First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park sits at the hook of the Chesapeake Bay and its nexus with the Atlantic Ocean. One can view the Bay Bridge and Tunnel entrances/exits from the shoreline of the park, 27 miles from one side of the Chesapeake to the other. It is a most odd sensation to consider driving through the two tunnels knowing tons of water ride above you separated by what seems a very thin layer of concrete and metal. 

Back on the beach sand as soft as velvet tickles the toes and is liberally dotted with a multitude of Horseshoe Crabs in varying stages of dismantlement. Finding raccoon tracks along the strand leads to the conclusion that the wily creatures eat quite well in these surroundings. What is disappointing is a noticeable lack of the typical Eastern Atlantic shell life. Mayhap they are covered by the incessant migration of sand toward the shore as evidenced by the disappearance of about 2 feet of the boardwalk beneath the constantly moving particles.

The campground itself is nestled among a line of dunes protected scrub oaks, sea grasses and other low growing vegetation.  The history of this park is of interest as it was near the very first Virginia landing by settlers in 1607. The park itself was built by the CCC in the 1930.  

See the story here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Landing_State_Park

Sunset, while not spectacular on this particular evening, was, nonetheless beautiful across the waters of the Chesapeake and always welcome when camping near a lake, river or, in this case, bay.  Snugged within the sheltering limbs of twisted scrub our little home on wheels was serendipitously angled to provide a striking view of the full moon through streaked clouds as lazy crickets slowly chirped in the cool early autumn air.  

In search of tasty seafood, we questioned the friendly attendant at the gate about a good local “mom’n’pop” eatery. Served with yummy oyster crackers and hush puppies on the side, Charlie’s Seafood Restaurant is locally famous for its She-Crab soup. It is a tasty concoction which they will also freeze and ship anywhere Fed-Ex overnight. Sampling that and a perfectly seasoned blackened Flounder was a satisfying end to a long afternoon on the road.

Next stop…the old lighthouse that lies within the grounds of still very active Fort Story.