Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Chincoteague, VA to Savannah, GA..Oct 10-13, 2010
Sunday morning at Tom's Cove RV Park in Chincoteague, VA was to be our last if we were ever to make it to Palm Springs in the needed time frame. While Dale went to the local Baptist Church, he dropped me off "downtown" so I could pick up a couple of things, and then I walked the 3-4 miles back to the park. Once he was home, we had the bus organized in quick order and around 2:00 we headed out. If (when) we come back, we will definitely plan a longer stay on the east coast of Maryland and Viriginia.
Our drive took us down Route 13, and in order to cross back to the mainland, we took the longest bridge/tunnel we have ever seen (and the toll was only $21.00). The first part is a bridge several miles long, then a tunnel about 1/2 mile long, another bridge, then another tunnel before you arrive on the mainland. The two tunnels are to accomodate ships entering and leaving the Chesapeake Bay. Just an amazing sight. While driving, Dale put a pair of sunglasses, over another pair of sunglasses. I wondered at the time why he was putting on two pair. When he took off the sunglasses, he realized he had two pair on. He didn't know the other ones were on!!! Needless to say we had a good laugh.
Our route took us into Viriginia Beach, VA where we found our way to a WalMart Supercentre where we parked.
Unhooking the car, we then went on a tour of the area; "trying" to head into town and the beach area. After driving for some time and making a few right turns we realized we were totally lost. We knew the sun should be behind us..but it wasn't! So, stopped and asked for some directions..which turned out to be incorrect..and as we were driving along, Dale says, Oh Look..another Walmart..and I say, Oh Look, there is our bus!! We had done a B I G circle..but at least we arrived home. Another good laugh..!! Since it was now early evening and getting dark, decided to stay put.
In the a.m., we headed out again, with better directions and after stopping at a Visitor Info centre for additional maps, we made it to the town area. Two main streets Atlantic Ave., which all the hotels are on which front on the ocean, and the next main street is Pacific Avenue. All the beaches are accessible by the public, lots of easy entry points, but parking is very very limited. At the info centre the gal had told us of a restaurant that we should try for breakfast/lunch. It is "Doc Taylors" on 33rd between Atlantic & Pacific. I give this specific location for if you are ever in Virginia Beach, you must go there. The food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable.
Then we drove the area..it is several miles of boardwalk on the water, shops,eateries, tourist traps all along both sides of the street. You would need several days in order to visit all the spots. We drove out to Cape Henry, where the first 105 English colonists arrived on April 26, 1607. This is the first landing and NOT Plymouth, MA..interesting. This area is now a military establishment and we had to undergo a thorough vehicle check before we could enter and were only allowed to view the lighthouses and then had to leave.
Back to the bus and on the road again. Made a wrong turn immediately on leaving so had to find space to turn around and get heading in the right direction. We had decided to take SR 17, instead of the freeway, to enjoy seeing more of the countryside. The roads were excellent too so a nice drive. We drove through Elizabeth City, Windsor, Old Fort, New Bern, and on into Jacksonville,North Carolina arriving about 6:00 p.m. Decided to stay overnight in Jacksonville(WalMart again). It was a restless night as some locals decided to party nearby. At 5:00 a.m., we were both wide awake so decided to hit the road early and off we went.
Continuing on SR 17 we drove through Willmington, Shallotte, entered South Carolina, through Myrtle Beach. This area is beautifully situated on the Atlantic, but the commercial development is horrendous and in my view, has totally ruined the area. Traffic, pollution, strip malls......
Heading now through Georgetown, where turned onto ALT 17 which took us through Sampit, Jamestown, Moncks Corner, Ladson, Summerville, Walterboro, where we hit I-95. This was really back roads driving and took us completely around Charleston and we were soon in Georgia. Our destination, after stopping at the Visitors Centre, River's End Campground & RV Park on Tybee Island, just east of Savannah. We had to drive through Savannah in order to reach our destination so gave us a taste of what we wanted to see.
