The 5 state Oddysey: New York to Philly, back to Jersey, Delaware, Virginia

Oh, my.  So much to share! This is really becoming an adventure! The Tappan Z bridge over the Hudson was totally wonderful. 

From there we drove to a KOA tucked away in the lovely Brandywine Valley an hour west of Philly.  We perched up on a hill surrounded by wonderful hiking trails – and only two other campers.The campgrounds we have been staying at lately are actually closed for the year, but allow stragglers like us to stay.

I decided to forgo the Philly city scene, so we spent two whole days at Longwood Gardens, Pierre DuPont’s amazing creation.  This man was so diversified and multi-talented.  He was a gifted businessman who created the richest American business dynasty, yet he had a great talent for creating beautiful outdoor environments.  

He was a confirmed bachelor, never married until late in life when he married his cousin! His home was rather minimalist compared to the rolling hills of his many creations.

His estate, Longwood Gardens, is 1000 acres of fountains, ponds, chimes tower, amazing fountain gardens, a humungous conservatory with spectacular floral events ...

I took way too many pictures, but the place was spectacular.  I have seen arboretums around the world.  Pierre’s is the best.  Tivoli Gardens in Italy beats the fountains, but other than that, Pierre’s got my vote. [Remember to click on a photo to enlarge]

                      Remember to click on the photo to enlarge.

          This amazing creation is made of flowers -- chrysanthemums!

... a fountain display that shoots 1000 feet in the air every hour serenaded by a wonderful drum, and so much more.

 The outdoor ponds were so tranquil.

We then began this odyssey down the outer banks of Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and NC.  We began the experience at Cape May a peninsula between the Delaware River and the Atlantic. 

Cape May is the oldest seaside resort in the US, and the entire town is a historic landmark, 3 miles of excessively decorated Victorians built in the mid-1800s, incredibly quaint and with a wonderful ocean boardwalk that goes on for probably a mile.  Took way too many photos again, but these Victorians are the best I have seen, probably because they have the largest concentration of Victorians anywhere.  

This is the beach at Cape May.

 

  Below is the ruin of the SS Atlantus.

Wonderful historical churches.

Downtown Cape May.

Cape May Theatre.

This is the Inn at Cape May. Totally humungous. The ocean is just across the street.
 

 Okay.  Here's the Victorians.  Limited myself to 10. 

 But, of course, the fire department looks like this  ... in a town this quaint and Victorian.

 

And ... this is where we stayed for the five days we were in Cape May.

The odyssey along the outer banks then transitioned to a huge ferry across to the outer banks of Delaware – yup, the whole fleet on the ferry.  It was thrilling. The lanes were a bit thin for RVs, and not sure I would do it again.  There was literally an inch between my left mirror and awning and the wall.

We then meandered down the Delaware outer bank to Delaware Seashore State Park at Rehoboth Beach. This park is at the apex where the Indian River Bay meets the Atlantic.  We walk along the river inlet straight ahead to the beach, then right all along six miles of sandy white beach.  Again, we had almost the entire park to ourselves, except for our new cool friends, Chris and Ed and their gorgeous Phaeton Coach. 

We hung out at the Delaware Seashore for many days checking out the local beach towns and Ocean City.  All these towns along the outer banks have wonderful long boardwalks fronting the ocean.  

The next stop was going to be Assateague Island National Seashore, an hour south of us, where the ponies run wild.  You have probably seen videos of the wild ponies swimming. But the chances of encountering them at this time of year are meager, and in order to do it we would have to stay in the parking lot of the closed park without any hook ups.  So, decided not to.  

We are now at Cape Charles, VA at a 500 acre state park on a cape jetting into the gorgeous Chesapeake Bay, again with the entire park to ourselves … and just a few steps from our own private beach.  Incredible. 

It’s very cool staying at these parks this time of year because you always have a pull through site.  Just drive through any of them to get to the next!  Makes it all very convenient! 

We also have deer that roam just outside the rig.  Carolina goes bonkers; she thinks they are family. The weather is just perfect … and the 10 day forecast is clear and sunny.  So, this sojourn may not end for a looooong time. 

I chose this park in Cape Charles not only for its beauty, but it is three miles north of the amazing Chesapeake Bay bridge tunnel. From the beach, I can see it.  It’s an amazing structure that many describe as the 8^th wonder of the world.   It is 23 miles of huge high bridge up to 75 feet above water,

then underwater to one lane in each direction, then up and out again, then underwater again – and hopefully up and out one more time! 

We will begin our trek across the water tomorrow in the early morning.  The day promises to be sunny and clear ... and what a sight the Chesapeake will be from this amazing structural wonder.

After the Chesapeake Bridge, we will head again to the outer banks to Nags Head and the Island of Roanoke, NC where there is a very nice campground -- the perfect place to enjoy Thanksgiving and thank God for the amazing life I am living, and for wonderful people like you to share it with.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, my loves.