Kiptopeke
Thursday, May 13, 2021
It’s always difficult to get going again after some time on the dock. Today at about 10:30 am we cast off our lines and motored out of the marina. Our objective was Kiptopeke on the east side of the Chesapeake. I think Mike has wanted to visit here since our friends Lynn and Lee mentioned it several years ago. Once we cleared the shipping lanes of the Elizabeth River and Thimble Shoal Channel we had a lovely upwind sail in 8-10 knots of breeze across the southern end of Chesapeake Bay.
The feature that makes it a special place is the breakwater. In 1949, nine WW II era concrete ships were sunk off shore to form a breakwater for the ferry pier (no longer operational). These nine vessels are some of the 24 ferro-cement boats that were built under contract for the US navy. Wartime steel shortages were the reason that concrete was considered an alternative construction material. Another advantage was the speed of construction. On average the shipyard in Tampa, Florida could produce one ship a month.
At this point the vessels are seriously degrading. There are obvious cracks and chunks missing with tufts of grass appearing in some area. Perhaps nearly as obvious is the powerful smell of bird guano. Apparently, these ships are an appealing roost for pelicans, cormorants and gulls. Below the water, the wrecked hulls provide habitat for fish.
On land there is a state park where we are hoping to have a walk and do some birding tomorrow.
Gloria
37 09.849 N, 75 59.290 W
Hope you enjoyed Kiptopeke. A favorite on our drive home is the view of the Cape Charles area as we come off the Chesapeake Bridge and Tunnel. Fran
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