Off to Virginia
Big Lou dropped me off at the Philadelphia's 30th Street Station for my Amtrak ride into Richmond, VA.
It was a very pleasant experience...what I would call a cross between a Greyhound bus and an airplane. Much more leg room than an airplane, you can get up and walk around, go to the Café car, etc. The Northeasterners say this is a good mode of travel to avoid traffic.
Arriving in Richmond, I was picked up by my cousin, Carolyn and her youngest son, David. We then went to lunch at Lunch and Supper. Really good burger!
After getting settled in at Carolyn's we went to supper at an Asian restaurant. Settle down everyone...I got coconut shrimp and they were delicious!
Day 2 - Sunday, July 15
This morning we went to church then met up with Carolyn's friend Judy for their "Sunday after church tradition." Lunch at Texas Roadhouse! It was great seeing Judy again.
After lunch we then headed about an hour's drive south into North Carolina to visit with Carolyn's oldest son, Steve and his wife Allison. Their grandson was there for the weekend so we got to see him too!
Cathy, Steve, Alison, Carolyn and Blake
Alison's daughter, Lauren, stopped by also.
After visiting at their beautiful home we went to eat seafood. I got what's called a "Pile of Pollock." Needless to say, Russ had leftovers for lunch. When we got home I transferred all my belongings over to Lisa's house, Carolyn's youngest daughter where I'll be staying the rest of the week.
Day 3 - Monday, July 16
Let the touring begin! First stop for lunch, the Old Chickahominy House, for authentic Virginia ham and biscuits.
Since we were close to Jamestown, we just decided to go do the history thing. Even though I've been here twice, it's always good to revisit. Exhibits change, new buildings, etc.
Entrance to the Colonial National Historical Park, Jamestown
Me standing next to the Texas flag
Carolyn and I at the entrance
We started off outside at the Outdoor Exhibits. This is Lisa at the Powhatan Indian Village
The voyage the colonists took to get to North America
Re-creation of the 3 ships used by the colonists to get to North America
James Fort
Example of a thatched roof
Simple church
Glassblowing exhibit
James River
Excavation in progress
The original site of James Fort
On the way home we drove the Colonial Parkway. So beautiful and peaceful!
Day 4 - Tuesday, July 17
Today was a very relaxing day. Spent the afternoon at the Hancock Resort, David and Susan's house. Should have taken pictures of her yard! It was beautiful.
Carolyn, Cathy and Susan
Day 5 - Wednesday, July 18
This morning, Lisa and I are headed out on a Kayak adventure on Back Creek. We had so much fun. It was so peaceful...just us an a crab fisherman.
After our fun filled Kayak adventure, we headed back to the house and I cooked dinner for everyone. It was also Lisa and Russ' son, Joel's birthday.
After dinner we all played cards.
Day 6 - Thursday, July 19
Today Carolyn scheduled a Hampton Harbor Cruise aboard the Miss Hampton II. Russ decided to take the day off work and join us. We toured Chesapeake Bay, which included sites such as Hampton University, Fort Monroe, and the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, with a 45-minute stop at Fort Wool. We cruised past the mighty warships at the Norfolk Naval Base where Eric was once stationed. Along with the naval ships, we saw many merchant marine ships as well as the final resting place of Blackbeard the Pirate.
Miss Hampton II
Hampton Harbor
Decommissioned Fort Monroe
Old Point Comfort Lighthouse
Fort Wool
Naval Base
Submarine
Merchant Ships
Carolyn and Cathy
Lisa and Russ
This carousel was adjacent to the harbor
Lunch stop at a local seafood restaurant
Carolyn, Cathy, Lisa and Russ
The last stop of the day was a drive-by to see the house where Carolyn and Ben raised their four children, #9 Hankins Drive
Once the weather cooled down, Russ, Lisa and I headed to the Yorktown Colonial Parkway and Surrender Field for a bike ride. It was just so beautiful and peaceful riding through the woods. I did a personal best of 11 miles.
We ended the day with an ice cream cone from Dare Deli. Even though it wasn't Blue Bell it was really good!
Day 7 - Friday, July 20
My last full day in Virginia Carolyn, Lisa and I spent it touring old town Yorktown, the Yorktown Colonial Historical Park and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
A beautiful reservoir on the way to Yorktown
Yorktown Colonial National Historical Park
Scenes around old Yorktown
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Getting ready to fire the cannon
Cannon fired!
We have worn Carolyn completely out from our week long excursions! There was a cart sitting in the museum so why not use it?
Carolyn, Lisa and I
After leaving the museum we stopped by Carolyn's oldest daughter, Cindy's house to see her and husband, David. Cindy is recovering from knee surgery.
Some of the sites inside the museum
Outside exhibits
Carolyn, Lisa and I
From left: David and Cindy Sauer, Cathy, Lisa and Russ Hollingsworth, Carolyn, and Susan and David Hancock.
Day 8 - Saturday, July 21
Today is pack up and travel day back home. But before I do, one more excursion on the way to the airport.
Doumar's…in business for over 100 years and still have car hops! I had seen this on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and wanted to stop in for the BBQ sandwich and ice cream, but actually got a root beer float. Their BBQ sandwiches are not like Texas (North Carolina BBQ) but good. The float was delicious.
Russ, Carolyn, Steve, Allison, Cathy and Lisa
Allison, Steve, Carolyn, Russ, Lisa and Cathy
Cathy and a Doumar relative
Sad to say my two weeks have come to an end. It was a most enjoyable trip and had a great time revisiting places from 50 years ago and reconnecting with all my family. Looking forward to them coming to Texas soon!
Thanks for the memories!!
