June 5, Day 345 – In Reedville

Today we had plans to take the ferry to Tangier Island. Since the ferry didn’t leave until 10:00 we spent a leisurely Saturday morning. The Island is reachable by your own boat, but the channel that runs into the harbor is a little tricky, the water is shallow and the marina’s docks are questionable. Therefore, we’d decided the best choice would be to take the ferry.

Tangier was established in 1608 when Capt. John Smith sailed up the Chesapeake and landed on a small island which he named Tangier. It quickly became an important fishing center, primarily for oysters and crabs. It still maintains much of its charm and is known as the “soft shell crab capital” of the nation. The people remaining on the island still speak with a trace of Elizabethan accent and remain on the island because they like the lifestyle. It should be noted, however, that in recent years many modern conveniences have made their way to Tangiers, including an airport and cable TV.

The Island was quite interesting, but very small – one mile wide and 3 miles long, with much of that being marshland. It took less than an hour to wander the main street and check out shops, the museum, church (strong Methodist influence here) and other attractions. After that, we sought out an air-conditioned restaurant and had lunch. It was well over 90 and the humidity was high – all in all – an uncomfortable day. After 2-3 hours we boarded the ferry for our return trip. The women stayed below in the air conditioned cabin the whole trip back while the men roughed it out on the upperdeck.

Back at the boat we had dinner and then went next door to Emotion III to watch another video of the Bahamas. This time we watched their crossing to the Abacos where Michel caught a 50+ pound spearfish. It also included many of the quaint towns and beaches of the islands in the Abacos. We definitely look forward to going there later this year.

We soon returned to the boat where we called it a night. I think the heat made us very tired.

Here's Carole waiting to board the ferry

The Chesapeake Breeze - the ferry that took us to Tangier Island

Gerry and Michel on the bow of the boat

Entering the channel into the harbor at Tangier Island

There are many sheds and docks lining the channel. This is where the soft shell crabs are harvested.

The dock where the ferry landed. First time we'd ever seen a dockhand in a blue dress.

A typical waterside shed and dock

Gerry and Carole waiting to disembark -- Carole looking for a picture

Welcome to Tangier Island

The Methodist Church

Michel and Carole - with cemetery behind them

We ate at Fisherman's Corner - pretty good seafood

This yard had an American flag made of seashells

We saw signs announcing that today was Island cleanup day. Guess they really take this seriously.

Here's the gang as we boarded the boat