Cycling Lewes Delaware to Rehoboth Beach

This one was on my bucket list for a while. 

While not my favorite ride, 

it was a beautiful, scenic day. 

Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse

We found street parking in Lewes and 

rode the Cape Henlopen Trails just to explore,

these trails are rather short but connected to each other. 

Whiskey Beach (LOVE it!)

Then we set off on the Gordon's Pond Trail.

This trail is kind of fun 

with boardwalks to ride on

through scenic salt marshes, 

though we didn't see much wildlife.  

We continued south to Rehoboth Beach. 

We rode around Rehoboth since we had never been there. 

Gordon Pond Trail

It was November at the time 

so we did ride on their boardwalk 

which is technically not permitted. 

WW II Towers

From Rehoboth, 

we took Henlopen Ave to Junction Breakwater Trail

to Freeman Highway back to Lewes. 

The trail is mostly packed gravel 

and is very flat. 

Breakwater/Harbor of Refuge

With the Henlopen exploration 

we rode over 16 miles. 

Gallery of images is here. 

Here's a plus for Lewes...

Public Restroom Facilities:
Zwaanendael Park:
open year round 24 hours.

Yay!

Resources:

Get a PDF map here. 

More outdoor adventures to do in Lewes.

Cape Henlopen Map

Info on the concrete towers

Cycling the Michael Castle Trail in Delaware

To date...

this is my favorite ride. 

Beginning of the trail. 

Disclaimer...

it was a beautiful day 

as well. 

Several bridges cross the canal.

Start in the historic 

Delaware City, DE 

located along the 

Delaware River. 

There is parking available. 

Delaware City, DE

Ride to the 

Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Trail 

aka Michael Castle Trail

and pedal 14.8 miles to 

Chesapeake City, MD. 

Have some refreshment near the end point 

in Chesapeake City

at Schaefer's Canal House. 

You can explore the city as well. 

Here is info on that. 

If you are so inclined, 

extend your ride off trail

to Green Point or Emily Point 

or take the bridge over the canal 

and ride Randalla Rd to the tip of the bay. 

Another option is

the trail around Lums Pond. 

Just don't miss the hard right 

on the Canal Trail just after the RR bridge 

where you have 

to work your way to and through 

a marina to get back on the trail. 

(See map below)

The canal activity provides added interest. 

And when you return to Delaware City, 

visiting Ft. Delaware State Park by ferry to 

Pea Patch Island is a great option. 

I've done that visit previously. 

Then you can end your day at Crabby Dick's 

for a well deserved dinner. 

Three sections of the trail.

Also nearby is Ft. Dupont State Park:

For more images of this ride, click here. 

There is plenty to fill a day in the area.

so have a great day! 

  

Separation Day

Historic Homes in New Castle, Delaware

Did you know the British colonies were preceded in declaring their independence from Britain? 

The Old Library, New Castle, Delaware

I had no idea until I visited Old New Castle, Delaware on Separation Day, June 15 when

the town of Old New Castle was making big preparations for celebrating their independence. 

Immanuel Episcopal Church, New Castle, Delaware

At one time the three counties of Delaware belonged to Pennsylvania.

I'm guessing that is something you only learn in Delaware.  

New Castle Pier, Delaware

On June 15, 1776 Delaware simultaneously declared independence from 

Britain AND Pennsylvania and became their own colony state. 

New Castle Courthouse from the Common

They beat the rest of the colonies by a few weeks 

so they celebrate Independence Day on June 15 and July 4.

Lucky folks.  

Amstel House. New Castle, DE

New Castle is a great day trip, 

it is full of history and beautiful old homes. 

When I planned our trip, my husband and I had no idea it coincided with Separation Day 

or we would have allowed ourselves more time there. 

New Castle, DE 

For more of my images of Old New Castle, click here. 

Happy Independence Day! 

Social Connections: 

What He Did for Love

Imagine Downton Abby - 

only call it Nemours Mansion. 

The setting:

Wilmington, Delaware USA

 The family:

The du Ponts 

The same time period. 

Nemours Mansion and Garden, Wilmington, Delaware

Alfred I. du Pont, born in 1864 to 

Eleuthere Irenee Du Pont and Charlotte Shepard (Henderson), 

was orphaned at age 13.

 He became a talented and generous man. 

Nemours Mansion and Garden, Wilmington, Delaware

Wife 1: Bessie - Charming and Irreverent 

He also has quite a story - 

one that would make a good TV series:  

He married a cousin, 

had four children, 

divorced in 1906. 

Nemours Garden, Wilmington, Delaware

He went into the family business, 

was ousted by his cousins, 

almost went bankrupt, 

moved to Florida and 

re -established himself. 

The Entrance to Nemours Mansion, Wilmington, Delaware

Wife 2: Alicia - Proud and Beautiful 

He married another cousin, a divorcee - 

whom he adored 

but she felt more of a friendship than love. 

Elegance at Nemours Mansion, Wilmington, Delaware

He built her a 77 room mansion on 30 acres - 

Still there was no love. 

He installed formal gardens for her to enjoy - 

Still there was no love. 

He adopted her daughter - 

Still there was no love. 

Then the love of his life died. 

Table Setting, Nemours Mansion, Wilmington, Delaware

Wife 3: Jessie -  Tender and Loving 

He married another time 

to a woman 20 years his junior.  

He went on to make millions of dollars. 

He used his own money to establish a 

pension for older people in the state of Delaware. 

He helped revitalize the state of Florida 

after the 1926 hurricane 

and stock market crash of 1929. 

He established a hospital for children - 

Nemours/Alfred I. du Pont Hospital for Children. 

The bulk of his fortune, 

worth 4.5 billion in 2006,  

was left to sustain 

the Nemours Foundation 

which supports his legacy of philanthropic work - 

mostly children's health. 

A Room for Everything Including the Telephone, Nemours Mansion, Wilmington, Delaware

Now that is a man and a legacy. 

"The Poor Man's Friend" Alfred I. du Pont

Here is a video clip about his life: 

http://www.nemoursmansion.org/dupont/about.html

Here are more photos from my trip to 

Nemours Mansion and Garden in Delaware.