Out and About in Delaware's State Parks

This all must be some sort of mistake. It really has to be. Then again, maybe I’m just hoping it’s a mistake. After all, I’m really not that old…right?!! I mean, I really don’t feel that old. So how can this be? Did I really just visit the pension office? Can I really consider retirement in the not-too-distant future? Come on…get REAL! I’m much too young for this!!!

Perhaps I should back up a bit. My current state of disbelief was initiated several weeks ago by a casual conversation I had with my supervisor. We were discussing our respective future plans for retirement. I mentioned that my partner, Bob, and I ultimately planned to relocate to Florida for family reasons. I told him we were anxious to make the move but I still had 6.5 more years to go. My boss asked me why so long? Hadn’t I checked into retirement options with 25 years of State service? He mentioned the difference in benefits between 25 years and my goal of 30 years wasn’t that substantial, especially if there were other considerations for making a move. In the span of a few short sentences, I found my life’s road map thrown out the window. I suddenly had other options!

Today, I paid a fateful visit to the pension office. It turns out everything my boss relayed to me was on target. I could indeed retire in 1.5 years with 25 years service. I was completely amazed. I had simply never considered such a notion. Since I started my career, I always anticipated retirement with 30 years service. I had planned on it. I figured that even with that number of years, I would still be young enough to start over again. Now, I’ve been given the possibility this could all happen 5 years sooner. It’s all just a bit disconcerting!

This may seem a bit silly to you. After all, doesn’t everyone hope for the day they can retire? It’s a wonderful goal to work towards. I just don’t know how I got to this point so quickly. At least, it certainly feels quickly! My career has been such an important part of my life. In some ways, it’s played a big role in how I define who I am. I guess I never really imagined myself moving on to something else. Certainly not as soon as a year and a half!

One thing is certain, Bob and I have a lot to consider now. Who knows how soon I’ll retire? But it is certainly nice to know we’ve got options. We had already planned a short vacation to Fort Lauderdale in mid-August in order to scout out potential retirement properties. This recent development might change how soon we’ll commit to something. You just never know what life might throw your way. I just have to work on being open to this kind of change!

Indian River Life Saving Station

Looking for something "new" and different to do in the resort area? Well have we got a great opportunity for you! Why not try a visit to the historic Indian River Lifesaving Station? The following information on the station was supplied by Park Historian Lee Jennings:

In the spring of 2004 the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation took over responsibility for the Indian River Life Saving Station. Located on the east side of Route 1 within the boundaries of Delaware Seashore State Park, the stately old building (circa 1876), gives visitors a rare opportunity to visit the world of the United States Life Saving Service (USLSS).

The US Life Saving Service established in 1841 is the precursor to the modern US Coast Guard. It was founded to address the appalling loss of life resulting from shipwrecks near the shore. The surf men, as they were known, lived in stations very much like the one at Indian River for 9 months of the year. Under the direction of the Keeper, the nine surf men practiced their drills, maintained equipment and patrolled the beaches. The stations were placed at intervals along the coastline. Watch Keepers walked the miles between the stations, exchanging a coin when they met to verify their attendance to duty. If a wreck was sighted, the watchman lit a flare and alerted the station to action. The crew rolled out a beach cart laden with a cannon designed to throw lines to the wreck including miles of heavy rope, rigging equipment with a bosons chair (picture a life ring with a pair of shorts attached to it) in which passengers would transfer to shore. The work was exceptionally hard and dangerous. It frequently involved rowing a boat out to the wreck in water so cold and rough that injuries and death could and did occur. The motto of the surf man however could not make their dedication more clear: "You have to go out but you don’t have to come back in." This rally cry was underscored by the parsimony of the service. Pay was stopped at once upon the death of the surf man.

The historic interpretation offered at the Indian River Life Saving Station is centered on 1905 when confederate civil war veteran Washington Vickers was Keeper. The men in his command were local farmers who welcomed the additional income in the winter months. These men were also skilled craftsman who often stayed aboard damaged ships assisting in bringing them into port for repair. The story of these men and their work is an excellent example of Americans at their very best.

Visitors to the site will find a large and well stocked gift shop and visitor center. The Station is open daily through Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entrance fee for the Station is $2.50 for Senior Citizens (aged 62 or older), $3.50 for adults, $1.00 for children (6 years or older). Daily programs include tours of the station by living history interpreters as well as special demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. such as resuscitation for the apparently drowned, and firing the Lyle gun, whose twenty five pound projectile carries rope to a stricken ship. Special events this summer include a Pirate Festival with a pirate encampment, period music, and great fun for all! For information on programs at the Station, call 302-227-0478.

Nature’s Best Bets

If you are looking for fun and exciting ways to spend your spare time, why not check out the Seaside Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State Park? The Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provides programs designed for individuals and families. A highlight of any visit is viewing the five 1000-gallon aquariums that feature different aquatic habitats. You’ll be glad you took the time to explore this exciting facility.