Into Fort Story Like Lambs

As it usually happens with our extended road trips, we start like lions…hungry, full of energy, on the prowl, ready to go and see and do.  I think that this is probably a carryover from our busy lives at home—particularly Helen (adorable wife) who lives life in a whirlwind. Nevertheless, by the end of a trip, we are so loose and laid back that we resemble little lambs in a field, casually grazing on whatever is in front of us. I’m not suggesting that there is anything wrong with us because that is the way we plan it.  Loose and laid back described our demeanor when we arrived at Ft. Story in Virginia Beach, VA.

Initially, the reservation office at Fort Story canceled our reservations as the threat of Hurricane Florence hung over the east coast.  However, the office restored our reservations when the hurricane moved west and south of us. We were so grateful to them because we had looked forward to this stop from the time we planned our trip.

Three years ago on our journey up the east coast, we made a day trip to Ft. Story and nearby Sandbridge Island where we spent a day on the beach and an evening eating lobster wraps at the Sandbridge Island Restaurant.  We enjoyed that experience so much; we couldn’t wait to return. Furthermore, it appeared as if the weather would be cooperative during our current stay.

Fort Story is a small Military Base and Recreation Area on Cape Henry, VA the site of the first landing of English colonists on their way to Jamestown in 1607. Cape Henry is the site of two historic lighthouses, the first dating to 1792, and another built in 1881. Both lighthouses carry the same name. They came into our view as we drove down Atlantic Avenue from Norfolk.

Once we checked in and established our “home” in the campsite, the lambs inside of us took over. It was time for a little beach-walking, puzzle working, reading, and little else except for finding some fresh oysters as early as the next day. We slept to the roar of the ocean.

We started early the next day with a walk on the beach.  The low sun made for a few good pictures, but by the time we finished our walk, the sun shone high in the sky, and another glorious day greeted us.  We even had a porpoise playing in the surf for entertainment.

After a search on Trip Advisor, Helen found an oyster bar close to our campground that had great ratings and reviews. We did not need much persuading and soon found ourselves sitting on a deck over the water at The Back Deck. We shared a dozen very fresh local oysters and enjoyed some great seafood as well. Since leaving home, this evening was one of the few that we were not in either humid or rainy weather. Being outside in a light salty breeze felt great.

Our plan for the following day included a trip to Sandbridge Island and little else. Helen was ready for some beach time, and I wanted to make sure she got it in early before nap time (remember we’re lambs by now). Unfortunately, construction on the road to Sandbridge Island caused us to change our plans. After several attempts at driving around the construction, we returned to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and pulled out the towels and beach chairs. With school now in session, the beach had just a few old folks and a few gulls around. They left us alone.

We enjoyed another evening of seafood and oysters.  Fresh seafood is something to treasure. We debated whether we wanted to go out or eat at home, but this would be our last night on the coast, and we couldn’t resist. Soon, we found ourselves at Chick’s Oyster Bar with another dozen in front of us.

There is little else to report about our stay at Ft. Story except that I wanted to share some information about the Recreation Area with our Military friends. Kimberlee, the manager of the facility, gave us a tour of one of the many cabins available for rent by active and retired military personnel.  The cabins are furnished, air-conditioned, and have cable television. There is a children’s playground in front of the cabins, and the beach is a short walk or even shorter drive away. Townhouses on the beach are also available for rent. The campgrounds have both electric and water hookups and a dump station near the exit. Those interested should inquire about reservations at (757) 422-7600.

By the end of our stay here, we completed our puzzle, finished a book, and planned our next trip.  We enjoyed a very pleasant and very relaxing time in the surf and sunshine, and we treated ourselves to some splendid seafood. We weren’t busy, but we sure had fun. I hope you enjoyed the pictures…it’s time to be Easin’ Along.  Baa!