What a pleasant surprise this town was. We were intending on just an overnight here after the C and D Canal and before the Delaware Bay. Or plans changed when after seeing the town. The C and D canal connects the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays.
Our first experience was at the rendezvous when Tim the owner of Delaware City Marina and Cory the dock master were promoting their marina. They offered $1.00 per foot for all loopers. What looper can pass that up, especially when it is a convenient location anyway? Several boats arrived together. Now, some marinas are overwhelmed by multiple boats but Tim and Cory were pros and took charge. While they docked the first boat the rest of us were instructed to stand by and wait instructions to enter the marina. One at a time we were called and they professionally docked each boat. Since we prefer a port side tie up, our boat needed to be turned around in their narrow canal. Without any help from us and with only lines they manually turned our boat around using the current in the canal. They are experts at this maneuver having turned boats as long as sixty five feet. I offered help with the engines and or bow thruster and they only wanted me to stand by the helm in case something went wrong. Amazing, turning around a 30,000 pound boat manually and totally in control.
Near dark Jan and I walked "uptown" to find the ice cream shop, even though Jan thought it would be closed, we wanted the exercise. Not only was it open but two large cones were only $5.50. I would have paid that each in many other places. After we ate our ice cream cones we stopped into the liquor store and they had Black Jack Cola! I bought two more six packs. I like this place!
After church on Sunday morning we rode our bicycles around town. It is a typical small rural town, mostly well maintained houses and nice clean streets, etc. Upon our return, as we crossed the bridge we saw Average Looper docking. We enjoy Mark and Jane's company. Obviously we had a large docktail party that night, probably close to ten boats.
Mark wasn't happy with the installation of his inverter and I was able to help him get it wired the way he wanted. Now it charges with his shore power and generator. I attached a small "ABOVE" label ahead of their Average Looper stern name so it now reads Above Average Looper. We think it is appropriate.
Monday was Memorial Day and Tim encouraged us to attend the local Memorial Day Service in the park. It reminded me of when I was a kid attending the service in New Richland. They did a very nice and respectful service. At Mass on Sunday we thought the Priest announced Mass on Memorial Day at 9:00 AM. Jan and I rode our bicycles and at five minutes before nine there were no cars there. Jan checked and the church was open but empty so we thought we had the time wrong. After the Memorial Day Service I saw the Priest and asked when Mass was. It was at nine and he had said Mass alone. He was relieved to know why he heard the church door open but no one was there.
After a pleasant stay in Delaware City with several other loopers it was time to move on. The weather was good for traveling Delaware Bay. We will certainly return here if we are ever back in the area.
This nice sign was representative of how nice the city is.
I would have considered attending the Lions meeting but my timing was wrong.
Cool banner on their light poles. It speaks well of their ability to blend the rich history of the past with the future.
Main street with the Ice Cream Shop and Liquor Store
Hotel built in 1828.
Hotel built in 1830.
They had bands here all weekend. We are our ice cream cones listening to the Friday night band.
They were very good and had a large local following. The tables were full with a long waiting line.
The Bluegrass band on Sunday afternoon was also good.
Canal house 1838.
Local houses. Many homes here are built with a common wall between each two.
Still following spring weather.
This picture doesn't show the spider web very well but it was huge and completed overnight.
The water must be mostly fresh because there aren't supposed to be spider problems in salt water areas.
It takes a huge spider to make a huge web.
Upon our departure I relocated it to the dock. It didn't deserve to die it was just doing what spiders do.
The marina view from the bridge.
You have to have them turn you around or back out all the way.
Only small boats can get under the bridge. Notice the swift current.
There is a large tide swing and current that flows swiftly both ways.
This is the other side of the bridge.
It was the original C & D canal before it was straightened and widened.
The bridge no longer opens since there is another way around it.
Cute design on the side of the marina building.
A log floating by.
Memorial Day Service in the park.
The town choir sang America the Beautiful
These guys sang a few patriotic songs.
Bagpiper.
Gold Star Sister.
They no longer have a Gold Star Mother.
Laying of the wreath.
Firing squad.
They are all currently reservists.
The guns were not as loud as I was used to.
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