Ahhh...paradise again. Surrounded by palm trees, blue sky & sunshine and the Atlantic Ocean. the trees are dripping moss (which is actually not moss but an organism that lives on the trees and are full of little biting critters)..a most incredible sight. We had a quick late lunch (chicken noodle soup) and headed back into town. Booked a trolley tour to give us a good view of the city and the colourful history of the area. It is unfortunate we don't, again, have several days in which to enjoy all that this area has to offer.
Back on Tybee Island to put our feet up for awhile and then searched out someplace to have dinner. We found Santiago's Mexi-Cal Restaurant just down the road. Wow, Margueritas ( 2 for 1..oh oh and most delicious) and the food was outstanding. Dale had the Beef Enchiladas Verde with rice and beans and I had the Shrimp and Spanish Chorizo Diablo with rice. Yes, more food reporting but it is so good.
It was a fairly early night after such a long day driving and touring. So quiet you could only hear the cicadas outside and it was a rather soothing sound to lull you to sleep.
We were only able to book into this park for one night as they are fully booked for the rest of the week. So, we need to move on today. Believe we will head for Jacksonville, Fl if not all the way to Sanford. We will be spending a few days there so will have more time to explore. Soon will be time to turn west.
That brings our travels up to date. It is now Oct 14, 10:00 a.m. so time to start thinking about securing the bus for travel. Our checkout time is noon..all too soon.
Till next time...
Our drive took us down Route 13, and in order to cross back to the mainland, we took the longest bridge/tunnel we have ever seen (and the toll was only $21.00). The first part is a bridge several miles long, then a tunnel about 1/2 mile long, another bridge, then another tunnel before you arrive on the mainland. The two tunnels are to accomodate ships entering and leaving the Chesapeake Bay. Just an amazing sight. While driving, Dale put a pair of sunglasses, over another pair of sunglasses. I wondered at the time why he was putting on two pair. When he took off the sunglasses, he realized he had two pair on. He didn't know the other ones were on!!! Needless to say we had a good laugh.
Our route took us into Viriginia Beach, VA where we found our way to a WalMart Supercentre where we parked.
Unhooking the car, we then went on a tour of the area; "trying" to head into town and the beach area. After driving for some time and making a few right turns we realized we were totally lost. We knew the sun should be behind us..but it wasn't! So, stopped and asked for some directions..which turned out to be incorrect..and as we were driving along, Dale says, Oh Look..another Walmart..and I say, Oh Look, there is our bus!! We had done a B I G circle..but at least we arrived home. Another good laugh..!! Since it was now early evening and getting dark, decided to stay put.
In the a.m., we headed out again, with better directions and after stopping at a Visitor Info centre for additional maps, we made it to the town area. Two main streets Atlantic Ave., which all the hotels are on which front on the ocean, and the next main street is Pacific Avenue. All the beaches are accessible by the public, lots of easy entry points, but parking is very very limited. At the info centre the gal had told us of a restaurant that we should try for breakfast/lunch. It is "Doc Taylors" on 33rd between Atlantic & Pacific. I give this specific location for if you are ever in Virginia Beach, you must go there. The food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable.
Then we drove the area..it is several miles of boardwalk on the water, shops,eateries, tourist traps all along both sides of the street. You would need several days in order to visit all the spots. We drove out to Cape Henry, where the first 105 English colonists arrived on April 26, 1607. This is the first landing and NOT Plymouth, MA..interesting. This area is now a military establishment and we had to undergo a thorough vehicle check before we could enter and were only allowed to view the lighthouses and then had to leave.
Back to the bus and on the road again. Made a wrong turn immediately on leaving so had to find space to turn around and get heading in the right direction. We had decided to take SR 17, instead of the freeway, to enjoy seeing more of the countryside. The roads were excellent too so a nice drive. We drove through Elizabeth City, Windsor, Old Fort, New Bern, and on into Jacksonville,North Carolina arriving about 6:00 p.m. Decided to stay overnight in Jacksonville(WalMart again). It was a restless night as some locals decided to party nearby. At 5:00 a.m., we were both wide awake so decided to hit the road early and off we went.
Continuing on SR 17 we drove through Willmington, Shallotte, entered South Carolina, through Myrtle Beach. This area is beautifully situated on the Atlantic, but the commercial development is horrendous and in my view, has totally ruined the area. Traffic, pollution, strip malls......
