Snow is still a relatively rare occurrence along the Virginia Capes. On this evening I had taken a number of photos along the boardwalk in Virginia Beach. As I was preparing to leave, I noticed some lights barely visible through the gloom. Coming closer with the snow abating momentarily, I could discern the outline of this small ship anchored surprisingly close to the shore. After a couple of minutes the snow worsened and the ship disappeared again. I investigated over the next couple of days but was unable to find out any further information about the vessel. However, the next summer, I was a couple of miles (3km) further south along the beach at Rudee Inlet, photographing the ongoing shoreline dredging operation and looking at the dredge, realized I was looking at a familiar silhouette. Alas, no Flying Dutchman reborn, but only a simple dredge.

Submitted to the October, 2017 Contest Without Prize, theme "Dark Mood" as entry #50. Very similar photo previously posted @ www.panoramio.com/photo/86261079 and submitted to the 2013 December NPC contest @ groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!topic/panoramio-games-competitions/EB6g9GroC9g%5B1-25%5D as entry #18 with the title "Ghost Ship".