day 1: cape may and the eastern shore

Today, before the crack of dawn, in the rain, we left for a bus trip to Cape May and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The trip is with my walking group the Liberty Bell Wanderers, and in my car was the three musketeers -- Angel, Bonnie and I.

We arrived at the VE in Warminster at 6:50. Not bad considering it was just getting light. After boarding the bus, we heard "On the Road Again" coming over the PA system, then headed on the road to Cape May. We stopped once for a 15 minute break and I called my sister Barb and wished her a happy birthday! Personally, I think the road stop was unnecessary. Maybe it was because as we started to move they played "On the Way to Cape May".

Upon arrival in Cape May, the POC hadn't arrived yet, so club president Dave, collected our books to wait for her. Instructions in hand, we followed the masses going the wrong direction. In the light rain.

We had planned on doing more than a 5K, but less than a 10K. The route took us thru Washington Mall, past the Victorian Houses, and along the beach. With the snafu at the beginning, and missing a turn, we walked almost the full official 10K.

Lunch was at the Big Ugly Head Bar where we sat outside. We were the only crazy people out there. It was cool, breezy and sunny. Why be inside? Then we poked around a few shops before heading back to the bus, we had a 2:30 ferry to catch!

We were early, but then they didn't check everyone's IDs. That would have taken some time. Finally it was time to board. This was a deluxe ferry. Very swanky. With tables, a gift shop, a bar,  and everything. We should have brought playing cards for the 85 minute trip!

Bonnie stayed inside and Angel and I took periodic trips outside. We saw a line of five oil freighters lined up to get refilled in port, a WWII tower, and three lighthouses. The lighthouses were Cape May, in Jersey and  Harbor of Refuge (white) and Delaware Breakwater East End in Delaware. The wind was much stronger than on shore. I'm glad I took my sweatshirt. I looked like a big red Pillsbury Dough Boy. Good thing I'm not vain.

Then it was more time on the road to reach our hotel for two nights, a LaQuinta Inn. I didn't get a copy of the itinerary, but I think there is another walk, and a eco-water tour thing in the bay. There is also a trail next to the hotel that is on both sides of the Wicomico River. I think I'll get up early and walk part of it. I wish I would have known that today was #walkmaryland day, I would have done the trail tonight.

Did I mention I signed up for a 13 mile walk Nov. 3? Probably not.

52-hike challenge:   49/52
Miles/Steps:            8.5 for the whole day
Bathroom:               I-4.25 at the transportation center

Weather:                 cool, rain to start then partly cloudy.

Wildlife:                  enough seagulls of various types to cast a Hitchcock movie. Dolphins (or maybe porpoises). There were several, but they are hard to count. 1 monarch butterfly.