36th Day - 18-03-2022

My first view out the window this morning is of the weather. And it's foggy. Even down here now. I regret that a little. That probably means I have to drive the last third of the Skyline Drive in the fog. Even my weather app warns of low visibility. I stay in bed a little longer and think that I don't have to leave so early in the fog. It goes by quickly if you don't visit any viewpoints.

So I dawdle around quite a bit and don't get going until 10 o'clock. It has gotten a little brighter in the meantime. I drive the 8 km back up the mountain and get in where I left off yesterday. And it's bright sunshine. I can hardly believe my luck. There are actually only a few clouds in the sky and the fog is further down. I drive the whole 50 km constantly going out and enjoying the incredible views that this road offers me. In the autumn when everything is red, green, and yellow, it must be a completely different world.

Finally, at 11:30 am, I reach the endpoint and now want to drive to the coast without a break. I have to pass Washington for that. That could be a little bumpy in terms of traffic. I haven't booked a place to stay yet and want to see what progress I make. To speed things up and because the route doesn't offer any special attractions, I only drive on the interstate. And around the capital of the USA, it's really crowded. Despite the six-lane road, one car follows another. In addition, construction is going on like crazy. I have never seen such a construction site in my life. Thousands of workers are building new bridges and feeder roads.

Despite these massive restrictions, progress is relatively smooth. The traffic only comes to a standstill a few times, otherwise it is not particularly fast but continuously moving. After 2 hours, I reach the Chespeake Bay Bridge, which connects the rural eastern areas of Maryland with the urban west. The monumental structure is almost 7 km long and I have never made such a crossing in my life. It is fascinating what humans can achieve technically.

When I arrive on the other side, the sun is still shining and I decide that I can drive further than I thought. I book a place to stay in Chincoteague, about 2 hours drive from here. Originally, I wanted to stop in Ocean City, but I don't like the hustle and bustle there at all. So I'm willing to spend an extra half hour and drive comfortably on moderately busy country roads to my destination.

The place is small and you immediately notice that tourism has not really returned this year. Many shops are also closed and there is little traffic on the streets. My inn has a large spacious room with all the standard amenities. The only thing is that you have to walk up to the second floor, which is a bit inconvenient. But it's not a big deal with a small suitcase.

I'm there so early that, after I've checked into my room, I drive to the nearby island of Assateague, which you can reach via a bridge. There is a beach, a lighthouse, and a wildlife reserve. The beach is relatively unspectacular, and it's also very foggy. But the reserve is fascinating. I see countless birds and other animals, including herons, wild turkeys, and wild ponies. A pond is so full of fish that you could catch some with your hand. I park the car and walk through this untouched nature. An oasis of tranquility and untouched beauty.

In the evening, I ask Jennifer at the reception where I could eat well. She says that there is relatively good seafood everywhere. But if I wanted something really good, and if I like it, then she recommends Fried Chicken at Marias. I think about it for a moment and then accept her suggestion. Although Google doesn't go overboard with its rating.

Marias is classic old US style. Still without a TV, but with neon lights and booths and tables from the sixties. The waitresses have also defied the fashionable trend of the past 20 years, but Lisa, who is responsible for my table, is extremely nice. I tell her that I'm here for her chicken on her recommendation, and she nods and says they are the best. She asks me what I want with it, and tells me I have two sides free, but she would recommend the salad. Her salad bar is really well stocked and very popular. I also go along with this advice and I am not disappointed. For American standards, it is really well equipped with diverse salads that are not mixed with mayonnaise. I fill my plate and I'm very satisfied.

The chicken pieces then surpass everything. It is not spectacular or particularly arranged, but it is an incredible pleasure between crispy and juicy. Honestly, I have never eaten pieces so well prepared in my life. You can forget about any KFC. I naturally don't eat everything and have the rest packed to take with me. Lisa tells me at the end that she hopes I will come back soon. I would love to, Lisa.