Hanging Rock State Park

 Hanging Rock State Park

April 1, 2023

Rain was our bane,

Noon brought our boon!

Yesterday morning we drove from the Maryland portion of Asssateague Nat. Seashore to the Virginia portion near the Chincoteague Inlet.  We were rewarded with seeing a large number of shore birds to add to our “big year” list.  Departing around noon, we drove to Kiptopeke State park near the southern end of the DelMarVa peninsula.  

We had visited Kiptopeke from the water in 2021. A harbor of sorts has been created by sinking a number of old Liberty ships (from WW2).  We found our campsite, showered (hurray!) and went for a walk (bird-watching) before starting to prepare dinner.  In keeping with the forecast, the rain began after seven pm.  Thankfully, we had eaten and washed up by the time the sprinkles began. Preparations for an early departure were accomplished without getting very damp.  One of our campers elected to have an early night while the other worked on photos seated in the car.  

Somewhat reluctantly, we crawled out of bed this morning and were able to get the tent packed away.  A short shower of rain meant that the fly-sheet was pretty wet, but it wasn’t raining as we sorted out coffee and sandwiches for lunch.  We were on the road shortly before 8 am. Driving across the Chesapeake Bridge and tunnel was made more interesting by a high wind advisory.  It was an excellent day not to be on the boat! We drove west through Virginia and then south into North Carolina.  The trip was quite long and we experienced a few hours of rain.  In the afternoon, the rain stopped and the sun came out. 

This park is in the mountains and is known for it’s hiking trails.  It’s pretty with some good views. The campsite seems lovely. We will find out more tomorrow.

Gloria

Abstract photos are my absolute favorites. The following shots were taken at the kayak rental concession down on Chincoteague Bay near our campsite. They were taken in the 15 minutes or so prior to sunset. the light was fabulous and they were all generated using focus stacking techniques.

Sunset from the kayak rental concession at Assateague Island national Seashore

Our next door neighbors in teh campsite at Assateague Island National Seashore. To this point I would say RVs and Campers out-number tents 100:1

Great Egret in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge