Travel
Let's Go!
At the bidding of the Army, I have seen quite a bit of the world. I went where they ordered me to go and did what they told me to do. Before the Army, I had hardly been outside the state of Alabama.
I've seen three of the Ancient Wonders of the World, visited five of the seven churches mentioned by the writer of Acts, worshiped at the circle of Stonehenge, traveled to Canterbury, "stormed" the Beaches of Normandie, and walked the streets of Holy Ilios, and the trenches at Gallipoli, all thanks to the American taxpayer.
Since retiring, I have been doing what I want and visiting the places that I have only seen from the porthole of an Air Force aircraft.
I try to take one compelling photograph at each place.
The Virginia Scenic Railway
OK, this is a thing! We rode this train from Staunton to Goshen and back with what Kady called, my people. There were a few youngsters but it was mostly people older than me.
We arrived at the depot at about ten and the train arrived at exactly 1030. It's a railway. They have to be on time.
Kady and I reserved a two-top-table in the lead car.
We were all boarded in no time. The trip through the countryside was slow, winding through the Shenandoah Valley. Most of the scenery was beautiful but you should expect old vehicles and junk when riding through rural America.
The food was simple and delicious and the staff were all very nice.
We loved this trip so much that we are already talking about taking the Blue Ridge Flyer from Staunton to Waynesboro, through the Blue Ridge Tunnel, this Fall.
I didn't take my camera along this trip, so I used my phone. It was a good decision.
Thursday, 18 April 2024
Corolla, North Carolina
Oh, The Weather Outside's Atrocious . . .
Kady and I went to Corolla, where the weather is always a crap shoot in March. We were unlucky, but we made the most of the situation.
The goal was to get me to shut up about Wild Horses. I've wanted to see them and photograph them since the movie Nights in Rodanthe. I was unlucky with the horse spotting as well. I walked miles and miles of beach, refusing to be one of the bundled tourists on the back of a truck and at the whims of some local Bubba. I didn't see a thing.
If I ever try again, I'll rent a Jeep for the day.
We stayed at The Wild Horse Inn, which I highly recommend. It's a beautifully comfortable place. It is reminiscent of the old Highway 11 Motels but with all modern features. Our bed was comfy, the shower was great, and everything was clean and tidy.
The food was the best thing about our trip. The Pizza place next door, Corolla Pizza and Deli, makes a great pizza. It's takeaway only; no seating. Call Ahead. We halved a pizza, supreme for me, pepperoni, and sausage for her. Delicious.
Uncle Ike's Sandbar and Grill was very nice. The place had a small beach bar feel with fine dining food. I had a pork chop, mashed potatoes, and green beans, all perfectly cooked. Kady had fish and chips, which she loved.
On our last night, we went to The Chicken Coop Country Diner. We both had Chicken Strips, which were super. Kady had fries and I ate potato salad.
The whole time we were there, it was 45 degrees, overcast, and windy. The sea was angry. We spent more time indoors than out, but we still had fun. Kady brought cards for us to play, a good call for Corolla in March.
Friday, 29 March 2024
Cottonwood and Jerome, AZ
Heather, Buck, Sherri, Kady, and I drove up Highway 17, halfway to Flagstaff, turning right for Cottonwood for lunch and Jerome for shopping. We ate at Colt Grill who make a great brisket sandwich. Their potato salad was fantastic. Too Much Food! The shopping at Jerome was a lot of fun. Don't miss Nellie Bly. It was the best stop of the day. Their kaleidoscopes are amazing. I think I looked through all of them. Their rocks and mobiles are fun. I wanted to spend all my money there.
Cottonwood
Jerome
Saturday, 15 February 2024
Saguaro Cactus, Peoria Sunrise Mountain Preserve
Peoria, AZ - Heather-and-Bucks
Yesterday, after stopping at Apache Junction to see Barbara and Al, AJ's snowbirding parents, we headed to Heather and Buck's house. We were there by mid-afternoon. Kady's sister and nieces are both here, one of my best friends from the cult days is out here, too. Buck is drilling but will be here mid-week.
Heather put us in the guest suite inside her home with a nice bed, a big bath, a sitting area, and a desk for my stuff. There's a small fridge stocked with water and power drinks. She even set me up with my own Keurig with coffee and tea.
This place is NICE! The garage is a gym with a small sauna. The backyard has a big pool and an outdoor alcove for smoking.
We went to Cantina Gueros for dinner. I had their Fire Roasted Chicken Poblanos with Red Sauce. Fantastic! I hope we go back before I head home. I'll get that again.
This morning, we went walking on the Sunrise Mountain Preserve Trail. There were quite a few people there and they were all so friendly. The trail was rocky and I had to watch my step, but it was a beautiful hike through the desert. I will go back tomorrow with my camera equipment.
CE, AJ, and SGM are on their way. They'll spend four days with his parents and then drive here. I can't wait to get my hands on that baby girl. She sent me a message from the plane, talking on her imaginary phone, via her mom, that she was "watching farm animals."
It's so quiet and comfortable here.
Kady tells me we're headed home next Sunday.
Saturday, 10 February 2024
Tucson, AZ
We're staying at a little guesthouse in a guy's backyard for the next two nights. Tomorrow we'll go sightseeing around the area, visiting an old Spanish mission and Saguaro National Park.
I wanted to go to Tombstone, but after a little research and a Google Street View recon, I've decided against it.
On the trip here, we stopped at two fun tourist stops, the Giant filming location, with giant mockups of the actors and house, and Prada Marfa. I loved both.
I don't know how the artist did this, but as you walk by the car, it looks like it is rotating. Spooky.
The weather turned to shit past El Paso. I was driving 75, partially blinded by monsoon rain. High adventure!
Wednesday, 7 February 2024
Marfa, TX
We're staying at the Hotel Paisano, the cast and crew hotel for the 1956 movie, Giant. We're staying in the room James Dean used while making the movie. This place is amazing and top-notch. It is everything you would picture a period Texas hotel to be, high ceilings, wide staircases, a gigantic fireplace, and comfortable sitting areas throughout the common areas.
Our room is small but comfortable. The restaurant is nice and my pistachio-fried steak, mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus were perfect. They have a small gift shop and boutique inside the entrance where I found the perfect Cowboy Hat.
Too bad I'm not a cowboy, because I looked hot in that hat!
I watched Giant while we were there. Liz Taylor was a hottie.
Tuesday, 6 February 2024
Oh. Hey Girl, Hey!
The spooky car.
Who said he could act?
Actually outside Valentine TX
Gruene, TX - pronounced Green
We're in Gruene for the next two days. It was covered up with people when we arrived. We're hoping for a thin crowd and less wind, tomorrow.
The Weekend is over, people! Go Home!
We had supper at Cantina Del Rio, Fish Tacos for me, and it was good. Yay, decent Fish Tacos, though not as good as Muchacho Alegre's.
We had an early lunch at Shara's brother's house, BBQ Chicken, some beef ribs, and pork sausage, with all the fixings. I even liked the sauce. I promised to send them some Alabama sauce.
They need some of Costa's Famous BBQ Sauce. Watch me, single-handedly, fix Texas Bar-B-Q.
Sunday, 4 February 2024
Bay Town to Alvin to Hallettsville, TX
Through Kady's Uncle Ed, we met the coolest lady, Shara, a radio personality in Houston. She used to be on Houston TV News and has an Emmy. We stayed at her house in Hallettsville, Texas, and went with her to a community Strudel and Sausage making in Moulton, Texas.
It was a good time and we were hanging out with the Mayor, a city councilman, anesthesiologists, other local luminaries, and their families. Everyone was super nice. I took photos while Kady made strudel and Uncle Ed helped make the sausage links.
Shara did it all while making her podcast - My Heart of Texas.
Afterward, Kady and I drove around, taking photos of little East Texas towns around Hallettsville.
Saturday, 3 February 2024
Shara Making a Test Paddy
Kady making Strudel
Ed Helps Out
Making the Links
Teaching The Young
NOLA
In New Orleans, we stayed at Hotel Peter and Paul, an old Catholic School, Church, and Monastery. We got in about 1500, checked in, and then walked around the Quarter a bit. I took a lot of photos of the houses.
We went to dinner at The Elysian Bar. I had Shrimp and Kady had Steak Tartar. Amazing. I had the Chocolate Tart for dessert, possibly, the best chocolate dessert I have ever had - semi-sweet, almonds, with just a hint of orange.
The manager let us into the old sanctuary.
This hotel is amazing. Everything is top notch from the hand soap to the Turkish towels. The bed is comfy, the sheets lush, and the pillows are perfect. The shower is just like the shower I would put in my house, with a rain showerhead.
It is quiet here and so comfortable and serene that you catch yourself whispering. That seems proper.
Laurel, MS
Kady watches the show on HGTV with Ben and Erin and wanted to see their town.
We were about 40 minutes ahead of schedule so we drove in and walked around the town. Quaint.
She and I loved the vibe of this quiet little place.
Meridian, MS
We rolled into Meridian at about 1400, had an early dinner, and then checked into our hotel.
Interstate 81 is always an adventure and this trip did not disappoint. We barely missed a huge tarp, covering some lumber, in our lane. Yep. Right out in the middle of the Interstate. In Tennessee, we saw a Semi rolling down the road at a peculiar angle, the truck going straight, and the trailer following behind about four feet to the left. It was surreal.
We flew through Knoxville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa.
The only thing I'd want to see here in Meridian is the Jimmie Rogers Museum, but I saw that a few years ago.
Our next stop will be New Orleans, so Meridian is halfway from SS's farm. I have Family in Birmingham and in this part of Mississippi, but we're on the move.
Tomorrow, we'll head into Louisiana.
Wednesday, 31 January 2024
Rogersville Revisited
We stopped at The Farm on the first leg of our trip. It's always good to see SS and spend time with him. The Farm House is coming along nicely - the new sub-flooring is down, the framing is up. The plumbing begins soon. I finally understand Kady's and SS's floorplan.
I walked down to see the girls. They've grown fat since summer. SS weighed one yesterday. She is over 1300 pounds.
While surfing Instagram this afternoon, I discovered a political rally along our route. I hope we can avoid the whole Take Back Our Borders mess; that isn't us. Luckily, we should be in Tucson after the fact.
It may make for some good photos, though.
Monday, 29 January 2024
Second Manassas
After The Seven Days battled in the Tidewater, Lee moved Jackson north to threaten Washington DC, and the Federals under Banks. Jackson positioned himself along an unfinished rail bed and dared Banks to come out to fight.
Banks, convinced that Jackson was retreating, attacked in a series of piecemeal engagements. Even when presented with accurate intelligence reports, Banks refused to change his preconceptions.
Meanwhile, Lee moved Longstreet to Jackson's right. Jackson fixed the Yankees while Longstreet turned the Federal left.
It was masterful.
When General John F. Reynolds, the finest leader in the Federal army, reported to Banks that Longstreet was turning his left flank, Banks said, "Oh, I think not."
Turkiye
The Army assigned me to Izmir three times. Let's see - Three tours of duty on the Aegean Coast? Yes, Please!
Turkey is like a second home now. I love the food, there are ancient cities around every corner and pristine beaches. The people are beautiful. It is a photographer's paradise.
Please send me back.
When I am gone, let it be said of me, "He walked the streets of Troy."
I skipped a trip here in 1985, thinking the Trojan War was a fable. Upon my return to the States, I saw Michael Wood's In Search of the Trojan War. I was sick. When I returned in 1990 Troy was the first place I visited. I have, since, led two groups of my soldiers there, telling the story and walking what is left of the ruins. I continue to read everything I can get be that fiction or current thinking.
There is not much to see there, just a few sections of wall and the huge trench and mounds of rubble left by Schliemann in the 1800s. To enjoy it, you must love the story.
The United Kingdom
Chosen by the Division Command Sergeant Major to represent the 82nd Airborne in The British Parachute Regiment, the family and I spent two wonderful years in England. That was a good deal.
When I was home, we spent our free time traveling around the countryside and back and forth to London.
I saw Scotland and Wales but was not allowed to go to Ireland. The Paras are not looked on kindly there and the State Department didn't want to chance a mistake.
Who gets paid to tour the UK?
Cyprus
Kourion
In 1989, I was assigned to The British Parachute Regiment. The Paras thought I was there to travel with whoever was going somewhere nice. One of my first trips was with B Company, 1 Para, to Cyprus. We trained hard and played harder . . . for six weeks.
I took sailing classes, spent loads of time on the beaches, scoured the ruins, bars, and restaurants, and generally had a super time working on my tan. Thanks to my Mates - Rand, Steve, Spike, Andy, and Claire, this was, by far, my best military exercise ever.
Canada
Does it look cold in this photograph? It should; it was 20 degrees below zero when I took it.
The Scouts jumped into Anzio DZ, Petawawa Canada in January 1982. We were there for a 28-day exercise for which we were completely unprepared and ill-equipped. The Jump was a horror story.
The Exercise, 28 days long, was 50 miles from North Bay. At Night, the temperatures dropped to 45 degrees below.
The Canadian Commandos took good care of us, distributing the Scouts among their platoons, issuing us their cold-weather gear, and teaching us their ways. It was still miserable.
Ask me if I want to go to Canada in the winter again.
Hell, NO!
El Blisso
I don't know why I'm including this place.
Lex Vegas
Little Lexington - so quaint, lovely, quiet, and, after eighteen years, so boring.
While VMI used me up, I did the same to Lexington. It has great little shops, cafes, restaurants, and parks. The Chessie Trail and Woods Creek trail are both fun.
I saw it all, over and over.
Restaurants I Recommend - Foothill Mama's BBQ, Lexington Coffee Shop, Nikko's Grill, The Palms, Matsumoto Sushi, Pure Eats.
The place I miss most - Muchacho Alegre an eclectic Mexican experience, with the best Steak in Lex and the best Fish Tacos I have ever had.
Fun Shopping - The Victorian Parlor, Shenandoah Attic, Pumpkin Seeds, and Artists in Cahoots
See the Stonewall Jackson ( ) Cemetery, VMI Museum, Reeves Museum of Ceramics, and Lee Chapel. Take a ride around town with Lexington Carriage Company.
San Antonio
One of the coolest places in America, I love the Riverwalk and must visit the Alamo every time I visit.
The other Missions and the Historic Home District are also well worth seeing. The National Shooting Complex is World Class.
Savannah
No doubt, this is one of my favorite cities. I've been there numerous times, visiting friends, for St. Patrick's Day, and when my daughter lived there.
I've never had anything other than a Great Time in Savannah. Around every corner is something interesting.
Charleston
Charleston
I've been here twice and have not photographed it. There are good reasons, but I need to go back and take care of this.
I could live in the Low County but it is far too hot and muggy for Kady.
Shem Creek
Beaufort, SC
Pat Conroy is one of my favorite authors - My Losing Season, The Great Santini, South of Broad, and The Lords of Discipline. He came to VMI as a guest speaker, one of the best I ever heard there. I got to tour him through VMI Barracks. Basically, I TOLD everyone I was leading that tour.
While we walked around, we had a good long talk. As I assume he was always wont to do, he began talking about his home in the low country of South Carolina. He asked me if I had ever visited Beaufort. When I said no he made me promise that I would visit. "When you do, come see me." I forget when this was.
Pat passed away on 4 March 2016,
At my earliest opportunity, on 7 August 2016, I went for my promised visit. It took me a while to find him. In a small non-descript cemetery I found his site. Family, friends, and fans had lined the grave with pinecones and left meaningful trinkets at his headstone - a small basketball (from one of his Citadel teammates, maybe), pencils ( a shoutout to writing his novels in longhand), seashells (prince of Tides fans?) . . .
I apologized to him for being late.
I loved his little town and plan to return for a good long visit.
Manhattan, KS
The Little Apple and I are friends. I love it there and became a huge fan of the prairie. Cooper, Kady, and I took long walks there and never tired of it.
I did my Physical Therapy there after shoulder surgery and credit Mattis Rehab for my recovery.
The town has walking paths and parks everywhere. The people are friendly and active. There are plenty of decent places to eat and quaint little coffee shops.
