May 22nd, 2013
Lewes, Delaware, National Maritime Day, First Town in The First State, Event, River Pilots, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Happy National Maritime Day!!
Happy National Maritime Day!! May 22nd recognizes the maritime industry. This holiday was created by the U.S. Congress on May 20, 1933. Lewes, Delaware, is rich in its maritime history and their celebration took place on Saturday, May 18th.
The festivities took place at the Lewes Ferry Terminal, located on 43 Cape Henlopen Drive in Lewes, Delaware.
Attractions and exhibits were located inside the terminal, upstairs in their glass walkway, and on the patio on the finger pier. There were also vessel tours, a Lewes Fire Boat Cannon Display and a Remembrance Ceremony; wreath laying at Unknown Sailor’s Cemetery.
On the finger pier DELRIVER was receiving guests. This is a converted offshore supply vessel. It is berthed in Lewes with a 4 man crew on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with additional crew on standby. It is 166 feet long and weighs 425 tons. It is part of the Delaware Bay & River Cooperative (DBRC), which is a non-profit organization to respond to and offer protection from oil spills in the Delaware Bay and River area. More info? Please visit http://www.dbrcinc.org.
The pilots caught my attention…..Delaware River pilots are responsible for guiding ships from the mouth of the Delaware Bay to the ports along the river in Delaware, N.J. and Pennsylvania. From the bay to the northernmost port is about 130 miles.
When ships arrive from the ocean, the pilots are taken out to meet them on a boat similar to a speedboat. The small boat pulls alongside the ship, the pilot climbs a dangling rope ladder to board the moving vessel. Once on the lower deck, the pilot is escorted directly to the bridge and takes control. Did I get it right, Randy?
The operation never stops. For the Delaware River Pilots no holidays exist. Maybe they might have a little stall during severe weather conditions, but pretty much these pilots guide incoming and outgoing ships 365 days a year, 24/7!! Did I get it right, Missy?
These river pilots were talking to the visitors attending the festivities…I was going on the Tour of the Lighthouses, a post in the making. So, I asked them “Do you know Randy?” Yes!! They miss him and are looking forward to seeing him in a few weeks. Randy, a friend and longtime river pilot is enjoying retirement in Florida!!
The location of the Lewes terminal is so gorgeous…the scenery is just amazing!
And, if you want to have the best burger in town….On The Rocks Grill has the most delicious, juicy burger you are going to find…among other great tastings. Really, I am serious. As I was passing it the temptation was too much. But, I did not have one. Instead, I went home and had my rice cakes and hummus! The grill is located on the boardwalk behind the terminal. Check http://www.ontherocksde.com. A locals’ hangout!
Traveling on the Cape May Lewes Ferry is easy. Please check http://www.capemaylewesferry.com for more information and schedules.
And, just so you know…the Ferry offers plenty of programs, activities, and tours….check http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/programs.
Have a great day!!
Note: Some info. for this post was taken from the UD Messenger.
Tags: Activities, Best Hamburger in Lewes, Cape Henlopen, Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware, Delaware Bay & River Cooperative, Delaware Beaches, Delaware River Pilots, Discover Delaware Beaches, Discover Lewes, Events, First Town in the First State, Historic Lewes, Lewes, Maritime Day in Lewes, National Maritime Day, On The Rocks Grill, On The Rocks Grill at Lewes Terminal, Southern Delaware, Sussex County, Things to do at the beach, Visit Lewes, What to do at the beaches
You got it all just right, as always!!!Looking forward to seeing you soon…
The lighthouse tour has not been posted yet…I thought the photos went well with maritime day, which is why they were there. See you soon.