The Sandcastle

Yesterday we crossed the Chesapeake Bay via its bridge-tunnel.

The above photo was stolen from the bridge’s website at http://www.cbbt.com/history.html.

Dave first read about this bridge-tunnel in Popular Mechanics back when he was a kid so he already knew this very weird construct was designed to allow vehicles to cross the bay entrance without blocking ships. After all, the US Navy’s Atlantic Fleet is based in Norfolk, Virginia, and they were concerned that a bridge could collapse blocking their access to the Atlantic. So they built it with alternating sections of bridges and tunnels. Later they added a second bridge to handle increased traffic. In the pictures you can see both bridges and where they come together at the tunnels. I wonder why they didn’t build a second set of tunnels?

Dave took these photos from the rest area just north of the bridge as you travel south.

I took these pictures while Dave drove which is why you can see the bugs on our windshield.

What are you supposed to do if the light turns red? Remove your seat cushion and hope it has straps on the bottom of it?

Here’s one tunnel. The other one looks just like it. The tunnels have two way traffic. Brace yourself for passing semi-trucks if you want to stay in your lane.

And here’s the bridge as seen from our campsite at First Landing State Park in Virginia.

So, now we can cross that item off Dave’s bucket list. I think he waited long enough, don’t you?

TTYL,

Linda

We’ve been camped at the Delaware Seashore State Park for several days.

I know the green area stops on the north side of the Indian River Inlet on Google’s map but that’s a mistake since our campground is on the south side of the inlet. You can see the inlet behind the flags in this view from our front window.

Yes, it’s been windy enough to make the flags stand out well. We thought we might leave today but the winds are variable direction and gusty. Tomorrow they are predicted to be from the north which would give us a tail wind so we’ll leave then.

Plus, tomorrow being Monday, work will begin again on the new bridge over the inlet. The one you see here out our side window.

They start at 7:30 a.m. week days. So far, I’ve done a pretty good job of turning over and going back to sleep but, who knows, we may actually succeed in making an early departure tomorrow.

TTYL,

Linda

Today we drove south on Delaware Highway 1. There are signs posted at frequent intervals telling you not to stop along the shoulder except in case of an emergency. If I was a registered voter in Delaware, I would be taking notes as to who feels they are exempt from the rules.

Here’s a guy I actually caught in the act. Unfortunately, I could not get a clear enough shot to be sure of the candidate’s name.

And here’s my all time favorite of the bunch.

Having a desire to end this on a lighter note, here’s a sign for you to read three times fast.

I had trouble saying it once.

TTYL,

Linda

Today we visited part of our own history. History that happened in our lifetimes.

We visited the Vietnam Era Museum in Holmdel, New Jersey.

I took no pictures.

It is an immersive experience. There’s no way to photograph that.

It’s all in one big room.

Around the outside walls of the room there are displays that orient you as to the geography of the location and a time line that places the Viet Nam war in perspective as to what was happening before and during the time of the war. It’s not all sad. I’m trying to hold onto the image of Goldie Hawn in her bikini and body paint on Laugh-In.

Opposite that wall there are stands holding letters. Lots and lots of letters. To and from those serving in our armed forces.

In the middle there’s a theater with glass walls so you can see into it and hear it from everywhere in the room. On the big screen in that theater area people talk about their experiences relating to the war. Mostly people who served: a clerk, a medic, a door gunner, a black man who listens to racial slurs regarding the Viet Namese, a woman whose job we never learn, and more. We hear them talk about what is was like going over, being there, and coming home.

But, we also hear from people whose loved ones never came home.

Everyone who wants to understand more about that war–or the current one–should go to this museum.

But, bring at least one hankie. Because I guarantee you are going to cry.

TTYL,

Linda

We all know what a jug handle is. It looks like this:

But when I see a thing on my map that looks like this…

… I expect it to be a right ramp leading to a bridge or tunnel that crosses over or under the main road.

Unless I’m in New Jersey where such an intersection is known as a Jersey Jug Handle. Then I expect that crossing to be one where both roads are at the same elevation. Which would seem to imply you could turn left there. But, you can’t.

If you zoom in on that sign you’ll see the white part says, “All turns” with an arrow pointing towards that right hand exit.

Yes, you must turn right if you want to turn left. Then you curve to the left and cross the main road at right angles. So you have to cross all the lanes of traffic. But you don’t turn left on this road or many other roads in New Jersey. Ever.

TTYL,

Linda