We’re back in Virginia. We were here earlier, on our way North. Now we’re here again, on our way South. This time we’re near Williamsburg, Jamestown & Yorktown. Virginia is for Lovers, if you remember, and this area of Virginia is for lovers of US history. Really, all of Virginia is for lovers of US history, but this area especially. This is the land of Pocahontas. Jamestown dates it’s English-speaking settlers back to 1607, which gives it the prize for the first English-speaking settlement in the US – beating Plymouth, Mass. This area also boasts the first English Thanksgiving, occurring in 1619 – again beating Plymouth. Although in all honesty, this Thanksgiving was a bunch of English guys finally getting off their boat and kneeling down and giving thanks to God for getting them there safely. But it was in their charter, and that charter required them to repeat the ceremony annually, so it counts!
We had another run-in with Mother Nature while we were here. Tropical Storm Ophelia was on her way and our little campground was smack-dab center in her path. We watched the storm form, looked at her stats, and decided to hold our ground. I think partly we were hoping she’d change course …. she didn’t. Neither did we! Our campground stayed pretty full – other fools, I assume. A few campers pulled in right in the middle of it. One was one of those small, pop-up campers that have screened in beds that pop-out on both sides – inside was a family of 5. Poor family, they must not have phones or internet or cable or anyway to get a weather report! I fully expected them to blow away (and knock on our door in the middle of the night, needing shelter!) Anyway, based on the wind predictions, we decided to pull in our slides and tuck in, like a turtle, for two days, as Ophelia blew through. That means we took 417 sq feet of living space and crunched it down to, oh, I don’t know, I’m going to say 20. 20 sq feet. Two people. Two days. Living, eating, sleeping. OMG!! Shoot me now! It all worked out. By the time she got here, Ophelia wasn’t as bad as they were predicting and we’re still married! Maybe we overprepared. Maybe Ophelia took a little breather as she came over us. Don’t know, don’t care. Everyone and everything is safe. That family of 5 faired just fine. But, bad weather is still the thing I hate the most about this adventure, so I will always lean towards better safe than sorry – and possibly a hotel room next time we feel the need to tuck in like a turtle for two days.
Today we continue our journey South for the winter – heading to North Carolina. We’re stopping overnight tonight at a NC distillery – Weldon Mills Distillery to be exact. I see an Old Fashioned in my future. Put it on Ophelia’s tab! She’s still out there ravaging NYC, she deserves to buy a round! Be safe out there!
OMG. My bucket list just got a lot longer. That are looks amazing for history! Glad you made it out okay. We traveled in a popup tent once. One season and my Dad said, hell no. Upgraded to a motorhome. LOL
We see a lot of big families with big dogs getting out of small campers, and I think Hell No every time! Your list is getting longer, you are going to need to start soon …… just saying! 🙂
I thank God for continued protection for you.
I know your prayers are helping keep us safe on the road and as all the weather comes barreling through! Thank you Susan!
Glad you’re safe! I like reading about your adventures!
Thanks Anne. We are having a lot of fun. Hugs to you and Kim! Glad to see he’s back on his bike!
So Glad your safe and we continue to dodge weather yea!
Thanks for all the tips as we follow up your tracks up north!
Prayes for continued safe travels!!
You have safe travels too! Enjoy the leaf peeping! 🙂
Oh my…glad you weathered Ophelia…….and she you!
You do a great sailor Salute btw…..what is the big city with the large buildings. Thinking that looks more like Richmond than Williamsburg?
Hoping your weather travails are over….and glad you’re still married…..enjoy that Old Fashioned you definitely earned it!
Cheers!
Oh I’ve seen Benita twice in the last few months and had several loaves of her amazing Strawberry Rhubarb bread!
And are you paying attention to what Coach Prime is doing with the Buffs?
Hi Elizabeth. The big city is Richmond. We were an easy drive to Richmond and Norfolk. I really liked Norfolk, it had a very vibrant downtown. Benita is very sweet. I’m glad she’s still baking and selling at the farmers market. And, of course, I’m watching Coach Prime and our Buffs! I don’t think they won as many games our whole four years as they have this season! Go Buffs! Go CU! 🙂
Glad you are safe! it seems like you’ve had more than your share of weather challenges on this journey.
We have had too much bad weather. Tons of rain. I used to say I loved the rain when we were in Tucson, now I don’t love the rain as much anymore!
The adventure continues! And I swear you’re still having fun. Hmmmm. Say “hi” to Virginia for me — went to school in Blacksburg.
I really like Virginia. Blacksburg is a pretty area – we were by Lynchburg on our way North. And, yes, every day is an adventure – sometimes whether I want it to be or not! 🙂