Back Beyond the Bridge LbNA #1569 (ARCHIVED)

Back Beyond the Bay

MIA 07/05/2003 CLEARLY GONE WE WILL REPLACE IN THE FALL

Placed By: Maggie’s Family
E-mail: maggies.family@verizon.net
Date Placed: 09/16/02
Time: 3-4 hours by bike, round trip, with stops
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Difficulty: Serious walk; fun, easy bike ride.



You won’t have to work on Maggie’s Farm no more…
If you follow Maggie’s Family . . . . . to the shore.

Our first box we’ve stashed in a beautiful place,
Where people are scarce, yes, hardly a trace.
It’s not easy to get to, in fact quite a hike,
So may we suggest that you dust off your bike.

Load up the car and head “Back” to the “Bay,”
You’ll pass through the “bridge” of “Sand” on your way.
Follow Sandpiper south to the Refuge gate,
When you get to the Station, there’s no need to wait.

You’ll see lots of birds, and horses, and maybe a wild boar,
So pay the five dollars and be glad it’s not more.
Unload all the bikes and start down the path.
You’ve got four miles to go, because we did the math.

Take your water, your camera, your lunch, and embark,
Go down the main path and head for the park.
You’ll come to a fork, both trails well-traveled.
But go left on East Dike; we hope you’re not baffled.

And whatever you do, don’t take the Dune Trail,
You’ll end up on the beach and you will have failed.

You’ll pass by a sign with a date and a duck.
You may think it’s there, but oh, no such luck!
We hid it there first, but we did all agree,
It was too easy to find, and there’s much more to see!

Peddle on to the park and don’t miss the boat,
Veer to the left and be sure to take note.
You’ll come to a platform, “22” it is marked,
Stop for a rest, you’ll be glad that you parked.

Soon you’ll be at the Station, in a moment or so,
It’s quite clean and tidy in case you’ve “Got to GO!”
You’ll see a small shop and tables (if you’ve brought something to eat)
Inside’s a nice man who we think you should meet.

Look all around at this blissful location,
It’s a nice place to camp should you be on vacation.
But since you’re on a real quest, turn left at the sign,
That reads, “Ocean/Beach Camp.” You’re close to the find!!

Past the ramp on the left (but what is it for?)
NO! Don’t turn right to Washwoods - keep on to the shore.
The trail’s a bit sandy. It’s a little hard going,
We saw horses there -- their manes all aglowing.

When you get to the walkway (it’s wooden) just park,
Time to walk a ways now… so get on your mark.
Step on to the planks and count out your paces,
Fifty, sixty, or more if you wear little shoelaces.

Pass “Delicate Dunes” and glance right for our riddle,
You’ll see some bushes with a dead branch in the middle.
Reach down in the sea grass, but look ‘fore you grab,
You’ll discover our prize, and we hope not a crab!

Now once you’ve “stamped in” you can do what you likes,
But may we suggest that you get back on your bikes.
Head over the dunes, and we hope it’s low tide.
Because if it is you are in for a ride!

And even if the tide is a little bit high,
Just follow the beach with the ocean right by.
It’s a beautiful site, unspoiled, like a myth,
Must have looked much the same to Capt. John Smith.

Head back whence you came and try not to roam,
NOW take the Dune Trail and find your way home.
So ends your adventure. The day is now done.
Good luck on your next quest. We hope you’ve had fun.