November 2, 2025 - Flying to Hammondton, NJ for Breakfast

Chuck and I decided to fly to Hammonton Airport, New Jersey on Sunday morning for breakfast.  It had been windy on Friday and to a lesser extent Saturday but the weather today was absolutely perfect for flying.  The temperature was mild for early November; practically T-shirt weather.

I don't want to say foliage was peak.  There was color but it was dull.  It's been years, maybe decades, since I've seen it really bright and vibrant in Maryland.

Shortly after takeoff in the Decathlon, I pass by North Point prior to going feet wet over the Chesapeake Bay.
   
Now over the Eastern Shore.
   
Despite the dull foliage, the Eastern Shore is still pretty.
   
There's a row of bright orange trees leading to a house so small you can't even see it!
   
Now over New Jersey.  The Atlantic City Expressway points like an arrow to Atlantic City, faintly visibile in the distance.
   
Up ahead, farmland ends and the New Jersey Pine Barrens begins.  Specifically, the Wharton State Forest.  Hammonton Municipal Airport is right on the edge.
   
Parked on the ramp at Hammonton.  There's not that much airplane parking space here and much of it was filled.  But I found a spot.
   
Chuck took off after me and arrived before me.
   
I recognize this RV-10.  I saw it being built at Frederick Airport, then saw it again at AirVenture.  Love the paint scheme.
   
The Apron Cafe was jammed -- should have known given that it's a Sunday -- but the two of us were able to get a spot at the counter without waiting.
   
I've been here a couple of times and it was never crowded, but today it certainly was.
   
After a delicious Eggs Benedict and home fries, I takeoff and head for home.
   
Uh oh, here comes trouble!
   
Chuck smokes me!
   
I pass over a colorful nursery in New Jersey.
   
Another look at the nursery.
   
Approaching the marshlands on the Delaware Bay east side.
   
 
   
Looking north towards Wilmington.
   
I meandered over the Eastern Shore looking for good foliage and scenery.
   
 
   
I was surprised to see all these cars at Massey Aerodrome.
   
 
   
Checking out the little, remote town of Betterton, Maryland on the southside of the Sassafras River.  Population:  345.
   
It turns out the best foliage was on North Point, just across the Back River from Essex Skypark!
   
In the past, this delta area on North Point has excellent color.  But it's clearly past peak; many leaves are off the trees.
   
But, unusually, the area around the delta was very good.
   
I flew around for awhile checking it out.
   
 
   

Then I headed over to Sparrows Point to check out the progress on the Key Bridge; or lack of it.

Notice how clear Baltimore is;  the visibility was superior today.
   
On the edge of Sparrows Point I passed by this atheletic field I have not noticed before.  It turns out this is Sparrows Point Park and is very nice.  Great playground, athetic field, walking trail, canoe/kayak launch area.  I think it's new.
   
Zooming in on Charm City (sarc).
   
Passing over a huge parking lot with hundreds of vehicles, all white.
   
There's the remnants of the Key Bridge.  No change that I can detect since I last saw it a couple of months ago.
   
For an outstanding brief on the rebuilding of the Key Bridge, check out this video. on YouTube.  There is also this newsletter.
   
The size of these distribution centers are amazing.
   
This one is covered in solar panels.
   
 
   
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