Leesburg, VA (KJYO) to Tangier Island, VA (KTGI)
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I had never been to Tangier Island, VA (KTGI), but I'd heard many tales of the place with strong positive recommendations. So, when the opportunity came up this past weekend for a "what do you want to do" event, I suggested lunch at Tangier.
The flight down was VMC, but between the ADIZ, passengers in the plane and several miles of water to be crossed, I filed and flew IFR for both directions of flight. The flight from Leesburg, VA (KJYO) to KTGI took about an hour (a little more on the way home due to the headwind) and I cancelled when I was in gliding distance of the island. Winds were reported by Patuxent Approach as 310@10. I think they were a bit stronger at KTGI, but probably not by much. Still, I chose to land with partial flaps.
I had seen warnings of "the hump" about 2/3 down the runway - and there is indeed a hump there - but what caught me by surprise were the half dozen or so other humps in the runway before getting there. I counted no less than four landings as I skipped across them. If you go there, be sure to hold off the nose...
The island is small and one can walk the entire circuit cruised by the local teens in less than an hour. Being so small, there is little need for cars and the transportation mode of choice is E-Z-Go and Club Car golf carts - many of the local fences have custom fitted cutouts for the cart.
Another unique feature of the island is the accent of the local dialect. It's definitely not the standard Virginia Southern accent (as opposed to the Georgia Drawl or Texas Twang). I can't describe it, but it is unmistakable when heard.
Since the goal of the flight was lunch, we settled in at Hilda Crockett's Chesapeake House for a family style meal. I had heard the crab cakes on Tangier were top notch - and it's no surprise seeing as fishing appears to be the only other industry on the island besides tourism - so I had already decided I'd be having some if nothing else (despite my not being a seafood connoisseur). I was not disppointed. The crab was indeed quite good. The corn pudding was new to me (I'm sure it's been on other menus I've seen, but I'd never tried it before) and I found it enjoyable. The clam fritters (looking a good bit like thin .jpg)
sausage patties) were OK, but I think I'll pass on those next time.
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After lunch we walked around the island for a bit and I looked for where to get my stamp. I had heard the town office was the place to get it, but the office was locked up tight and nobody at the airport knew where to find it. Oh well. Guess I'll just have to go back. :)
I've posted still photos here.
Total time: 2.7 hours