I don’t know about anyone else, but I’d like Mother Nature to pick a season and stick with it because this past week the Cape Region experienced three of the four seasons.

Early in the week, we were thrust into summer sun and temperatures. It felt great, but it happened so quickly I forgot to bring my sweat rag with me out on assignment. It’s always fun talking to people with sweat dripping down my face. My only option for relief is the sleeves of my shirt. Oh well, I’m used to it, and I’m used to telling people that I’m OK.

Later in the week, just as quickly and just in time for the holiday weekend, it was back to temperatures in the high 50s and low 60s. This led to shivering at my daughter’s softball game because it’s May and I’m wearing shorts until October.

On Saturday, I was in Rehoboth Beach for the beach patrol’s annual bell-ringing event that marks the beginning of the season. The wind was blowing hard off the ocean. I got into town early and used the public restroom by the Bandstand. On the floor inside were a couple dozen bright pink rose petals. Against the greyish paint scheme of the bathroom, the petals added a splash of color. Outside the restroom, on the south side of the building, are some rose bushes. Presumably, the wind blew them off and then onto the restroom floor.

Sunday, the weather changed again. It was still wet, but the wind had died down and there was a thick layer of fog. The lack of wind meant the humidity was now stuck in my old house, which did lead to at least one good thing – the loud creaking sound in a bathroom door that had developed over the long, dry winter, was finally gone.

Get ready for ADT 250 relay

Mark your calendars now. In recognition of the country’s 250th birthday, the American Discovery Trail Society is hosting a 145-day-long journey across the country. The eastern end of the 6,800-mile long trail is in Cape Henlopen State Park.

“The growing excitement is palpable for the American Discovery Trail 250 relay. The relay is our way of commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country by carrying copies of the Declaration of Independence from coast to coast,” said Dave Whitson, relay coordinator, in the society’s quarterly newsletter for spring 2026. “What better way to unite the country than this joyful event that will get people together outdoors and connect us all across the country. The event will show off our most scenic areas and remind us of our shared history as we celebrate 'Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.’”

The relay begins July 1 at California’s Limantour Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore and ends Thanksgiving Day in Cape Henlopen State Park. 

As of May 27, the plan is to bike and run the 36.9 miles from Denton, Md., to Milton Tuesday, Nov. 24. The following day, Wednesday, Nov. 25, it calls for an 11.3-mile hike from Milton to Lewes. The relay ends Thursday, Nov. 26, with a 3.4-mile hike from Lewes to the trailhead in Cape Henlopen State Park.

On a side note, the spring edition of the society's newsletter features a nice article on horseshoe crabs that was written by Terry Shuchart, the trail's state coordinator for Delaware. 

For more information on the relay or to sign up to participate, go to discoverytrail.org or email relay@discoverytrial.org.

Joke of the Week

Driving north on Route 1 the other day, I noticed a billboard advertising a performance by the male dance revue Australia’s Thunder From Down Under at Bally's Dover Casino Resort. I can’t rule it out for sure, but I probably won’t be making the show. However, I give the promoters credit – it’s tough to miss half a dozen 15-foot-tall, muscle-bound guys wearing jeans. Here’s a joke about another male revue – Chippendales. As always, send jokes to cflood@capegazette.com.

Q: Why did the Chippendales dancer fail his math test?

A: He spent the whole time trying to divide his six-pack.