In the fall of 2005 I took a trip to two islands in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay for the purposes of putting them on the ham radio airwaves. I first operated from Smith Island, Maryland (IOTA NA-140) and then moved on to Tangier Island, Virginia (NA-083). Only six miles apart, the islands feature surprisingly different personalities. Both islands are flat; the church is the highest building in each community. On Smith Island I stayed in the village of Tylerton (population 59) and learned a new meaning of solitude under open skies and spectacular sunsets. By contrast smaller Tangier Island is much more developed, more populated (650 people), and has a very well-oiled tourist infrastructure. Houses date from the turn of the century, and history still is a tangible facet of the atmosphere here.
Just off the ferry dock at Tylerton, Smith Island
---------------------------------------
A couple of shots of The Inn of Silent Music, my home for three relaxing days. The first is from a bit inland, looking back towards the property and the salty marsh. The second shot is from the front of the building looking straight up at the gigantic Maryland flag fluttering from the third floor.
---------------------------------------
Life in a small town. I loved the home styles in this part of the country. Large enclosed porches and of course everything built on blocks for the inevitable flooding that comes regularly with life in a tidal zone. American flags were flying everywhere, which lent a nice patriotic touch.
---------------------------------------
Some more views of the bay and the boats of the local watermen community.
---------------------------------------
It is impossible to exaggerate the influence of the Methodist church on island life, and it is no coincidence that churches are the largest structures on the islands. On the left is the facade of the enormous house of worship in Tylerton. On the right is the church in Tangier with an informative placard in the front detailing Tangier's link to the battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 and the subsequent writing of The Star Spangled Banner.
---------------------------------------
Lastly, a couple more views from Tangier. First, the mail boat Courtney Thomas (my means of transport to & from the island) at the docks. And below that, a view of the boats & pier facilities for the soft shell crabbing industry that drives the Chesapeake economy.
