Fort Monroe 12-11-12

The threat of rain and dreary shies did not deter 32 Tuesday Groupers from meeting at Ft. Monroe to take an 8.8 mile hike. Meeting across from the marina, we began our hike by walking along the seawall past the Historic Chamberlain Hotel, now an adult living community. Taking a break at the Gazebo for a group picture, we walked by the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse and grand historic homes facing the Bay. We then preceded to the north end of the fort property ( Dog Beach). A few left us early but the majority continued back to the marina area, stopping to talk to an archaeologist working on a dig where the old enlisted housing has just been removed. We ate our lunch inside the Old Point Comfort Yacht Club clubhouse by the Marina, getting a break from the cold and wind. Several more had to leave but 19 remained to go into the Historic Fort Monroe area. We entered the fort and proceeded to the upper walkway of the fortification to view the pet cemetery and walk the ~1 1/2 mile inside perimeter of the fort, stopping to take in views. We then returned to ground level to tour the Casemate Museum. Back at our cars, we ended our day. Beating the rain predictions once again, everyone had an enjoyable hike.