Cape Charles Excursion

According to lighthousefriends.com
"Visiting the Cape Charles Lighthouse today is an undertaking that only a truly adventurous and seafaring soul should attempt."

The Cape Charles Lighthouse is on Smith Island, off the coast of the southern tip of the Delmarva pennisula. (I love that name - incorporating Deleware, Maryland, and Virginia!) It's the second tallest lighthouse, but difficult to get to. It can not be seen from a drivable road and boat navigation is difficult due to the sandbars.

A big thanks goes out to my friend Russ Bowers who helped this trip become a reality. There were 8 of us that made the trip. We camped at Kiptopeke State Park. I ended up not needing my tent - but it was interesting seeing my old tent (now in new hands) in use. The beach at the state park has a barrier of old ships. It really was an interesting site.

We were advised to kayak to Smith Island during low tide. I'm not sure that was the best advice, as we had to kayak against the tide through the "ditch" to get to the open water. We could see the lighthouse quite well, and as we got closer to the island, we felt the full effects of low tide. It was so shallow that it was actually difficult to kayak, and much easier to walk. We enjoyed appearing as if walking on water! I knew there was no landing areas right by the lighthouse, and I was already fairly tuckered out from the ride so far, so decided to have lunch and head back. Russ and Amy were the brave souls that made it all the way to Smith Island. On the way back we were also paddling against the tide, but overall it was a great trip. I'm glad that I finally got to make it to the Cape Charles lighthouse!