Heading now through Georgetown, where turned onto ALT 17 which took us through Sampit, Jamestown, Moncks Corner, Ladson, Summerville, Walterboro, where we hit I-95. This was really back roads driving and took us completely around Charleston and we were soon in Georgia. Our destination, after stopping at the Visitors Centre, River's End Campground & RV Park on Tybee Island, just east of Savannah. We had to drive through Savannah in order to reach our destination so gave us a taste of what we wanted to see.
Ahhh...paradise again. Surrounded by palm trees, blue sky & sunshine and the Atlantic Ocean. the trees are dripping moss (which is actually not moss but an organism that lives on the trees and are full of little biting critters)..a most incredible sight. We had a quick late lunch (chicken noodle soup) and headed back into town. Booked a trolley tour to give us a good view of the city and the colourful history of the area. It is unfortunate we don't, again, have several days in which to enjoy all that this area has to offer.
Back on Tybee Island to put our feet up for awhile and then searched out someplace to have dinner. We found Santiago's Mexi-Cal Restaurant just down the road. Wow, Margueritas ( 2 for 1..oh oh and most delicious) and the food was outstanding. Dale had the Beef Enchiladas Verde with rice and beans and I had the Shrimp and Spanish Chorizo Diablo with rice. Yes, more food reporting but it is so good.
It was a fairly early night after such a long day driving and touring. So quiet you could only hear the cicadas outside and it was a rather soothing sound to lull you to sleep.
We were only able to book into this park for one night as they are fully booked for the rest of the week. So, we need to move on today. Believe we will head for Jacksonville, Fl if not all the way to Sanford. We will be spending a few days there so will have more time to explore. Soon will be time to turn west.
That brings our travels up to date. It is now Oct 14, 10:00 a.m. so time to start thinking about securing the bus for travel. Our checkout time is noon..all too soon.
Till next time...
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Chincoteague, VA..Oct 8-9, 2010
Every evening we plan on leaving the next day and then when morning comes, we book another day...It is so beautiful here we really really don't want to leave.Anyone travelling through this area simply must stop and visit and plan on at least a week and even then, you won't want to leave.
Friday was a another fantastically sunny, warm, bright blue sky day. A good portion of the morning was spent puttering around inside the bus and outside. Before heading out for a drive to the Virginia part of the Assateague Park area, we stopped at a fishing tackle place to pick up a few items that are necssary for fishing in this area..!! Once we had bought out the store it was time to head out to the park. When first in this area we found it a little confusing as there are several parks within the same boundary. The Assateague Park, Maryland, Assateague National Park (Federal) and Assateague Park, Chincoteague, Virginia. Think we now have it straight and now can even spell the names correctly..most times! We did see some wild ponies, but they were a distance away..but still, we saw them. Then, drove waaayyy down the beach where we parked, walked over this huge sand dune and there, on miles of wonderfull sandy beach, were hundreds of people scattered about. Some surf fishing, some surfing, many just lazing under umbrellas (it was hot and sunny) and some even swimming!! After poking my toes in the water decided it was just a wee bit too cool for me! Dale wandered off to talk to a lot of the folks fishing while I lolled on the blanket and just marvelled at all the Vitamin D I was absorbing...I didn't know it turned pink!
From there, and a further tour of the town, we headed home for a few hours of relaxation and a couple of hours of serious fishing. Ok...this time I caught one and Dale caught two. All three, unfortunately, were rather teeny so had to throw them back. Still waiting for the BIG ONE to appear...maybe next trip??
Dinner was out in the town again at "The Village" restaurant, which had come highly recommended. I had the Chincoteague Oysters and Dale had the Clam strips. Both were very tasty, but again, too much fried food. It was helped by a declicious green salad; portions are very large so it was doggy bag time again as we left.
Saturday we were up and about earlier than we had in many days. Dale decided it was a good day to wash the bus and this is one of the very few parks that they allow it in. So, while he was out getting started, I tidied etc., and made a Quiche Lorraine, devilled some eggs and had tomatoes in white balsalmic/sugar in preparation for our special visitor who was joining us for the day........
