Smith And Tangier Islands

S

Shadowcruzr

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exMember
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Jan 1, 2000
RO Number
1702
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Back when I was in the USCG THe buoy tender I was on took care of the areas near these islands. I was always curious about the islands themselves. Has anyone ever visited these islands on their own boat? Are there marinas for transients? Points of interest?
 
Been to Tangier on the ferry. There is a smallish marina that looked like it had limited facilities. Not much to do on the island though it is mostly watermen's family housing. probably a special place to grow up but I wonder how welcome newcomers are.
 
I don't know about Smith, but there was another RO who spent the night on Tangier (Parks Marina I would imagine). They posted that the locals were quite friendly after the last tour boat/ferry left for the day. It might be an interesting overnight, but I don't think I'd do it. And if you do, hide your booze. Tangier is dry.
 
They speak a whole 'nuther language on Tangier Island!
 
<<...."They speak a whole 'nuther language on Tangier Island!"....

I've never been there, but would like to sometime. A little history.... The language is It is a mix of southern and 17th Century Elizabethan English. Because of its isolation, they have retained much of the language of the settlers. It was first explored by Capt John Smith in 1608, and then settled in 1620 by people from Cornwall, England.

Here's a desciption from another webiste,
<<..."They have turned the vowel into an art form. I don't believe they use hard consonants at all. Due to their 200 years of relative isolation and inbreeding, they have an accent that is VERY southern (all drawl), but with an odd Scotch/Irish "upspeak" at the end of their phrases, and an even odder Elizabethan phrasing. Instead of saying: "It's almost time", you might hear: "The Taaahhhm is ahhtt hahheend". It was VERY hard to understand them - especially when they were speaking just to each other."...>>
 
When you're in the area and picking up the watermen on VHF, it almost sounds like they're speaking in code :-)
 
I plan on going to Smith Island this summer. Hit the net for Smith Island marina and their info well pop up. Looks like a nice slow place to stop.
 
We had the good fortune to stay at Parks Marina last summer. It was one of the most memorable stops on a trip that included the Kingsmill, Norfolk, Ocean City, Md, St Michaels and Annapolis. My sons ages 11 and 13 enjoyed exploring the island more than Busch gardens Mr Parks was great, giving us a tour of the Island in his golf Cart. There is a Museuem, while small gives a great feel for the island. The museum also has kayaks, which are free to use. The marshes and beachs around the island are beautiful and pristine. It is a small marina, but it is like stepping back in time. Would go back in a minute.
 
Flew into Tangier about 30 years ago offseason. Had a room booked at the only B&B on the island. Since it was off season and the ferry wasn't running everybody came out into their front yard to watch us as we walked down the street. Since they don't have a cemetry every house has some gravestones in the front yard, all the names were Crocket and Pruet. We got to the hotel, looked at each other and ran back to the plane. Fastest untie, startup, taxi and takeoff I ever did. Did a quick run-up as I started the takeoff roll as we were sure they were coming after us. In hindsight it was silly but it had that kind on effect on you.
 
Shadow, what was the name of that tender. I have been on the Red Birch several times to set bouys for the angels. The CO was a friend of mine, and retired when the CG sold her to Sout America.
 
Dusty,
I was on the RED CEDAR out of Portsmouth. THe RED BIRCH was the 157 in Baltimore. I was onboard 82 thru 85
 
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