Part 2 of 10 - Where the Woods Meet the Sand

A day all blue and white, and we
Came out of woods to sand
And snow-capped waves. The sea
Rose with us as we walked, the land
Built dunes, a lighthouse, and a sky of gulls.

- Weldon Kees, "Land's End"

Comprised of nearly 65,000 square miles of the watershed, its rivers and streams, the Chesapeake Bay is a sacred and dutifully celebrated landmark of Marylanders.  From its distinctive landscape and waterways to its maritime history and wild tales of pirates (yes, pirates!), this is truly a special place.

So, to pay homage to the crown jewel of our state, we headed north to pitch our tent in Elk Neck State Park. The park is situated on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Elk River - an extremely diverse and beautiful landscape where the forest meets the beach. Or as Kees would put it, "...and we came out of woods to sand and snow-capped waves."  The park also includes a trail leading to the famous Turkey Point Lighthouse,  which is the highest of 74 Chesapeake Bay lighthouses and faces a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay.

Part 2 of 10 - Elk Neck State Park

Our campsite had a beautiful view of the mighty Elk River.

Sunset in Elk Neck Forest.

Turkey Point Light House stands tall at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. It was first lit in 1835.

View of the great Chesapeake Bay from Turkey Point Light House.

Marshlands and heavy wooded bluffs lead the way to Turkey Point.