Out and About in Delaware's State Parks

To be honest, I love this time of year. It definitely brings out the sentimental side of me. I often find myself thinking back on holidays past, remembering family and friends who make my life so special. Every holiday season is special, but last Christmas was especially memorable. Bob and I spent the holiday with our good friends, Matt and Frank, in Paris. We had a wonderful week exploring the sights of that beautiful city. Without a doubt, my favorite memory was Christmas Eve. We had considerable trouble locating an open restaurant that night for dinner. With few options available, we ended up at a Chinese restaurant. Definitely not my idea of holiday fare! After a leisurely meal, we stopped at a tiny corner bar before heading to the cathedral of Notre Dame for the midnight service. The bar was quaint and unassuming. The friendly staff informed us they were having a drag show later that evening. Bob and Matt quickly decided the cathedral wasn’t for them and opted to stay for the show. To say the least, I was not too happy with this decision. Here we were in this wonderful, romantic city on Christmas Eve and my partner was dumping me for a drag show! There was no changing Bob and Matt’s minds. Reluctantly, Frank and I left for the cathedral where we waited in the cold behind police barricades with several thousand anxious people. After more than an hour of being pushed and shoved by the throngs, we finally made it to the front of the line where we had to pass through a metal detector before entering the church! I was really wondering if it was all worth the trouble. I quickly got my answer as we walked in. What a glorious sight! The majestic building bathed in candlelight was decked out in holiday finery. The shadows from the flickering candles added a mysterious power to the scene. It was truly awe inspiring and more than worth the effort. Frank and I welcomed in Christmas in that amazing place. We later joined Bob and Matt back at the bar. They apparently had a "festive" time of their own! When I thought about it later, I realized that in a sense, we both went to "drag" shows that night. Whether in the bar or in the cathedral, each of us had a wonderful experience and built memories that will last a lifetime!

Unusual Holiday Shopping Ideas
Are you searching for that unique holiday gift? If so, why not pick up an annual park pass or a distinctive gift item from one of our State Park Nature Stores? In the resort area, the Seaside Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State Park has lots of unique items to choose from. With a decidedly nautical theme, there are carved shore birds, wooden replica sailing ships, beautiful hand painted ornaments featuring area lighthouses or maybe a mousepad featuring the photography of Keith Clancy. Nature stores are also found in many of our northern park offices including Bellevue, Brandywine Creek and White Clay Creek. These locations feature books, candles, park shirts and hats and nature explorer sets for the kids. You’ll find unusual items to satisfy just about everyone on your shopping list! And best of all, you’ll be supporting our state parks. The proceeds from these stores go directly to the operation and maintenance of the parks. We hope you’ll come and see what our stores have to offer!

Another unique gift idea for those who love Delaware’s Outdoors is a subscription to Outdoor Delaware! This magazine is the official educational publication of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. For almost 50 years, it has been dedicated to the sound conservation of Delaware’s wildlife and other interrelated natural resources and the environment we share with them.

Four times a year, subscribers can enjoy 32 pages of outstanding color photography and articles on state parks, fish and wildlife, outdoor recreation opportunities and important environmental issues.

Available by subscription only, Outdoor Delaware is just $6 per year. Checks can be sent to Outdoor Delaware magazine, DNREC, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901. For more information, contact Marjorie Witherspoon, circulation manager, at 302-739-4506.

For yourself or your favorite nature lover, it makes a great stocking stuffer!

Looking Forward to 2004
This past year will be remembered for many important events that touched all our lives...an unusually wet summer, hurricane Isabel, the poor economy, and most importantly, the war in Iraq. Every year has its challenges, but 2003 seemed especially difficult. Even with all these problems, I can’t help but reflect on how fortunate we are to live in such a great community and country. My thoughts and prayers are with those brave men and women who will not be home for the holidays, as well as for their families and friends. My hope is that the new year will bring peace in the world and the safe return of these loved ones.

As I wrap things up for 2003, I want to thank everyone for their ongoing support of this column. In particular, I would like to thank CAMP Rehoboth for the opportunity to share information about our state parks. Thanks also to everyone who took the time to email me their questions and ideas. Your comments and support are greatly appreciated.

Nature’s Best Bets
If you are looking for fun activities, here are a number of "best bets" at the Seaside Nature Center in Cape Henlopen State Park. Call 302-645-6852 for details:

Delaware Breakwater Quarantine Station • Saturdays, December 13, January 17, February 21, 1 p.m.
At the end of the 19th century thousands of immigrants fled poor economic conditions in Europe by emigrating to America. The Delaware Breakwater Quarantine Station was established in 1884 to protect the cities of Wilmington and Philadelphia from contagion. Come learn about this facility and the trials and tribulations the occupants dealt with during their hopes of entering a prosperous land.

Junction Breakwater - A Bridge to the Beach • Sat., Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
Hike the newest addition of the trail system of Cape Henlopen State Park. View the winter woodlands and Lewes-Rehoboth Canal along this scenic journey. Pre-registration is required. Call for directions to meet at the Wolfe House.

Wild About Winter • Saturday, December 20, 1 p.m.
Bring the tots to celebrate the cheerful spirit of winter! Children ages 5-10 are invited to take part in learning about adaptations of plants and animals that allow them to survive during the winter months. We’ll make a festive craft to take home to celebrate this restful season for nature.

Winter Twigging • Saturday, January 10, 1 p.m.
Learn to identify winter trees by carefully examining their bark and twigs, with the help of a field guide and hand lens. Join us for a close look at some of the park’s most common trees.

Delaware’s Winter Gulls • Saturday, January 24, 10 a.m.
Learn the fine points of gull identification through a slide presentation and then head out into the park to test your new skills.