastern shore and is known for its breathtaking coastal beauty and unique wildlife, particularly its famous wild ponies. These wild horses, known as Chincoteague Ponies, freely roam the park’s beaches, marshes, and woodlands, creating a distinctive and enchanting atmosphere for visitors. The ponies are believed to be descendants of shipwreck survivors and have adapted to the island’s dynamic ecosystem. Visitors can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, providing a rare and memorable wildlife encounter. Assateague State Park spans 855 acres and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking trails, bird watching, and pristine sandy beaches for swimming and relaxation. The combination of natural beauty and the presence of these iconic wild ponies makes Assateague State Park a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique connection with the untamed charm of coastal wilderness. Fees: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day $5/person | After Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend $5/vehicle.
About the Ponies
There are two herds; one in Maryland and one in Virginia. There are approximately 78 in the Maryland herd and about 150 in the Virginia herd. A contraceptive darting program may be used with the Maryland horses to keep the population size to a sustainable number.
Local lore experts theorized the ponies arrived on the island via a shipwrecked vessel in the late 18th or early 19th century. Others attribute their arrival by pirates drawn to the island who ultimately abandoned the animals. A more likely theory is that farmers in colonial times used the island for grazing areas to avoid paying taxes on the land.
The National Park Service manages the herd of ponies at the northern end of Assateague Island. The separate herd in Virginia is owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department, which sponsors the annual pony penning and swim every July.
The ponies’ diet consists mainly of marsh and dune grasses. Their water comes from the freshwater ponds located on the island. They are true horses, and not actual ponies, who have adapted to the diet and life on Assateague. During the winter their coats become quite thick to protect them from the harsh winds. Their short, stocky build allows them to navigate the marshes and to store water efficiently.
Other Wildlife
Assateague Island, situated on the Atlantic flyway, is a bird-watcher’s paradise. Over 200 species of birds have been sighted here, ranging from gulls to herons, egrets to eagles, and even rare peregrine falcons and snowy owls. The most commonly seen birds include ospreys, herons, egrets, sandpipers, shorebirds, ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. There are also two types of deer on the island, whitetail and sika.
The ocean and bay that surround the island are full of life. Dolphins can often be seen playing in the waves of the ocean. Flounder, spot, sea trout, puffer, rockfish, croaker, red drum, and bluefish are residents of the area, while marlin and tuna can be found in the deeper waters offshore. Occasionally, seals, whales, sand sharks, and sea turtles wash up on the shore.
My Visit to the Park
Our first stop before we crossed over to Assateague Island, we stopped at the Assateague Island Visitor Center, which is operated by the National Park Service (NPS). The visitor center has a lot of information about the history of and wildlife on the island, as well as a book and souvenir store shop. Assateague State Park encompasses only a small portion of the island, while Assateague Island National Seashore encompasses the majority of the island. Since this is operated by the NPS, we didn’t get much information about the park but did ask where there were pony sightings. The area around the visitor center offers some spectacular views of the Sinepuxent Bay.
Pictures: Outdoor Map at the Visitor Center – if you zoom in on the picture to the left, you can see how small the State Park is relative to the Island.
Let’s find some Ponies!
We headed across the Verrazano Bridge and over Sinepuxent Bay to the State Park and as soon as we got to Stephen Decatur Memorial Road, we saw our first ponies. We then continued straight and into Assateague State Park where we parked, paid our $5, and to our surprise, there was a lone horse just standing in the parking lot! The State Park has a beautiful beach, the 5 Tides Restaurant and Shop (which was closed for the season), and numerous camping sites. We headed to the beach to see if we could get a glimpse of the ponies on the beach, but there were none, just a bunch of surfers. We also walked along the road through the campgrounds (which was empty) in search of more ponies, but only found evidence of them in the form of Horse “Muffins.”
Pictures: Beach Access from the Campgrounds | Horse “Muffins”
Ponies Sighting!
We decided to head out and see if we would have better luck at the Assateague Island National Seashore, so we headed back to the car and then south on Stephen Decatur Memorial Road. And to our surprise, as we left the parking lot, we saw the horse that was in the parking lot, now grazing by the roadside. Then as we turned left onto Stephen Decatur Memorial Road, we saw another pony!
Pictures: The Ponies!
Assateague Island National Seashore
As we approached the entrance to the National Seashore, there was a line of cars paying the entrance fee. I was a bit shocked at the cost of $25 per vehicle for 7 days (Although I swear it was $35). Anyway, I knew I was about to embark on a trip across the country, so I decided to renew my America the Beautiful Pass ($80 for the year), which gave us access to the park. I should note that if you arrive by foot or bicycle, there is no fee. Hint: Perhaps bring your bike, park at the state parking lot for $5, and ride your bike into the National Seashore.
