Category: Travel

Posts about my Chapter 5 travel adventures

One of those mixed kind of days. This morning, I slowly explored Airlie Gardens, created in 1886 as a private garden for the Pembroke Jones family. Whimsical fun at Airlie: nine owls scattered around the gardens. SLO friends, the owls reminded me of the fish and cows spread throughout SLO. 
After the excitement of “owl hunting,” I headed to AAA for maps and books. To my surprise, this AAA had an auto service department attached. Since my tire pressure was low and my next errand was to find a tire shop to get more air, I had the mechanic check my tire pressure. And…he pointed out that my tires had dry rot. From my reading, I know that RV tires last for about five years. They wear out often before the tread disappears due to heat exposure and vehicle weight. With five year old tires toward the end of their safety range, I spent the remainder of the afternoon having my tires replaced. A bunch of money and several hours later, Addie has new tires – and I feel much more confident driving the rest of my adventure.
Airlie Gardens.

 

Airlie Gardens.

 

In front of the Airlie Oak, a 400 year old tree.

 

Butterfly at Airlie Gardens.

 

Airlie Gardens.

 

Airlie Gardens.

 

Now for the OWL SERIES in nine pics! 1/9

 

2/9

 

3/9

 

4/9

 

5/9

 

6/9

 

7/9

 

8/9

 

9/9. (The brochure states there were ten owls, but I searched and searched and couldn’t find the tenth owl!)

 

Guess where I am in this pic?!

 

I woke up early this morning so I could catch the 7:30 am ferry from Ocracoke to Cesar Island. On the road, a BIG Class A (think BUS) RV towing a car pulls out in front of me and nearly cuts me off. Lo and behold, getting onto the ferry I had to squeeze in between this BUS and the side of the ferry. The guy guiding me onto the ferry complimented me on my driving skill! There was no way to exit Addie, so I relaxed and read during the 2.5 hour ferry ride.
Once safely off of the ferry, I drove down North Carolina’s scenic coast and arrived just after lunch in Wilmington. My nephew Parker, who recently graduated from Marine Corps flight school in Pensacola and is now in training to fly CH53s at Camp Lejeune, joined me for the rest of the day. We went into Wilmington, walked around the darling city and caught up on each other’s lives. Of course, we had to try out the products at a brewery (tasty beer and yummy fried green tomatoes)! After watching the sunset, we had delicious cioppino for dinner. And, no visit would’ve been complete without a trip to Trader Joe’s!
Sunrise from Ocracoke National Park campground.

 

Tight squeeze onto the ferry.

 

Leaving Ocracoke. (Click on the photo for an eleven-second video.)

Hi, Parker!

 

Pretty Victorian homes in Wilmington.

 

Downtown Wilmington.

 

Lantern in front the the Cotton Exchange building.

 

Happy hour! It’s 5:00 somewhere, eh?!

 

Sunset.

 

There are so many extraordinary bridges in North Carolina.

I’m feeling like I’m a bit of a broken record…today was another AMAZING day!
Addie and I left Kill Devil Hills to travel southward on HWY 12 to experience the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. So many awesome sights! We stopped at Bodie Lighthouse, Oregon Inlet, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke Island. Climbing all lighthouses ceased last Monday, the end of the official “season.”
Interestingly, although I had to wait 2.5 hours for the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke, it didn’t feel like a long time. I walked, chatted with people, and wandered through the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. During the hour long ferry ride, I talked with a woman from North Carolina, who gave me a great recommendation for dinner (locally caught mackerel). I’m finding North Carolinians to be very polite, nice, and helpful.
Bodie Island Lighthouse. Built 1872, still functioning.

 

Looking up Bodie Lighthouse.

 

Oregon Inlet is an inlet along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. It joins the Pamlico Sound with the Atlantic Ocean and separates Bodie Island from Pea Island, which are connected by the 2.8 mile Marc Basnight Bridge that spans the inlet.

 

This historic structure at the southern end of Oregon Inlet is an original U.S. Life-Saving station, (and later Coast Guard station), that was built in 1898.

 

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Built 1870, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States and measures 198.49 feet from the bottom of the foundation to the top of the pinnacle of the tower.

 

Addie patiently waiting for the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke. Did I mention this ferry is FREE?!

 

Video of Hatteras from the ferry (click on the photo to view the 11 second video).

On the ferry.

 

Ocracoke Lighthouse. Built 1823, 75 feet tall, still functioning.

 

Sunset from SMacNally’s Bar & Grill in Ocracoke.

Busy day exploring the Outer Banks!
First, I walked around the Wright Brothers National Memorial where I saw granite markers for the first four flights, the tall memorial, and the sculpture depicting the first flight.
At the memorial, I saw an older couple in matching Penn State Nittany Lions shirts and struck up a conversation with them since that’s where my parents. Ends up, she has been coming to the Outer Banks for forty years! I asked for their suggestions on what to do today and followed their recommendations for the second half of my terrific day.
The top of Roanoke Island encompassed my second stop. Here, I saw the Elizabethan Garden and Fort Raleigh National Historic Park where I learned about the Lost Colony, the Algonquin people, and the Freedmen’s Colony. Lots of history, some of it very sad and painful, and many beautiful sights.
My final destination lead me to the town of Manteo where I saw a lighthouse, visited Roanoke Island Festival Park, and had crab cakes for dinner.
Granite markers for the first four flights.

 

Tall monument.

 

View of Orville and Wilbur with Roanoke Sound in the background.

 

Sculpture depicting the first flight. Monument on Big Kill Devil Hill in the background. I went to Kitty Hawk and found nothing about the Wright Brothers! They flew in the town of Kill Devil Hills and not Kitty Hawk according to what I’ve read.

 

Statue of Queen Elizabeth I.

 

Elizabethan Garden fountain.

 

Gazebo at the Elizabethan Garden. In the background is Roanoke Sound. Can you see the Wright Memorial?!

 

Roanoke Marshes Light.

 

Replica of a 16th Century boat which traveled from England to Roanoke. This boat actually sails! The crew takes it out at least twice a year.

 

Woodworking 16th Century style!

O
ne place on the “must see” list I drafted before embarking on this adventure: The Outer Banks. Wow! Gorgeous!
Today, I wandered up to Corolla and the Currituck Lighthouse before meandering down to Kill Devil Hills. Such terrific views and excellent weather! Dinner of jerk seasoned grilled tuna with mango salsa at a seaside shack delighted my taste buds. All in all, a great day!
Whalehead Club.

 

Great Egret.

 

Currituck Beach Light Station: Built 1875, still working, 220 steps to the top, unpainted brick (estimate 1,000,000 bricks).

 

Inside of the Currituck Lighthouse.

 

Natural frame!

 

Looking down the 220 stairs.

 

The Bonzer Shack for dinner, including live music.

 

I spent the day soaking in the stories of Colonial Williamsburg. Most enlightening to me were the many conversations with tradespeople. Colonial Williamsburg, with over 200 employees all of whom are vaccinated, hires and trains tradespeople to create 18th Century wares. Apprentices, nearly all with college degrees, achieve five skill levels, often taking five years. After that, they work as journeypeople and, if opportunities arise, as masters/mistresses. Most apprentices who leave do so after their first year. Otherwise, they tend to remain at Williamsburg since there are few other locations requiring their skills. In addition to learning one of the 20 trades found at Williamsburg, they research history, interpret for visitors, and share via social media.

Governor’s Palace garden.

 

One of many archeological digs, this one near a church.

 

One of many homes in the historic district. About 40 homes are still occupied as residences.

 

Tin tradeswoman who did a great job explaining how tin differs from silver.

 

One of my favorites, the Wheelwright. Great details with clear explanations.

 

Virginia state capital.

 

Martha Washington, who gave an enlightening performance explaining “her” role in the Revolution and answering questions from the audience.

 

The courthouse interpreter dispensed intriguing information about legal processes in colonial times. For example, judges were local men (white, property owners, Protestant) who had the time but not necessarily the legal background.

 

Another cool house.

 

A cotton flower!

Where there’s horse poop, there are horses! Walking around Assateague, I found many piles of fresh horse poop – and then a bunch of wild horses! I attempted to view the ponies at Chincoteague, but they decided to hide from me. Elk, birds, squirrels – oh, yes, I saw them. Ponies? Not so much! HOWEVER…I found a lighthouse!!!
The drive from Chincoteague to Williamsburg via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel dazzled me with its 17.6 miles of captivating views, long tunnels, and sleek bridges!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early this morning, Melanie sauntered, via Uber!, to the airport to return to SLO. It was so much fun completing our annual walking marathon. As many of you know, she and I have a commitment to walk a marathon together each year, until we can’t. Then we’ll do a half-marathon, until we can’t. Then a 10K, until we can’t. Then a 5K – pushing our walkers! The Covid change to our annual adventure necessitated our creating our own marathon. We’re liking the lack of time stress with our informal events. Of course it means longer on our feet, but we end up with no muscle ache.
Today, I treated myself to new Birkenstocks! Not related to the marathon! I wore a hole in my favorite pair of sandals, so I found a Famous Footwear along my route and bought a new pair.
Now, I’m at Assateague State Park. It’s windy and rainy. I’m hoping it calms down a bit. I want to see the ponies tomorrow! I saw their “leavings” when I walked around earlier today; hopefully, I’ll see the animals themselves tomorrow.
Happy tootsies.

 

Addie looking for horses.

Mellow day sauntering around DC with Melanie.
Although we got tix to the African-American Museum, entry was disorganized and frustrating, so we moved to the sculpture and art museums. And then to a cafe with adult beverages! An afternoon of sipping and relaxing culminated in meeting up with my brother Eric for a bite…and another drink or two.
There are many ways to recover from a marathon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

For about ten years, my friend Melanie and I walk a marathon each year. Last year due to covid, we created our own marathon in San Luis Obispo. This year with my Road Trip Adventure and Mel’s work commitments, Mel flew out to DC so we could complete this year’s marathon. Hence, our 2021 DC Marathon Extravaganza!
We explored the Arlington and DC areas, including: Arlington Cemetery, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Georgetown, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, White House, Washington Monument, World War II Monument, Capitol Building, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Botanical Gardens, and Jefferson Memorial. Wowza!!! No wonder I feel tired now!
Before pic.

 

Crew team on the Potomac with Washington Monument in the background.

 

Lady Bird Johnson Park.

 

Kennedy Memorial.

 

Arlington Cemetery.

 

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

 

Francis Scott Key Bridge.

 

Theodore Roosevelt Monument.

 

Trail on Theodore Roosevelt Island.

 

Guess where we are now?!

 

Statue in Georgetown.

 

Lincoln Memorial.

 

Vietnam Memorial with Washington Monument in the background.

 

The White House – surrounded by protective fencing.

 

WWII Memorial fountain with Lincoln Memorial in the background.

 

Capitol Building.

 

Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.

 

Melanie on the National Mall.

 

Pano of the Capitol Building.

 

Supreme Court.

 

Smithsonion Rose Garden.

 

Jefferson Memorial.

 

Thomas Jefferson.

 

After pic!

Triple digits! I can’t believe this is Day 100!!!
And what a treat today! Melanie joined me in DC for a long weekend! Okay, it was a bit of a hassle to figure out where to park Addie since she’s too tall to fit in any of the parking garages near our hotel. We dropped her off at a Park and Ride in Alexandria, a few Metro stops away from our hotel in Arlington.
With Addie settled for the weekend, Mel and I headed into DC to get a feel for the location and hit our first museum, American History – think First Ladies, wars, and the Star Spangled Banner. Following happy hour, we wandered over the the Washington Monument, lit up for the night.
Much more excitement tomorrow, too!
Our first Metro ride of this trip!

 

One of the many Smithsonian museums.

 

LOVE LOVE

 

Built in 1776, the Continental gunboat Philadelphia.

 

National Museum of American History.

 

trump hotel.

 

Washington Monument.

 

The Capitol Building.

 

Lincoln Memorial.

 

Looking up at the Washington Monument. We counted – there are 50 flags surrounding the monument.

Pivot! The weather cooperated less than I would have liked today – foggy, wet, etc. – and I didn’t feel like hiking in the rain, so…left Shenandoah, found a laundromat, ran errands, etc. Now I’m parked at tonight’s Harvest Host, Quattro Goombas Winery. 🙂

Addie telling me she thinks it’s not a good idea to hike in the rain today.

 

Caption this:

So y’all know my middle name is “Flexible,” right? 
I booked Pequea for four nights thinking I might get my Covid booster. However, I’m not eligible – I’m Team Moderna, no underlying conditions, and six months since my second shot is October 8.
Although I really enjoyed Pequea and Lancaster County, a further look at the map lead me to say, hey, how about spending that fourth night in Shenandoah NP! I booked a campsite, and here I am!
The weather is a bit less cooperative – cloudy, misty, rainy – AND the views still engage me. The trees are changing – about a third have bright red, orange, and yellow leaves. Excellent!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okay. I’m going to admit it right from the start. This hike was a bit more strenuous with steeper trails and more bouldering than I first imagined. Probably should have brought my trekking poles and worn my hiking boots, but…whatever! It was challenging and FUN! Nothing two feet and two hands couldn’t handle. And I created my own walking stick from a nearby fallen branch. So all good! 
It was supposed to be out and back on the Conestoga Trail. However after looking at my PAPER MAP and AllTrails app, I turned off on another trail and walked the final two miles on easy roads back to camp. 🙂
Duh! I of course found a waterfall!

 

Bridge reflected in the water where Pequea Creek meets the Susquehanna River.

 

Autumn trail.

 

Wind Cave.

 

Fall colors – and well-worn shoes.

 

Susquehanna River through the trees.

 

Cornfield.

 

Corn hanging to dry in a barn. My guess? It’s meant for animal feed rather than human consumption.

 

Intriguing vines climbing a tree.

 

The nearby covered bridge with the beginnings of fall foliage.

Ah! Just what the doctor ordered: a day of relaxation!
The past few nights, I’ve gone to bed too late so I got less sleep than I need. Last night, I tucked myself into bed around 9pm and fell straight to sleep. Today, I woke up refreshed – and knowing that I needed a rest day.
In the morning, I hung out reading in Addie (The Searcher by Tana French, a mystery) and walked around the campground including the nearby covered bridge. After lunch, I drove the quiet backroads to a local hardware store for propane. Surprisingly – at least to me! – the store was owned and staffed by Amish. This was in stark contrast to the Amish farmers I saw plowing their field with horse-drawn equipment! Anyone have info on the Amish you’d like to share?
This afternoon, I decided to read by my campfire. At this campground, for $10 they delivered over 20 pieces of wood!
Yep, this relaxing day is exactly what I needed!
Addie – keeping guard at my campsite.

 

Colemanville Covered Bridge, originally built in 1856 and rebuilt in 1992.

 

Pequea Creek through the natural frame of a window in the covered bridge.

 

Relaxing in Addie…

 

…and relaxing by my campfire.