"The Cove" is a place along the shore of Delaware, just to the north of Indian River Inlet, where treasure hunters hunt for relics of shipwrecks past and surfers seek treasure of another kind -- the perfect wave.

The north side of Indian River Inlet is not likely to produce that perfect wave unless there's a nor'easter or hurricane around, but surfers have been hanging ten there for as long as there's been surfing. My late husband and buddies used to take out their long boards, logs, at the inlet while I'd watch and sunbathe. Only tried it once; that was enough.

My favorite pastimes at the inlet, also known worldwide as "Coin Beach", is searching for relics of the 1785 wreck of The Faithful Stewart and memorizing and photographing the many moods of this beautiful stretch of sand and surf. The day I captured in oils in The Cove was a blustery one, as evidenced by the strong surf and the tops being blown off the waves. There were southeast swells that day, the kind that wash in relics of the past. I was going to paint some surfers who were there that day (not catching much of anything) but the original oil painting sold before I could do it to a couple who just loved the lonely beauty of the painting. Whether a surfer dude, maritime history buff or lover of beautiful beach paintings, I hope you enjoy The Cove.