I HAVE SHINGLES and I am ok

Oct 7.
This morning starts with a walk along the beach at dawn.

 Virginia Beach is a long Beach with many hotels overlooking it but not at our end. It is good to have a bit of a stretch before we leap in the car again.  I have been over some good bridges in my time but nothing like the 23 mile bridge-tunnel over Chesapeake Bay.  It is amazing.

Starts out as a very long bridge, dips underwater for a bit below a channel, more bridge, another tunnel, final section of bridge to land on the other side. WOW.

Today's ride will take us along the Eastern Shore with a look at some of the Barrier Islands,   It is very different terrain to the forested hills we have been in.
Over the bridge to Chinquoteague Island for lunch in one of the local seafood restaurants. Crab cake, advertised as including no filler, and it was right.

This island is famous for its wild horses which are rounded up each year and a number of them auctioned off as a way of maintaining the herd at sustainable levels.  It looks marvellous in the photographs of the muster but this year's is long gone so no chance of seeing it this trip.  Seeing the herd in the wild somewhat makes up for it.

It occurs to me as we drive along that the effect of the cluster of bites that have irritated me over the last couple of days sound familiar. They are similar to Mum's description of shingles. That worries me enough to seek medical advice. Sadly it is confirmed that the now rash, not bites, on my left side and a smaller area nearby are indeed shingles. My symptoms are low level,  not too painful, so a coupke of meds prescribed. That is a rude welcome to the system here - the first cost $5.80 , the second is quoted at $400.00!!! Fortunately the pharmacy assistant investigates generic supply and any discounts that may be applied and it is reduced to a mere $180.00. Insurance claim here I come.

No longer anxious I enjoy the rest of the day which ends with a car ferry crossing from Lewes to Cape May and a short drive to the romantically named Wildwoods. We enjoyed dinner at a bar on the wharf while waiting for the ferry to arrive at dusk. As is always the case with the ride at the end of the day we cannot see much on the water in the dark. Just glad to get to the hotel and out of the car for the day.