Crossing Over

Last week, for a short getaway, I took my wife overnight to Rehobeth Beach to, yes, do the Outlet Center shopping "experience."

The ferry ride down put me on the wrong side ... both in terms of distance and lighting ... to get any pictures of the lights in the harbor.

Returning the following morning, though, for just the second time in a dozen lifetime crossings ... the ferry went between the breakwaters and directly in front of the Harbor of Refuge Light.

I won't bore you all with a straightup shot as we've all seen them. What was unique was we were on the second ferry out after the failed bombings in London last Thursday. Whether by coincidence ... whether a training exercise ... or whether under orders ... we had a Coast Guard escort ...



I liked this shot a whole lot ... and if I was better at photography, this could have been a really spectacular shot.

Hope you don't mind... I just did an 'Auto Adjust' in PhotoShop which usually manages to eliminate haze. It is a spectacular shot. You might submit it to the USCG and to LH Digest. It would make a great cover.



What type/class/size is that USCG boat? I doubt that was a coincidence. You were on one form of "mass transit", right?

That is a great shot, Barry. Very nice of the CG to line up in front of the light for you. Makes the shopping trip worth while.

The USCG has been doing a few ferry escorts between Block Island and Point Judith. I don't think they have had any threats. I think it's just preparedness drills. I imagine many people feel intimidated when they see the officers with weapons at the ready. All part of being in the mass-trans business.

Nice picture, thanks for sharing!

Bob

John,

Thank you ... ANY help that enhances my effort is good help ...

I know very little about ships and boats (and monuments and floats, as the Mighty Quinn would say) so class and type escape me. And yes, we were on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and the thought occurred to me one of the reasons the CG was there was becasue it is interstate transit ...

Dave,

Thanks ... In addition to the Outlets, we had never walked Rehobeth Beach before and, during the early evening, that was enjoyable. Some towns have "cows" on display ... Baltimore, I have been told, has "crabs" on display. Rehobeth Beach has merchant-sponsored "dolphins" on display and they were kind of pretty.

Bob,

Thanks for the kind words ...

One last thing ... we also did the Whale/Dolphin trip out of Cape May that afternoon (same people who do the Delaware Bay Lighthouse Tour). On the way out to sea we passed the CG training site in Cape May. For those who enjoy these vessels, here is a shot of the Vigourous...

John,

Information on the Coast Guard Boat pictured:

TYPE: 87 Foot Coastal Patrol Boat (WPB)

Class: Marine Protector

Mike

I've found this page on the USCG site to be helpful in identifying Coast Guard cutters and boats...
USCG Cutters, Boats & Air
and this one...
World Navies Today : USCG

Great shots, Barry! As you know, I like them both, but John's got a great suggestion for that first one.

And btw, the USCGC Vigorous had a Change of Command Ceremony last Friday evening.

Judy