Most of us have stopped at one. There are scenic overlooks all across our country. One particularly amazing one I remember is on the Going to the Sun road in Glacier National Park. Those are the ones we stop to enjoy … the ones we search out or often stumble upon while on vacation. I’d guess for each scenic overlook I’ve stopped at, there are 100 I’ve passed by, and at least one of those I’ve passed by 50 times if I’ve passed it once. Friday, for the first time, I finally stopped at the Fisherman Island NWR scenic overlook.
Located on Route 13 just past the southbound tollbooth for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel on the southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the overlook offers sweeping, westerly views of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. I happened to catch it Friday evening just as the sun was setting over the Bay. To the east is Cape Charles lighthouse and Fisherman Inlet. Years ago I trained in small boat navigation on that water, always fun given the dynamic nature of the channels (and the fact that we did it at night).
Established in 1969, Fisherman Island NWR is 1,850 acres of shifting sands that comprise Virginia’s southernmost barrier island. It is one of only 17 sites in the United States designated as a “Wetland of International Importance.” A critical habitat for a variety of animals, the refuge is not open to the public, with the exception of guided tours between October and March. The deer crossing signs along the highway aren’t just for show. Just last year I had to slow for two deer crossing Rt. 13.
Three other cars joined me at the overlook, all with out-of-state tags, and all with passengers who got out, stretched their legs, and snapped some photos. Even amidst the commotion of my fellow visitors and passing highway traffic, I found the overlook peaceful and relaxing. With very little concentration the only sound I noticed was that of the waves lapping at the shore. Just after the sun dipped below the horizon, I climbed backed into the car, thankful for finally stopping at a scenic overlook I had long neglected, and excited to stop at the next.
No comments:
Post a Comment