East Coast Tour - Day 18

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Day 18 - Virginia Beach to Jersey City

It's a long drive from Virginia Beach to Jersey City and we had hoped to start out with some historical sites just north of Atlantic Ave. We found out, however, that they are within the boundaries of a military base, and Tony impressed the guard at the gate with the excellent turning radius of our rig. On our way we went over/through the Cheasepeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel. It was considered one of the greatest feats of engineering in the 1970's when it was designed and built. It has 4 man-made island that are connected by 2 tunnels and 3 bridges to span the Cheasepeake Bay. Tony has been excited about this bridge since he first started planning the trip. We stopped at the viewing platform (and restaurant) on the first island before continuing on to the other side of the the bay. It's exciting to be in the middle of the bay on an island. Tony thinks it feels more isolated than the bridges on the Florida keys. We went through 3 states today, Maryland, Deleware, and New Jersey on our way to Jersey City. We stopped for lunch in a town called Princess Anne and in Princeton to meet with Michelle's friend Esperanza and her family and to have dinner. Esperanza and her family moved back to Pennsylvania before the end of the school year. She and Michelle have been talking regularly since then. We made it to our RV park by 8 PM after some pretty harrowing driving in the heart of Jersey City. The Park was right at the edge of the marina, and we took a short walk to find out where we could catch the ferry to Liberty State Park in the morning. We could see the statue of liberty from the park and were treated to some fireworks of unknown origin before heading to bed.

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Photos

The Bridge is Out!!!
You can see where the bridge dives underwater/underground to allow for the passing of deep hulled vessels. This is a long long bridge.

Going Dooooown
The first island (Northbound) has a viewing area and pier, plus a restaurant and bathrooms. The other islands do not, so it's worthwhile to make a stop here. turning around could be tough in long vehicles if it's crowded.

You Are Here
Multi-phase construction over decades. Tunnels, low and high bridges, and rest stops... nicely done.

Second Time Around
The road was rough and traffic was heavy (you can't tell here). Plus the sign is small, all of which caused us to miss it the first time, and get this blurry pic the second. Not turning around again.

Princess
Possibly the most important city we have been in.

And then Delaware
Delaware was pleasant, and uneventful. Exactly what we were looking for today.

Cool Bridge
Getting warmed up for New York City, I guess... but it was cool to look at.

Jersey
The New Jersey sign was a few miles into the state. We thought we missed it, but there was a lot of lane switching and splitting of freeways, so Anne kept the camera out... good thing.

New Jersey
Esperanza got to put on New Jersey.. because.. that's where we were (of course).

Delaware
Thanks Ruth!

Brotherly Maryland
Thanks for helping us fill in the map.

Stay Silly
After months apart, they picked up like it was yesterday. Esperanza was not told they would be meeting us.

Cross Country Friends
Well, neither ran cross country, actually, but they are friends... and they live across the country...

Surprise Fireworks
What is that booming.. oh no, are we being attacked... Nope, just random New York fireworks, and we had a great view!