The Explorers packed up early and left Jellystone. Sidekick Sue hesitantly joined Captain Mark in eating a protein bar for breakfast (don’t tell him, but it was tasty). The first part of the ride looked very much like the last few days… cornfields and pea farms. As they got closer to the shore, there were more and more brand-new looking housing developments carved into the farming landscape. Apparently, selling land to developers is a lot easier and more profitable than trying to run a farm.
The first town of any significance was Milton, where the Explorers stopped to take a rest and grab refreshments. There was a bike shop that was opening in 10 minutes, so the Explorers walked around town a bit waiting for it to open so that Sidekick Sue could buy some new biking gloves. There was a great outdoor movie setup across the street with rows of composite Adirondack chairs and a truck that somehow transformed into a screen and sound system. Seems like a fun alternative to the drive-in.
About 15 miles into the day, the Explorers jumped onto a bike path which was a welcome escape from the shoulder of the road and traffic. The path led to Lewe’s Beach, which is right where the Delaware Bay meets the ocean. The Explorers skirted the outskirts of town, opting instead to use their time in Rehobeth Beach which was several miles further south. After a few miles there was another paved bike path that started through some of the new housing developments and then turned to packed gravel, winding through the woods and then between the houses near the beach.
The path popped out in front of the Crystal Diner in Rehobeth Beach where the Explorers went to eat lunch. Captain Mark was trying to negotiate a seat with an electrical outlet (to charge the devices) but the waitress didn’t seem to understand English too well. So Captain Mark took charge and found an outlet and asked for the nearby table. The Explorers had a nice long lunch while their devices charged (they will be at a state park tonight without electric). After the meal, they asked for refills on soda and the waitress asked if they were “to go” (was that a hint?), but the Explorers weren’t quite done charging, so they hung out. (The restaurant was not busy so they didn’t feel “too” guilty). As they were packing up, the owner came out to ask them about their trip. She is a biker too, and was very interested to hear about their plans.
After lunch, the Explorers parked their bike down near the boardwalk and took in the sights. They stopped in a few stores and did some window shopping (any real purchases would necessitate throwing away something they already had packed… no room for more stuff or more weight).
The final part of the ride was about 10 miles down a skinny land bridge between Rehobeth Bay and the ocean. Even though the land wasn’t very wide, the Explorers couldn’t see the water because of tall marsh grasses on one side and sand dunes on the other. They finally reached their destination, Delaware Seashore State Park, which is spilt into two sections (north and south) by a huge bridge that crosses an inlet between the two. The Explorers pitched their tent on the southern side, showered and ventured out on a walk to stretch their legs, first walking under the bridge to the beach, and then walking over the bridge to the northern campground and back.
With the hurricane hitting Florida today, the Explorer have their eye on the weather. It looks like there might be some time in the morning to bike to Ocean City MD to find a motel to “hole up” for a few days until the current weather systems pass. Sidekick Sue is sore and ready for a recovery break. She suspects Captain Mark is just as eager to take a break, but won’t admit it 🙂
The Beach at Delaware Seashore State Park