If the kids ever have to return to Kansas, I hope they go here.
Leavenworth
I had to spend way too much time here when my soldier was attending Command and General Staff College. The people are nice, but this place is crumbling to pieces, bit by bit. The town's infrastructure is wonky. There are sidewalks everywhere, going nowhere. Just try and walk around a block. Your sidewalk will always end. There is trash EVERYWHERE! The roads are potholed, the stores mostly empty, and Downtown is dead.
All of this is understandable knowing that the main industry of the town is Prison. Who wants to live in a prison town unless your loved one is incarcerated or the Army makes you live there for a year (which is the same thing).
If you live in Leavenworth, you drive to Kansas City for a good time.
Out West
Go West Old Man
One of my first trips in retirement was Out West for three months. There was so much crazily beautiful scenery out there, that it became overwhelming. I was quickly tired of red rock formations. But there are other interesting things to see . . . and we did.
Would I ever live out there? No. I prefer green. . . . hardwood trees, lush vegetation, and water.
The Keys
During our last trip, I searched for Papa's Key West. I visited all the Hemingway haunts and toured his home, taking photos along the way.
Next time, I'll be looking for Seamus, Gumbo, Jojo, and Savannah. The first stop will be The Meteor on Francis Street, then Gumbo's Bar at Coconut Mallory's, and The Morisol Factory on Julia Street.
I have a long list.
The place inspires me; I take more photos and write more stories while I'm there.
I need about a week on the big island, soon, so that I can bar-hop and not worry about driving US-1.
Using the little book, Hemingway's Key West by Stewart B. McIver, as a guide, I spent a day walking and photographing the big island. I had a Papa Dobles at Sloppy Joe's, a beer at Captain Tony's, toured his home, and all the touristy things.
It was a very hot and humid day and I found myself wishing I had my bike with me, it was a LOT of walking. Worth it.
After checking out St. Mary's church and then The Electric Kitchen, I was done. I called SS and Kady, gave them my location, and they drove to me. That was much better than walking to meet them at Mallory Square, the original plan.
Captain Tony's, the original Sloppy Joe's
Six-toed Cat
Mantao
I love it here. It has so much to offer and it is the perfect launching point for exploring the Outer Banks. My Family loves it here.
Hatteras
I enjoyed my time on Hatteras but Hatteras is a place that needs some love. The beaches are eroding, the infrastructure is in shambles, and the houses are all in peril. It is as if everyone is either barely holding on or has completely given up.
That is understandable; they get hit hard with every hurricane and tropical storm that hits the East Coast. This is a place to see before it is gone.
Kady and I were there for a buddy's wedding and stayed in The Cape Hatteras Bed and Breakfast. We had a fine meal at The Captain's Table. I highly suggest both.
Ocracoke
I dig this little place. It's quaint and quiet, and you can only get to it by ferry.
I haven't been back since Hurricane Dorian's 7-foot storm surge swept across the whole Island, but I'm hot to go.
Kady and I spent a day wandering around the island and having lunch at Howard's Raw Bar and Restaurant. Pretty Great Place.
Ocracoke was much better kept than Hatteras back then. I'll bet they recovered nicely after Dorian; there is a lot of pride there.
Wilmington
I haven't spent a lot of time in Wilmington or Wrightsville Beach, but hope to, soon. I have good friends there.
The last time I was there, was to bury a big VMI Alum. I took a few Cadets to "show the flag."
After the service, I turned the Cadets loose on the town and went out with Ken and Alice. They took me to Elijah's, a restaurant on the riverfront. Amazing. I had the best crab cakes there I have ever had.
Go There.
Virginia Beach
This is NOT my favorite beach, but it is the closest. I can drive there in a few hours and get my sun, sand, and surf hit. The place is overcrowded most of the summer, but April is not bad . . . after spring break. Given the time, I would always rather go to the Gulf Coast.
I got up at 6 AM, just to get this shot. Thanks, Bird. Thanks, US Navy.
Poseidon, called Neptune here
I read a quote not long ago by "photographer" Catherine Opie that claimed that sunrises and sunsets are the biggest cliches in photography. Thanks for your input, Catherine. To me, sunrises and sunsets are the reason for photography. Shoot all you want! One cursory look at Catherine's photography and you'll see why I give her no credence. She's a nitwit.
Back Bay
Early Morning Self Portrait
This is my new place of quiet and solitude.
If you have never been to Back Bay, make it a priority. Just a few miles south of Virginia Beach, it is a beautiful bit of the coast, well protected by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Here you can walk miles along the beach and never see another person. Wildlife abounds in the freshwater bay, among the dunes and vegetation, and along the ocean. I saw Cormorants, Ducks, lots of Redwing Blackbirds, Osprey, a Snowy Egret, lots of turtles, gulls, and pipers. The Pelicans stole the show, flying up the coast in large formations.
As I walked the area, I imagined that this must have been what Virginia looked like when the first settlers arrived at Jamestown.
If you are looking for a quiet place to unwind, this is it. Bring your bike, a light jacket, bug spray, and sunscreen. And . . . your camera.
Battlefields
Here in Virginia, I'm surrounded by battlefields, but I have traveled as far as West Tennessee, Northeastern Georgia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. I've visited Troy, Gallipoli, and Normandy.
These places let me combine three of my favorite things - Travel, History, and Photography.
Battlefield photos all begin to look pretty much the same - a field, a road, a stream, or maybe a bridge. The stories of valor are what bring them to life.
Shiloh
Ruggels' Battery, Shiloh, The Hornet's Nest
"(Ruggles' Battery)-62 cannon, hub to hub, unleashing a fierce cannonade, striking across 500 yards of open field into the ranks of the Blue line . . . continuing in full force for well over and hour . . . literally darkened the sky with smoke. They had delayed the Confederate advance most of the day and had occupied the attention of virtually the entire Confederate army." ~ James Lee McDonough, Shiloh - In Hell before Night, p. 164-167.
This small force of Union soldiers gave the rest of Grant's army time to consolidate in a defensive line, a base for the arrival of reinforcements, and the following day's counterattack and victory.
Antietam
Dunker Church
I've been here numerous times and it never disappoints.
The Battlefield at Antietam is a fitting tribute to the soldiers who fought and died there on the bloodiest single day of the War. It is well-protected, quiet, rarely crowded, and inspiring.
I've been there with The Army, Cadets, friends, and solo. I prefer solo trips; They give me time to reflect, read, and photograph what I see.
Burnside Bridge
South Mountain
Since the kids moved to Frederick, I have been planning to visit South Mountain. It took me a while, but I finally got around to it.
Like Wilderness, this is a hard battle, actually, three battles, to visualize. Plus, it was hot as hell. No fun was had.
After the successes of the Spring of 1862, Lee took his Army into Maryland to drum up support, give the Virginia Farmers a break, and convince Europe to show their support for the Cause. Strategically, this entire campaign was a Lee failure. McClellan was handed a copy of Lee's orders showing the Army of Northern Virginia stretched out from Harper's Ferry to Hagerstown. Rightfully emboldened, he sent his units to cross South Mountain to split the Confederate forces in two, intending to defeat them in detail.
He was too slow, giving Lee the time to become aware that his plan was compromised and time to fortify the passes over South Mountain to delay the Yankees. The defense of Turner's, Fox's, and Crampton's Gaps, which I like to think of as The Southern Thermopile, delayed the Yanks long enough to take Harper's Ferry and consolidate at Sharpsburg, along Antietam Creek.
Appomattox
Appomattox is not fun for me. It is not that I wish the South had won the war, but I wish it had ended differently Such valor and dedication to duty displayed by Southern soldiers for four years should not have been beaten into submission.
It is too bad that the better angels of our nature didn't emancipate the people we enslaved, compromised as a nation on the other causes of the conflict, and saved our country from this period of our history that still haunts us today.
But You have to visit Appomattox and know the story to understand the South as it is today. You see, we were never defeated, only beaten into submission.
While Lincoln expected a "chorus of the Union," it was a Confederate officer at Appomattox who spoke the true feelings of the South - "You may forgive us but we won’t be forgiven. There is rancor in our hearts which you little dream of. We hate you, sir.”
Chatlottesville
When I retired, we moved to C'ville. It is quaint, large enough to have all the amenities, small enough that we don't have the problems of Richmond and DC.
This is a foodie place with more restaurants than you can shake a stick at. The music scene is solid, including a few street performers, like ole Ricky here.
There are paths and trails all over the place and we are surrounded by battlefields and mountains. We're a three-hour drive from the beach.
The people are mostly nice, though a little self-righteous. It is a rare weekend when they aren't marching for some cause or another. Bless their Hearts.
Staunton
Staunton! Your train station, though still beautiful, needs a LOT of work.
Just over the Blueridge from us in the Shenandoah Valley is this beautiful main street community. I got to know the town well when I was teaching ROTC and helping out with VWIL. My Daughter went to college there.
It's worth a visit, especially during Harry Potter Days.
Gordonsville
One of our favorite little towns around Charlottesville, is Gordonsville. Clean, pretty, quaint, and friendly, it is a pleasure to visit. We often drive the through the Virginia countryside just to eat at the Bar-B-Q Exchange.
The girl loves to shop there. I enjoy the little main street park and the buildings and houses.
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
If you are visiting Charlottesville, you need to put Monticello on your To See List. The place is clean, quiet, scenic, and instructional. The people who work there are helpful, polite, and friendly. They do an amazing job of preserving history while telling the whole story. You will come away from the place a better American and convinced of Thomas Jefferson's genius. I suggest doing the self-guided tour. There are plenty of people around to ask if you have questions. Spend most of your time in the house, but don't miss Mulberry Row.
James Monroe's Montpellier
I'm on a quest to visit as many of the Presidential sites in Virginia as I can. I had been to Montpelier before but that was for a ceremony and I was working. This day, Kady and I went together and strolled the grounds, early, before anyone else arrived. I suggest that. We didn't do the house. The grounds and surrounding forest are beautiful, protected, and quiet. Thanks to the DuPont family and a number of benefactors, the place has been preserved and renovated. Ms. Annie duPont saved the Garden and it was my favorite area on the grounds
James Madison's Highland
Thomas Jefferson pointed his friend James Monroe to a tract of land near Charlottesville, Virginia. Monroe bought 1000 acres in 1793. He settled his family there in 1799 and lived there, sporadically, until debt forced him to sell it in 1825.
Much less visited than next door Monticello, it is a beautiful property and seems a world away from the bustle of nearby C'ville.
I've never been to a more quiet and serene historical site.
Kady sent me there to do a Tree Walk with a Certified Naturalist, probably to get me out from underfoot. The walk was informative and fun.
Afterward, I walked the ground for photos.
All The Presidents
Kady, wanting to do this trip for the longest, bought tickets, and off we went. I didn't think It would be much, but I changed my mind when we got to the site. The sheer amount of work and artistic ability it took to make these busts is astounding.
Created by Houston artist Davis Adickes, they were displayed in President's Park in Williamsburg until 2010 when the park was sold and closed. Howard Hankins moved them to his family farm for safekeeping. Many of them show signs of the move and are in pretty sad shape . . . which makes them more interesting to me.
If you'd like to see this, google it first; there are rules. Wear your Wellies.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Parkway is one of my favorite drives and favorite places to photograph. It is beautiful up there and much less crowded than Skyline Drive.
I took these at Raven Roost Overlook at milepost 11, south of I-64.
Fall on the Blue Ridge at 20-Minute Cliff
Blandy Experimental Farm
Kady advised me the night before to pack my camera and be ready to go the next morning. "We're going to see Ginkos."
I love these Kady Trips.
We ended up at Blandy Experimental Farm, The State Arboretum of Virginia. They have a large stand of Ginkos there and Kady had been monitoring the leaves, getting us there just before they fell. Perfect Timing!
On our way home, we visited Historic Waterloo Bridge before they tore it down. Happily, the community rose up against the plan and saved it. Mosby used this bridge during the war. It's said that if you visit the bridge at night you can hear his cavalry riding across.
Ivy Creek Foundation & Natural Area
An easy drive from my house is one of my favorite places to walk, The Ivy Creek Foundation natural area. This is a track of land protected by a private foundation with miles of well-marked trails, an old farm, a butterfly garden, a bird-watching station, and a training classroom.
I go there often, hunting for things to photograph. It is well worth the trip to Charlottesville just to hike the trails.
Crabtree Falls
May 2018 off SR 1002
Crabtree Falls is the longest waterfall in Virginia or some such. It cascades down a mountain for about a mile and drops 1200 feet. There is a trail where visitors can follow the falls from top to bottom.
I suggest parking at the bottom and walking up so that you can walk down when you're tired. It is a good workout.
Worth it!
Crozet Tunnel
Built between 1850 and 1858 by Irish immigrants and engineered by French immigrant Claudius Crozet, this mile-long railroad tunnel through the Blue Ridge Mountains is now a favorite biking and walking location. The first time I saw it, it was so uninviting that we took a few photos and walked back to the car. They've really done a great job cleaning it up, shoring up the west entrance near Afton, and building a raised walking surface with drainage on either side. They've built parking and positioned port-o-johns on either end.
Wear a water-resistant jacket and shoes. Take a headlamp.
Start Point in Afton, Virginia
About Half Way
Lost Roads
Kady called. She was lost and her map app wasn't working. (Probably Apple Maps) She said she was somewhere close to Crozet Virginia. I asked which way she was going and she didn't know. It was afternoon, so I asked where the sun was in relation to the car. It was behind her so she was going East. I told her to turn around, stay on the phone, and drive to the next intersection with a highway sign.
From there, I gave her detailed directions back to the Interstate.
When she got home she told me of all the fun things she had seen. We went back the next weekend, cameras in hand.
Farmville and Highbridge
Farmville
Highbridge
Just south of Charlottesville, is the little town of Farmville. It straddles the route taken by The Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army, fighting their way to Appomattox and the end of the war. Along US 460 the battles that sealed the Confederacy's fate, including Five Forks (call the Southern Waterloo), Sailor's Creek, and HIgh Bridge.
Ashville and Biltmore
Kady and I took a weekend vacation to Ashville and visited Biltmore while we were there. I could absolutely live in Ashville NC. It is a cool town and the scenery rivals Charlottesville's. We stayed in a super nice hotel that we both loved.
The estate is something to see, but don't carry much and wear your running shoes. I recall my Fitbit saying that we walked about 5 miles. I was only disappointed that I couldn't go into the gun room. Not OK, Biltmore.
The Cabin in the Woods
I've been talking about renting a cabin since the day I retired. Kady surprised me by renting this place for a week. If you are looking for a place to unplug, reconnect with nature, and have a lot of quiet time, this is your place.
Situated on fifty acres in rural Virginia, there is no cell reception but the WiFi is decent. It is quiet here, almost spooky. There are trails but you aren't going far. The trail to the River and back is a workout.
The Cabin is nice; perfect for a couple. The bed is comfortable and spacious, the fireplace and living room are nice, and the kitchen has everything. They supply a nice assortment of coffee for the Keurig. The back porch faces East for nice Sunrises, We didn't really use the TV or the Fireplace.
We appreciated the quiet beauty of the place, but it was no big change to our normal at-home existence.
The AirBnB link for this place is here.
Farms
Grellen Farm and Market, Orange VA
My family Loves Farms. When we can, we all go together. When we can't, Kady and I go alone.
We usually try to go to a place with pumpkins, farm things for little kids to do, hayrides, and Corn Mazes. We love doing Corn Mazes.
Before Halloween is best, but some years we don't get to one until November. The girls come home with pumpkins to carve and for decoration. I'm always hunting for good Apple Butter and interesting things to photograph.
Jay and KS like real Christmas trees, so, some years, we go to Tree Farms.
My favorite is Belvedere Plantation, near Fredericksburg.
Grellen Market Store and Café
Garver Farm, Maryland
Liberty Mills Farm
Old Tennessee
Our friend SS has a nice piece of land in Tennessee where he is refurbishing an old farm house and raising a few cows. It is a quiet and beautiful place, We enjoy going there to live a bit of farm life.
