The Chesapeake Bay Foundations 13th annual paddle for the bay race was today, and even though i didn’t race in it, I did make it down for the start. There were about 25 solo racers in various craft, as well as 3, 6 man out riggers. I couldn’t hang around for the finish, but if I find the results I’ll post them here….
THe Start of the Paddle for the Bay Race
I had the chance to take a look at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from a different vantage.it is pretty impressive when you can’t see the other side. Add to that fact, that they built the thing back in the 60’s, and it becomes even more impressive.
A View of the Chesapeke Bay Bridge Tunnel
A Kayak on the Beach
Funky iPhone skewing...
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
Looking down the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel CBBT
Before Route 17 was relocated a few years back, and the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail was created, I had passed this old building several times and never had the opportunity to stop (If you drove the old Route 17, you know what I mean). I had the chance to stop and take a look around and take some pictures, and I could not find any signs about what the structure is/was, so I guess if I had stopped back then it would have been no help, because the only signage is in the canal facing away from the building. The only reference is a dot on the map at the Northern trail head of the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.
Toll Takers House on the Dismal Swamp Canal
This is the old Toll Takers House on the Dismal Swamp Canal.
The building looks like it has taken on assaults over the years from the forces of nature, including the vines that currently inhabit the North end of the house. It looks like the structure has been occupied in relatively recent times. The structure has had electricity, because there is a socket for a meter, and the back porch overlooking the canal looked like it was not part of the original construction.
The Toll Takers House can be found on the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail and Glencoe St. Or about a half a mile north of the Southern Trailhead, or about 5 Miles from the Northern trailhead. I suggest starting from the North and taking a nice bike ride, and enjoy the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.