Lucy the Elephant

What can I say about about Lucy? She deserves a post of her own. She is 131 years old and six stories high overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Margate, New Jersey. She has survived hurricanes, ocean floods and fire. She was built as a novelty amusement to attract visitors to Atlantic City but endures today as a beloved reminder of days gone by and an object of affection to lovers of fantasy. In 1976 Lucy was designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Government as the oldest surviving example of a unique form of "zoomorphic" architecture.

More Sights on Route 40 to Atlantic City

On the road to Atlantic City on Route 40 you drive past many interesting sites. One of the firsts you will come to is the Cowtown Rodeo. In the Spring through the Fall on Saturdays you can enjoy roping and wrangling and the talents of many a rodeo rider. There are also a few stores that specialize in all things cowboy.

The Shrine to St. Padre Pio is also along the route. Many locals and travelers leave petitions to the saint to intercede on their behalf.

 An old Studebaker showroom had become an antique store and is finally abandoned and left to decay.

Story Book Land

I don't know much about this place, but it appears that the owner has created a vintage Texaco station from pieces he has collected.

This old farm outbuilding along the road houses old farm machinery but has an almost religious appearance.

Route 40 to Atlantic City

We took a drive to Atlantic City and took Route 40, the old road to Atlantic City. We passed the Clayton Self Storage building. It is a long flat brick building that is decorated with a tromp l'oeil painting by Samuel Donovan and Victor Grasso. It is amazing that these two artists were able to create this imaginary world with a little paint and a lot of creativity. None of the doorways or arches are real. This is really just a brick wall, everything is painted.

Tuesday Travels

On this wonderful, unexpectedly warm last day in January, I took a ride to Bombay Hook National Refuge to look for a few winter ducks. The numbers weren't impressive, but I saw a good number of species. In just under one hour here is what I saw:  Snow Geese, Canada Geese, Pintail, Gadwall, American Avocet,  Black-Necked Stilt, Greater Yellow Legs, Tundra Swan, Bufflehead, Blue-Winged Teal, Mallard, American Coot, Northern Shoveler, Northern Harrier, Pied-Billed Grebe, Black Duck, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, Cedar Waxwings, American Robin, Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle.

Snow Geese

Bufflehead

Early morning on the marsh

Pied-Billed Grebe

Shearness Pool

Shearness Pool

Bear Swamp Pool

American Coot

Northern Shoveler

Mallards and Coots

Pintail

Wetland View

Snow Geese

Trimper's Carousel

Daniel B. Trimper and his wife Margaret arrived in Ocean City Maryland in 1890. By 1893 they owned the property between South Division and South First Streets on the boardwalk including two hotels: the Sea Bright and the Eastern Shore. After a severe storm in 1900 they rebuilt the Sea Bright

to look like Great Britian's Windsor Castle. The two hotels along with a theatre and an amusement park thus became the Windsor Resort.  In 1912 Daniel Trimper purchased a Carousel from the Herschell-Spillman Company in North Tonawanda, New York. It was a massive 50 feet in diameter. Only one other carousel was made by that company. That one was sent to Coney Island and was later destroyed by fire. The carousel's 45 animals, three chariots and one rocking chair were driven by a steam engine. It is one of the oldest still operating carousels in the nation. It is now electified and has been enjoyed by generations of visitors to Ocean City. On our trip this past weekend, we were able to share this wonderful ride with the youngest members of our family. They enjoyed it as much as I did the first time maybe 50 years ago. Here is a sampling of some of the wonderful animals on the carousel.

Baltimore City Farmer's Market

Every Sunday from 7 until they are sold out, the Farmer's Market is open for business under the Jones Falls Expressway in downtown Baltimore. It is not just your normal farmer's market, it is more like a carnival, craft show, food market, street food smorgasboard all rolled into one. Besides the great opportunites for people watching there is a feast for the eyes of colors and textures everywhere. The array of seasonal fruits and vegetables is endless. There are organic meat vendors that include chicken, pork, beef, bison and goat. You can buy milk, yogurt and cheese products. There are flower and herb growers. There is honey, homemade jams, nuts, barbecue sauces, pastries, crafts. As for food choices, you can feast on Cajun, Mexican, African American, French, Thai or Nouveau Cuisine. Everytime I go I discover something new. The only problem is that it is becoming so popular that the parking in the area is at a premium and the line for Zeke's coffee gets longer and longer.

Oh so red radishes

I can never seem to pass up a thyme plant.

A basket of mixed mushrooms

More mushrooms

This lettuce was yummy.

Tomatilas

Peppers

Blue crabs, a Baltimore tradition

Wheely Good Smoothies

If you power the blender yourself on the bike you save a dollar. I chose a banana, mango, ginger smoothie and it was wonderful.

I have to get some of this next time.

Savory pies

Thai goodies

Dumplings