Approaching the island

It may not be as aesthetically pleasing to the eye as Inis Boffin (thanks for the pics Keith) or Khios or Samos, but as I have always had a fascination for islands, this was another one I wished to visit since I came back to live in Virginia.  Tangier Island, approximately 1 mile wide by 3 miles long and home to about 700 inhabitants, located in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay.  The island originally inhabited by the Pocomoke Indians has a long history and today the inhabitants make their living by commercial fishing, crabbing and oystering.  Jean and I took off on the Chesapeake Breeze from Reedville VA, on a beautiful sunny morning this week and after a pleasant 1.5 hours arrived on Tangier.

Gathering place for the watermen

We ate dinner, family style at Hilda Crockett's Chesapeake House.  Crab cakes, clam fritters, ham, potato salad, cole slaw, beet root, apple sauce, corn pudding, bread rolls, iced tea and pound cake.  We than took a short trip around the island in a golf cart (taxi) honestly it was too hot for the bicycles, and we were only on the island for 2.5 hours.

Graves are above ground as the water level is high

On our return journey, the sky to our west and the shoreline darkened, flashes of lightening appeared from all  directions, the heavens opened and the rain came down.  The sea did not get rough although we did get a soaking as we had stayed up on deck which was partially covered.

Island home

There are many books and articles about Tangier Island, one of which I am reading now by David L. Shores with many theories on their unique way of speech and accent which was very pleasant to my ears.

Crab shacks,piers and shedding tanks

Web sites also abound, there are many concerns about the Bay with regards to erosion and pollution and the continuance of the Tangierians unique lifestyle.  Our visit to the Island was a most enjoyable and learning experience.  I hope to return and spend a night or two and learn more about these watermen and waterwomen and their lives.

 

A perfect storm.