On the beach

What a sunrise over the ocean - as seen from our room! And, an open window/door all night long - what a joy!

Left at 7:30 am for a walk along the boardwalk to a breakfast place by name "May's Parlor" and had wonderful biscuits and grits and good conversation with the local tourism representative Erin. Afterwards explored the Vibe Creative District, with many, many murals (see photos below), but also nice stores and workshops of local artists/artworkers. 

 

Walked back to the hotel along the main axle, Atlantic Ave (photo), then along the waterfront, where we watched the dolphins out in the ocean - many of them!!! What a great view! Then, got ready to check out since we wanted to see a couple more sights in VB. 

 

 

Unfortunately, the Surf and Rescue Museum was closed (preparing for some big Oyster Event), but the Atlantic Wildfowl Museum was a compensation. Talked to the volunteers there and learned a lot about the history of the house and, interestingly, about decoys of all kinds, their value, and, watched two elderly gentlemen carving them. 

 

 

Last sight: Backbay National Wildlife Refuge - unfortunately the Visitor Center was closed and we stopped at the Sandbridge Beach to get a feeling for the "other side of Virginia Beach". No highrises, no hotels, just a few vacation rentals and homes. Not far anymore to North Carolina, and the beginning of the barrier islands.

Afterwards we crossed the huge city area of Virginia Beach again - vast and spread out, and, home to about 1/2 mio. of people - and drove on towards Norfolk.