Spring Lake Heights, NJ-Killens Pond State Park, DE 9/28 139 driving; 85 minute Ferry; 6.75 walking miles

Sad we were to leave the tender arms of Gramp and Gram Pearsall, but ever grateful for their true expression of Christian charity. It's not easy hosting Ed Druoin, his driver, entourage, and endless train of servants. Denny and Susie managed it with graceful aplomb. After Denny fixed us a scrumptious short order breakfast. (King Ed ordered eggs, which Denny embellished with peppers, cheese, and onion along side toasted buttered English muffins, juice, fruit, and coffee). He packed us a lunch and added fwo sweet donuts to boot. What service! Before we left, we got to meet Grady James, Denny's grandson, who is as happily bright eyed and aware as his Grampa. I really did almost turn around so as to spend a few more days in the nurturing Pearsall arms. But alas, the Fat Butt tour must venture forward toward more adventure, more turn arounds, more thin gruel, and more "best" humans along the way. We idled South, following Denny's excellent directions until we detoured a bit trying to find the road that runs the length of the barrier islands. Our first turn around found us following the Parkway into Cape May. We walked around Cape May, a deliciously kept Victorian town for a couple hours, got some sand in our toes walking the beach, and chatted up a few locals who seemed content living in their town. "Best" human of the day goes to Cheryl Jackman who works the ticket booth at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. She was upbeat, friendly, helpful, and gracious, even though when we asked her what the best thing about living in Cape May was, she replied, "The off season, when all the tourists go home." Prince Ed (I demoted him today, lest his haughty grandeur be too much for Debbieupon his return), muttered, "Methinks she's forgotten who butters her crust." Thr ferry ride took eighty-five minutes. We were graced with gently rolling seas, whale and dolphin sightings, and an unseasobably (I guess: 80 degrees and 88 % humidity) warm day. Departing the ferry, we instantly found ourselves surrounded by lush farmland, thick, dark stands of trees, and calm, polite drivers. We arrived at Killens Pond State Park around five, set up camp, and drove just a few miles for food. By dusk, we were in our tents listening to the serenade of the night bugs. Clearly, life is good, especially today.

Gramps and Grady James saying goodbye.

Shop alley: traps galore and surprisingly busy for an off season Monday.

Lots of cool Victorians.

Typical vivid coloring.

A few venerable whites.

Friendly locals, some of the few actually working.

A fabulous expanse of soft sand beach.

Quite a few "combers" showing how it's done.

"Best" human of the day: Cheryl Jackman.

Selfie of the day: Leaving the ferry dock.

Delaware breakwater.

My quarters.

And a soft good night.