Gov. Carney highlights outdoor recreation in Sussex with stop at Lewes and Rehoboth Canal

After a glimpse of Hurricane Maria brought dark skies and high winds, a slight change of plans Wednesday saw Gov. John Carney aboard the Cape Water Taxi in Lewes during day two of his statewide eco tour. 

Last week, the governor's office announced he would be embarking on a tour through Delaware, beginning at Bellevue State Park in Wilmington and ending at Trap Pond State Park in Laurel. 

Carney's primary goal for the tour is to highlight some of the state's most prominent outdoor recreational activities that both visitors and locals can do throughout the fall season, his office said.

More:Watch out for 15-foot waves to Delmarva beaches, wind gusts with Tropical Storm Maria

Wednesday's stop in Lewes was initially intended to include a lighthouse tour, but weather conditions interfered. 

Instead, Carney ventured on a water taxi through the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal, as part of what is also called an eco tour.

During the eco tour, tour guide Captain Steve Cardano provided history and explanations to the small crowd and the governor, as Carney looked at the wildlife with a pair of binoculars.

The water taxi tour followed a stop at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Smyrna. 

"We got a sense of that really incredible, natural place to be and visit here in our state," Carney said at the tour's conclusion, before heading to his next stop — Sambo's Tavern in Leipsic. 

On Tuesday, Carney toured the Bellevue Mansion in Wilmington, then headed to Delaware City for tours of the American Birding Association Headquarters and Michael Castle Bike Trail.

Carney will be back in Sussex County on Tuesday, Oct. 3 for the final day of the tour. 

That day, Carney will kayak at Trap Pond State Park in Laurel, then take a tour of Fort Miles Artillery Park and Museum at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.

More:Delmarva's brush with Hurricane Jose shows coastal vulnerability