We decided to hike two trails while we were there – the Life of the Marsh Trail and the Life of the Forest Trail. The Life of the Marsh Trail takes you on an elevated boardwalk winding above the wetlands and mudflats and also takes you out to Sinepuxent Bay.
Pictures: Me, Amanda, and Phil | The Wetlands
We ran into a bunch of people during our hike and asked them if they had spotted any ponies. Then we got lucky – someone told us that there were several ponies on the Life of the Forest Trail! So we set off on our mission to see more ponies. The trail was a beautiful one that took us through the woods and eventually led us to a boardwalk with a view of a marshy area. Even though we didn’t spot any ponies on the trail as we had hoped, we did manage to see a few off in the distance. Our goal was still to see the ponies on the beach, so we moved on to the Life of the Dunes Trail. This trail took us through the dunes and along the beach. I was pretty sure that with all the trees and “hiding” places, we would definitely spot some ponies here – but no luck! We were still happy to have seen a couple of the ponies and decided to head out. But before we drove too far, we spotted another pony! With our day complete, we headed back north to grab a bite to eat. I enjoyed our trip to Assateague State Park and the Assateague Island National Seashore and would highly recommend it. On my next visit, I would spend more time on the beach relaxing.
Pictures: From the Life of the Forest Trail
We had lunch in Selbyville, Delaware, just across the Maryland/Delaware border at Catch 54. My meal was a bit of a dichotomy – we all shared Crab Dip Loaded Tots and then I had the Roasted Beets with Pistachios, Grapefruit, Goat Cheese Mousse, and a Ginger Vinaigrette along with a refreshing Thompson Island IPA. Next up on my list to visit – Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware, and I also made a trip to Cape May, New Jersey.
Pictures: Catch 54 Exterior | Catch 54 Bar
Pictures: Crab Dip Loaded Tots | Roasted Beets
Date of Visit: 4 November 2023
My Visit to the Park
As I continue to visit the Discoverer’s List of Best State Parks in Each State, I am seeing some themes, but I also have started asking rangers and volunteers why they think their park is the best in their state. The Ranger at First Landing State Park thought for a minute and thought it was because of the diverse ecosystems in the park. I personally think it is because it is the most visited State Park in Virginia. So as I reflect on my visit, I did find the diverse ecosystems to be fascinating.
The parking fee is $7 and on weekends from April to October, it’s $10. As many of you know, I am not in favor of park fees, but at least this is by car and somewhat affordable for a family of $4 in one car. There are three different areas for the park – two entrances off of Shore Drive – to one side is First Landing Beach, the Visitor Center, and the Camp Grounds. On the other side is Cyprus Swamp Road, which will take you to the trail center. Additionally, there is an entrance of off Atlantic Avenue at 64th Street.
It was a hot and humid day, but thankfully it was overcast. It also looked like the weather was going to turn, so I did a drive-by at the beach area and focused my visit on the Trail Center area and then the area near the 64th Street Entrance.
Pictures: First Landing State Park – Beach
Pictures: Entrance Sign | Trail Map
About the Park and more work by the CCC
First Landing State Park, nestled along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, is a coastal haven that seamlessly blends natural beauty with historical significance. Spanning over 2,800 acres, this state park holds the distinction of being the site where English settlers, led by Captain John Smith, first touched the shores of the New World in 1607. The park’s name itself pays homage to this momentous event, marking the initial landing of these pioneers. Built in part by an all African-American Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933-1940, the park is a National Natural Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
As Virginia’s most-visited state park, it’s an oasis within urban Virginia Beach. The park has 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage. First Landing offers many recreational and educational activities and has many unusual habitats including bald cypress swamps, lagoons and maritime forest, as well as rare plants and wildlife.
Camping enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the natural surroundings by staying at one of the park’s campgrounds, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Educational programs and interpretive displays further enrich the visitor experience, shedding light on the region’s ecological and historical significance.
Please note: The park is located beside a military training center that operates year-round in any weather at any time of day or night. Park guests may experience unusual sights and loudness. Nighttime training may last even beyond midnight. The activities pose no risk to park guests.
Let the Hiking Begin
As you can see from the picture below, the trails in this park are well-marked. At the entrance of the Trail Center is a fox – a life-size, life-like bronze red fox created by Sculptor David Turner of Turner Sculpture on the Eastern Shore. Friends of First Landing State Park chose a fox for the sculpture because foxes are prevalent in the park and also because a fox is Virginia State Park’s mascot.
From the Trail Center parking lot, I decided to explore the swampy area first and take the Bald Cypress Trail. This hike takes you across a raised walkway through the trees and over the swamp. I did keep a keen out for snakes in the swamp, but didn’t see any, which I was super bummed about.
