Tangier Island

We finally made it! For years we’ve been talking about visiting Tangier Island. We’ve read the reviews, heard the stories and really wanted to experience it before time and erosion took away the opportunity. Most people seem to get to Tangier by ferry from Crisfield, Onancock or Reedville. But we wanted to go in our own boat. That desire was made a little more challenging by a couple of shallow spots in the channel and the swift current at the dock. That means high slack tide at mid-day is the optimum arrival time. Which we had this week.

Tied up at Parks Marina.

Milton Parks has been greeting boaters for most of his 86 years.

And he’s still going strong on his scooter!

Walking around the island, taking in the sights and talking to the people was a trip back in time.

Lunch/dinner (the quantity certainly counts for 2 meals) at the Chesapeake House was a not-to-be-missed treat. Besides the great food using the same recipes penned by Hilda Crockett 3 generations back, we learned a lot about the history of the island and the people. Eating family style in a restaurant is always a treat since you meet new and interesting people, like the pastor and his parishioner who flew in for the day.

One of the locals we chatted with told us that a small island just to the north was the only thing protecting Tangier from eroding away into the Bay. In his words, “as soon as that island goes, we need to start packing.”

That will be a sad day, indeed. Go before that happens!

 

But if not…