I don’t think she knew what she was getting into

Late last Fall, an offhand comment by a visitor to the blog of Chesapeake Bay Woman casually suggested that she host a blogging getaway in her beautiful part of the world. I’m still not clear on how it happened (nor is she), but immediately, several bloggers signed on, saying “I’m in! Just let me know when it is!” I think the fact that people would travel long distances just to see the place she calls home surprised our hostess, and as more and more bloggers signed on to attend, a real plan was needed.

Angie (below) signed on as co-hostess of the event and Blog Fest was born. And thanks to their planning, I have just returned from the most wonderful four-day trip to coastal Virginia where I was able to meet fellow bloggers from all over the country, and Canada.

I was one of the last to sign on because I really didn’t know anyone who was going, but after meeting Lauren, Daryl and Annie a couple of months ago, it was easy to let them talk me into attending and I do love a good Road Trip. Diane and Shelley joined us and we all stayed in a fantastic little cottage on the water, about 8 miles away from CBW and crew. In fact, I may have had almost as much fun at our little home-away-from-home as I did at the actual Blog Fest.

I’ll post more about it later this week, but for now I will tell you that we toured the delightful Mathews County area, right along the Chesapeake Bay.

We walked along the shore and immersed ourselves in the wild beauty of the area.

 

I have no idea why I was so nervous about going because I met the most wonderful people. This is Laurie below.

We explored the remnants of an old tabernacle that’s now an historic landmark.

This is Diane, the famous Asthmagirl and let me tell you, I knew she was a kindred spirit when she showed up not only with a Nikon DSLR but with the very lens I have been coveting for over a year (the Nikon 18-200mm) and she let me try it out a bit. So I offered her the use of my macro lens. I think it was a fair trade.

A local waterman and his wife, both friends of CBW, took some of us on a boat tour. The boat ride on Mobjack Bay was perfect. From L to R are Ann Marie (steering), Auds, Meg, CBW (in the back), Lauren, Daryl, Annie and Diane.

As if on cue, dolphins began to follow the boat. What wonderful luck!

We saw a lighthouse . . .

. . . and went swimming on Gwynn’s Island underneath the most stunning skies.

It wasn’t only women who showed up on this retreat, either. This is CW, who came with his wife Nora. It was such a pleasure meeting the both of them.

And on the last evening, a party at the beach. It just doesn’t get any better than this.

  

I am still smiling. And I have some wonderful pictures to share with you.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .