Matt, Bob and I took our kids for a ramble in Cape Henlopen State Park on New Year's Eve.
The Cape is the southern shore of the entrance to the Delaware Bay. In World War II it served as a part of the coastal defense system, as Fort Miles.
Delaware's State Parks folks are working to restore parts of Fort Miles as a living-history museum, much as they have done so well with the Civil War prison island of Fort Delaware, further up in the Delaware River. At the moment, there are just a few guns and deteriorating barracks buildings.
Guns, as mechanical artifacts, are cool.
I would guess that this 155mm Howitzer, with Carriage, dates from 1955.
The Cape is dotted with watch towers, from which spotters would be able to guide the fire of the big guns. One is still open to the public. It provides a wonderful view of the Cape, the Bay and breakwaters, lighthouses, and Lewes.
Back in the woods there are a number of WWII-era bunkers. I believe these were used to store the ammunition for the large coastal defense guns.
The Walking Dune is one of the Cape's most interesting features. It's one of the largest dunes on the east coast.
Cape Henlopen State Park provides a fine example of what the flora and fauna of this area is supposed to look like.
2 comments:
It's amazing what you come across on the Internet when you're Blog surfing. Hi Mike. You know me through work. Now you're scratching your head saying "who in the heck is this?" Isn't anonymity wonderful? By the way nice Blog layout. It's clean and crisp (and easy to read). I also didn't realize you picked up a new Prius. See you at the DGDC meeting :P
Hi Mike. Happy New Year to you and yours. I just wanted to thank you for the great photos of Cape Henlopen State Park. I grew up in Lewes; seeing your photos brought back some great memories of visits I made to the park when I was a kid. Again, thanks.
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