Guess who...give up...well it was Patricia!! She drove over for a quick weekend getaway as this is her "go to" spot and since we were here...bonus!!! Patriciaa arrived around 11:00 or so and we had a wonderful day together. After lunch, she took us on a wonderful, back roads tour, over to Assateague, Maryland, to the state and National Parks AND we saw more wild ponies, close up this time. Awesome!!!! It was fabulous. The only downside was that we didn't have all the hours we wanted to enjoy and explore the area. All too soon, we had to head back to camp.
Dinner plans were thrown aside as we were still all too full from lunch so just threw together a spinach salad with shrimp and made an Asian dressing. Light and healthy and hit the spot. We sat around the campfire for awhile, just enjoying the end of a great day and a cozy warm evening. All too soon Patricia had to take her leave and we were left with a day full of wonderful memories. Thank you Patricia!!
After watching the fire burn down it was time to come inside and deny the mosquitoes any further exposed flesh. They're really not all that bad, but even one is annoying!!
So now, inside and relaxing and realizing the tomorrow...sometime... we really really must move on!! Till next time....
Friday was a another fantastically sunny, warm, bright blue sky day. A good portion of the morning was spent puttering around inside the bus and outside. Before heading out for a drive to the Virginia part of the Assateague Park area, we stopped at a fishing tackle place to pick up a few items that are necssary for fishing in this area..!! Once we had bought out the store it was time to head out to the park. When first in this area we found it a little confusing as there are several parks within the same boundary. The Assateague Park, Maryland, Assateague National Park (Federal) and Assateague Park, Chincoteague, Virginia. Think we now have it straight and now can even spell the names correctly..most times! We did see some wild ponies, but they were a distance away..but still, we saw them. Then, drove waaayyy down the beach where we parked, walked over this huge sand dune and there, on miles of wonderfull sandy beach, were hundreds of people scattered about. Some surf fishing, some surfing, many just lazing under umbrellas (it was hot and sunny) and some even swimming!! After poking my toes in the water decided it was just a wee bit too cool for me! Dale wandered off to talk to a lot of the folks fishing while I lolled on the blanket and just marvelled at all the Vitamin D I was absorbing...I didn't know it turned pink!
From there, and a further tour of the town, we headed home for a few hours of relaxation and a couple of hours of serious fishing. Ok...this time I caught one and Dale caught two. All three, unfortunately, were rather teeny so had to throw them back. Still waiting for the BIG ONE to appear...maybe next trip??
Dinner was out in the town again at "The Village" restaurant, which had come highly recommended. I had the Chincoteague Oysters and Dale had the Clam strips. Both were very tasty, but again, too much fried food. It was helped by a declicious green salad; portions are very large so it was doggy bag time again as we left.
Saturday we were up and about earlier than we had in many days. Dale decided it was a good day to wash the bus and this is one of the very few parks that they allow it in. So, while he was out getting started, I tidied etc., and made a Quiche Lorraine, devilled some eggs and had tomatoes in white balsalmic/sugar in preparation for our special visitor who was joining us for the day........
Guess who...give up...well it was Patricia!! She drove over for a quick weekend getaway as this is her "go to" spot and since we were here...bonus!!! Patriciaa arrived around 11:00 or so and we had a wonderful day together. After lunch, she took us on a wonderful, back roads tour, over to Assateague, Maryland, to the state and National Parks AND we saw more wild ponies, close up this time. Awesome!!!! It was fabulous. The only downside was that we didn't have all the hours we wanted to enjoy and explore the area. All too soon, we had to head back to camp.
Dinner plans were thrown aside as we were still all too full from lunch so just threw together a spinach salad with shrimp and made an Asian dressing. Light and healthy and hit the spot. We sat around the campfire for awhile, just enjoying the end of a great day and a cozy warm evening. All too soon Patricia had to take her leave and we were left with a day full of wonderful memories. Thank you Patricia!!
After watching the fire burn down it was time to come inside and deny the mosquitoes any further exposed flesh. They're really not all that bad, but even one is annoying!!
So now, inside and relaxing and realizing the tomorrow...sometime... we really really must move on!! Till next time....
Thursday, October 7, 2010
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