05 April, 2016

D is for Delaware

A geography lesson for you.

Delaware is a coastal state. It is not in New England.

Technical “central Atlantic”, southern Delaware actually has a more “south Atlantic” climate. Check it out on a climate map. This is where I lived for 12 years – longer than I ever lived anywhere. I miss it.

 
(Look in the northernmost tip of the green)

There are so many directions I could go with this post, but I've decided to ramble. (That is not common for me, so bear with me.)


Now that I live in the Midwest, I often have to clarify that yes, Delaware is coastal. I always define it as, "When you hit Baltimore, cross the Chesapeake Bay and keep driving east," because even in the Midwest, most people consider Baltimore coastal.


I miss it. The last 7 years I lived there, I was in a tiny cottage just a block from the beach. I walked on the beach, a mug of Earl Grey tea in hand, the majority of my days off, and frequently in the evenings. The sound of the surf and the light and peace were soul-cleansing. I can go for walks now, but it's not the same.
 


During my time in Delaware, I tried to broaden my experience. 


Looking through the dunes to the water.

I took the ferry to New Jersey just for something different.
Toured the local winery.
Toured the local brewery, several times.
Hiked in the State Parks.
Visited historical sites.
Participated on a wetlands committee.


Indian River Inlet Bridge, under construction

I've been kayaking, para-sailing, and took surfing lessons.
I watched a fin whale play in the extremely deep inlet between the ocean and the inland bays.
Observed (and helped crowd control) the release back into the ocean of a rescued baby seal.
I did the Polar Bear Plunge TEN TIMES! (in water between 36-43 degrees Fahrenheit)



Since relocating, I try to continue that immersion attitude. I may miss the beach, but there is something interesting to do no matter where you are.
 
 

The Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Indianapolis is home to the second highest number of military memorials in the US. (Washington D.C. is obviously number one.) I haven't been to all of them, but I have climbed the >300 steps to the top of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument in the heart of the city.

Last year I participated in five 5Ks, one of which has become my new annual event, replacing the Polar Bear Plunge I used to do.


Brett and I took a day to visit several old covered bridges - can't find those in Delaware!
We've been to an old town fair.
We explored the catacombs below the city.
We saw a clown parade!

The Moral of the story: There may be no place like home, but there's no place like the place you are in, too.     


9 comments:

  1. "The Moral of the story: There may be no place like home, but there's no place like the place you are in, too." Such excellent advice! And I loved what you said about "immersion attitude." That's a terrific way to look at it. This is a beautiful post!
    Calen~
    Impromptu Promptlings

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    1. Thanks Calen. My husband overheard some coworkers talking about how there's nothing to do in our city. He couldn't believe. There is ALWAYS something!

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    2. I SO need to be a little more adventurous and find things to do here. His lordship is getting ready to retire and I don't think I can handle a constant look of "please entertain me" on that adorable curmudgeon's face!

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  2. These are wonderful. Like little visits without leaving home!

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    1. Oh good - that's my hope! (Loved your memory this morning, btw)

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  3. Three of my daughters live in NJ so I've been to Delaware on occasion. Years ago--around 1979 I think--I was working with a magic show that played the Delaware State Fair.

    I know Indiana better as I lived in Crown Point (in the Chicagoland area) for a few years. Also when I worked on another magic show we spent a while in Terre Haute, Evansville, and Spencer. I'm kind of partial to Indiana. I remember going to that Soldiers and Sailors Monument on a junior high trip to Indianapolis. There used to be a covered bridge at the fairgrounds in Crown Point. I don't know if it's still there since though I visited Crown Point a couple years ago, we didn't go to the fairgrounds.

    Thanks for jolting my memories.


    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. I have sister up in the Chicagoland part of Indiana. havent' been to the fair grounds up there, though.

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  4. Yay! That covered bridge day was fun. We should go to the festival this year.

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