My sister and I try to vacation together at least once a year and last week was another Barb & Dave’s Excellent Adventure. Dude, load up the senior bus for a four days / three nights trip to Ocean City, Maryland with Friendship Tours.
After a nine-hours, four pick-up locations, a few “comfort stops” and lunch at a rest stop, we finally arrived at the Quality Inn Boardwalk (1601 Atlantic Ave). The hotel is like Ocean City itself, a bit outdated but with a seaside charm. Our room had a full kitchen and located right on the boardwalk, making for a great walk after dinner.
With this view, I willingly woke up for sunrise!
The next day was a short trip to Delaware with a local guide. First stop, The Fenwick Island Lighthouse. just an excuse for a photo op and to stretch our legs.
Historical…blah, blah, 1751…blah, blah Transpeninsular Line
Next on the agenda, the free DiscoverSea Museum. The founder who brought up many of the treasures from ancient shipwrecks, gave us a tour. There were gold bars, silverware, coins, weapons, jewelry and other relics.
The museum is above the Sea Shell City gift shop…conveniently!
Then free time on the boardwalk before dinner.
Off season, many shops were closed but no crowds!
Wedneday was the big day, hoping to see wild ponies in Assateague Island State Park either from land (driving through) or sea (on the Assateague Explorer Eco Cruise). Wild animals in captivity make me sad, I prefer animals in their natural habitat.
Pony sightings aren’t guaranteed!
Entering the park, our job was to yell out pony sightings. The guide suggested scanning the brush where ponies hide. I’m not observant or sure what the ponies looked like (I never got one as a child). When I spotted the four legged creature in the woods, I screamed out “Pony!” and was ridiculed by passengers further back “That’s a deer!” Oops and no sighting on the boat but the captain kept wanting to show me his crabs. Hard pass!
Its easier spotting ponies on medians or walking down the street!
Lunch was in Berlin, Maryland.
The town from the movie Runaway Bride.
Instead of eating, my sister and I wanted to go mural hunting, but neither of us could read the map we were given. After an hour scouring the town’s six short streets, we only found five of the six listed.
Didn’t love the murals but loved our quick lunch at Rayne’s Reefs Luncheonette!
Speaking of the food, Ocean City isn’t known for being vegan friendly. One meal, my sister questioned what was on her plate and even the manager wasn’t completely sure. I ate it and still can’t tell you. However, the staff was tasty. My sister almost gave my seat on the bus to a hot Italian waiter. She missed her chance, they quickly removed him from service when all the cougars began circling. So much for bros before hos!
Sorry, no waiter pics!
Our last day, I was ready for the long ride home. What made our trip a success, in my gay opinion, doing everything on our to-do list, didn’t miss anything, and had tons of laughs along the way…mostly at each other’s expenses.