Pictures: “Fox on Alert” | Well Marked Trails
Pictures: Raised Walkway through the Swamp
Time for a Wardrobe Change
I hiked the Bald Cypress Trail which led me to the Cape Henry Trail. Then I reconnected with the Bald Cypress Trail and finally connected to the Fox Run Trail. As indicated by my previous sentences, many trails intersect each other near the Trail Center, making it a maze of trails. I walked a bit down the Fox Run Trail but soon realized I was uncomfortable. So, I turned back to the parking lot, changed my clothes, and grabbed a rain jacket along with some more water and snacks. After that, I restarted and walked again down the Fox Run Trail. Personally, I have no problem restarting a hike if I feel uncomfortable.
Fox Run connects to Long Creek Trail. This is a nice hike along Long Creek, although I was quickly reminded that I was in the middle of a city as I began to hear leaf blowers and the sound of hammers from a nearby construction site.
Pictures: Along Long Creek Trail
Mushrooms and Spanish Moss
While exploring the park, I discovered various mushrooms and Spanish moss. As a child, I was fascinated by Spanish moss and would look for it every year on our trip to Ormond Beach, Florida.
Pictures: Some of the many mushrooms I found in the park
Pictures: Spanish Moss
The Mystery of Unknown Waters
“The marsh, to him who enters it in a receptive mood, holds, besides mosquitoes and stagnation, melody, the mystery of unknown waters, and the sweetness of Nature undisturbed by man.”
― William Beebe, The Log of the Sun a Chronicle of Nature’s Year
The Long Trail passes through a cool marsh, filled with many hidden secrets beneath the unknown waters. Along the way, you will encounter observation towers that are perfect for bird watching and also witness the natural wonders of the area, such as crabs. The trail runs parallel to Broad Bay, where Long Creek flows in. And yes, bugs and mosquitoes are common in this area of the park.
Pictures: Looking out towards Broad Bay | The Marsh
Pictures: Observation Tower | Local Crab
Pictures: More of the Marsh
What do I hear in the distance?
While hiking on the Long Creek Trail, I heard a strange bird call in the distance. I decided to follow the Osprey Trail to investigate, and to my surprise, I discovered an Osprey perched on a dead tree. It seemed as though the bird was inviting me to come visit. The Osprey Trail has some uphill sections, as well as a stretch that runs along a beach and Broad Bay. As the trail moves away from the beach, you’ll cross a bridge and go over a tributary. The amber color of the water reminded me of Black Water Falls State Park in West Virginia where the water gets its amber color from the pine needles.
Pictures: The Osprey | Osprey Trail along the Beach
A lot of Backtracking Today
After crossing the bridge, I decided to turn around and head back up the hill. I took the Long Creek Trail to the White Hill Lake trail with the goal of reaching the “summit” of White Hill, which has an elevation of 33 feet. As I hiked up towards White Hill, I encountered a turtle crossing the trail. The turtle didn’t seem pleased to see me and quickly retreated into its shell.
A Great Place to Exercise
I didn’t take much time to reach White Hill. After that, I turned back and took the Long Creek Trail. I walked a short distance on the trail and later took the Kingfisher Trail, which led me to the Cape Henry Trail. The Cape Henry Trail is a mixed-use trail that caters to both hikers and mountain bikers. Along the way, there are various exercise stations, and I also passed several trail runners. I love trail running and would come here frequently for a run if I lived nearby.
Soon I was back to the Trail Center. I did a total of 6.5 miles, which took me 2 hrs. 30 minutes to complete. From here, I decided to drive to the 64th Street Entrance and explore that part of the park.
Pictures: One of the Education Signs | One of the Exercise Stations
Humans can be Horrible and Destructive
“It’s just a short drive to the 64th Street Entrance. This part of the park wasn’t very busy, though I think it would be if the weather were nicer. It began to sprinkle as I explored this section of the park. There is a cool beach to explore, as well as a maritime forest. The Narrows are also located here, which connects Linkhorn Bay with Broad Bay, and is filled with oysters as thick as stones. I ran into several families exploring the beach, as well as a few guys fishing. Unfortunately, my last impression of the park was an abundance of trash and graffiti on the trees. It’s sad to see how people can be so horrible and destructive.”
I was pleasantly surprised by First Landing State Park’s diverse ecosystems, historical significance, and recreational offerings. It’s a natural haven worth exploring, especially if you are vacationing in the area.
Pictures: The Beach at the 64th Street Entrance
Pictures: Some of the cool trees and wood along the beach
Pictures: Maritime Forest | The Narrow
Pictures: My sad last impression – why?!
Date of Visit: 30 August 2023
Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén