We arrived close to sunset last night; pushing my rule to never arrive in the dark. Once we set the anchor, we went below to avoid the expected mosquitoes and no-see-ums. I did get up once during the night to check the anchor. It was fine... and there were, surprisingly, no insects.
When I rose early in the morning, I was able to sit in the cockpit and enjoy the sunrise. This was a beautiful anchorage, just as Dick & Anne from s/v Nati had said.
 |
| Mill Creek Anchorage |
I was later told, that every place in Virginia has a Mill Creek. So, this is Mill Creek off of Ingram Bay.
After breakfast, we weighed anchor (raised the anchor) and motored back out to the Chesapeake. Today we are headed to Tangier Island. This was just a 20 mile jaunt across the Chesapeake. Tangier Island is an old fishing village where the mainstay is crabbing.
Arriving was a bit of a challenge due to a strong tidal current. Our first, and only attempt to pull into a slip, which is a row of pilings, was thwarted by the current. As soon as out full keeled boat was across the current, we moved sideways faster than we were moving ahead.
Notice, no sailboats. The only chance of getting in would be at slack tide... and who wants to wait two hours for that? Especially when there are other options available.
 |
| Typical slips along the Chesapeake |
So, we docked on the pier head in front of the marina office.
 |
| Park's Marina Office |
 |
| Distant Horizon tied along the pier head. |
One of the notable reasons to visit Tangier Island is to visit with Mr. Park who is in his late 80's. I am told he has as many stories as you have time to listen to. Unfortunately, Mr. Park was unavailable during our visit.
The island sits 12 miles out into the Chesapeake Bay. There is a small airport, but most people arrive by ferry... or their own boat of course. The village of Tangier is a waterman's village. transportation is typically by golf cart or bicycle, but we saw a couple of cars and electric motorbikes were popular with the younger residents.
 |
| Local Transportation... Golf Carts |
 |
| Joshua Pruitt House. One of the oldest on Tangier Island |
 |
| A newer home. Would love to know what that is on the roof. It looked like an antenna. |
 |
| One of the many work sheds for the fishermen. Crab pots ready to go. |
If you like Blue Crab, this is the place to be! There were two prominent restaurants, but the Fisherman's Corner was closing as we arrived. So, we went across the street to Lorraine's and were not disappointed.
 |
| Fisherman's Corner |
 |
| Lorraine's has excellent crab meals |
Tangier was a very interesting little village. Not much has changed over the years. The people were friendly and warm hearted. One man gave me a ride on his golf cart when I was carrying the Diesel Jerry cans. He waited until I had them filled and brought me back to the boat... Literally! He drove is golf cart on the dock and dropped me right at the boat! I have an adventurous spirit, but I have to honest. I was holding my breath watching as the tires rolled along with about an inch on either side. It was more interesting watching him back the cart off the dock.
Their accent was interesting too. Try to imagine a thick Maine accent with a southern drawl.
No comments:
Post a Comment