My daughter has been living in Florida since November of last year. Things started out well for her, she had found employment had a stable residence and she reported feeling pretty secure so many hundreds of miles away from her home. As 2020 progressed, she lost her home, lost her employment, and was faced with the pandemic like all the rest of us. Things were tough, and although she attempted to get her feet back on solid ground, she was terribly homesick and extremely depressed. Her request to come home lead to much needed road trip.
Despite the continued threat of the Corona Virus, things seemed to be moving forward and my traveling party and I felt pretty confident that this could be done safely. So off we went.
orderly.
The following morning, our fivesome made our separate ways, my daughter and her friend making a straight shot North to NY and myself, Tammy and Ali heading to the Outerbanks.
Heading to the Outer Banks....
Take a look at these lovely views along the trail located at the Welcome Center.
The views were INCREDIBLE. I simply love these pictures.
After enjoying the views along the trail, we headed back on the road towards todays destination. An Outdoor ADVENTURE.
As we continued along the road we came upon a BRIDGE. A big bridge over the OCEAN. Yikes. (I guess the truth is there is no way to get to the Outer banks with out crossing a bridge of some sort )
I want to note that I have some issues with bridges. I typically freak a little when going over one and this one was stopped on the bridge for a bit of time. Ahead of us was a draw bridge. So we waited...Once it was opened we continued on and before could change my mind, we were heading down into a tunnel UNDER the OCEAN.....Can you say FREAK out? Well I did make it and its NOT the longest like roadway of its kind linking mainland to the Outerbanks. Good to know for next time.
I only knew that I want to see the wild ponies that I had heard about from so many others. I had no idea what a wonderful adventure was to be had.
Our guide informed us of the 1000 year old drift wood washed up along the shore.
Beautiful wild ponies. What we were told is that these ponies were originally from Spanish ships and descendants of those original. The initial horses were "dumped" into the ocean during a Spanish sinking ship during the 1500's. Those that survived lived on to create the generations known today.
(Pictured later...)
Once we made our way past the beach area and the Atlantic Ocean, we headed off towards the bluffs where our enlarged dune buggy made it
over some pretty crazy dunes...
going down then up over the crest of the dune. It was definitely an ADVENTURE.
We arrived at our next location. The buggy stopped, our wonderful guide got the stairs out and ready and soon we were standing along one of the largest sand masses in the area.
Our guide informed us that the stretch of sand has been shrinking every year and in about 100 years it may be gone. At one time the area was a town full of people and business, but due to the sand and the changes in the earths atmosphere the geographic area has changed, now there isn't even a postal service in the area. There are some homes along the bluffed area and the Adventure agency owns this plot of land, there even was a hotel (but not a hotel) that was built for several millions of dollars that lays empty because of misrepresentation in the zoning laws, and structure. So sad as it looks beautiful.
So...its not so impossible, but highly unlikely. Instead, our guide reported, we were more likely to run into a water moccasin. A WHAT????? Oh no, not a big ugly poisonous snake....Where's Riki tiki tavi when you need him? Well, I had my snake radar on, and since the were only 5 single kayaks and two tandem I volunteered to ride with our guide. He got everyone all set and out in the water and while he was getting the last boat out...ours..he suddenly does a frantic wild jump back in the water. WHAT just happened....well you guessed it. A big black Water Moccasin had just been disturbed sleeping in the bed of the boat I was about to be getting into. I had him do a 2nd, 3d and fourth look around where my feet would be going before I stepped in. His ugly bigger brother not hiding in there is he? I will happily say, we did not see any more and no there were none taking a ride with us on the trip.
Snake alarms off, we headed out into the inlet area for a little kayaking adventure.
Once our excursion had ended we took a group shot on the shoreline. This nice family had been our riding companions.
An interesting facts about these horses, they can't jump. (Not that they couldn't learn) As these guys have no predators, they have no reason to jump, so they never learn. (Darwin was right) They also lack the genetic makeup to create white horses.
Next stop.....Virginia Beach....
We arrived at Virginia beach around 4pm, and checked into the hotel. Masks enforced, and limited used of the elevator. The hotel was quite lovely. It looks a little older, but still nice and we had a balcony overlooking the beach. We did a little exploring along the beach way as well as some store browsing.
I could so easily spend a lot of money in some of those places. I did decide on a few souvenirs and got myself a shirt. But I really don't need anything despite how cute things were. While shopping, this was the only time my entire vacation that I actually felt like the I was being intruded around the COVID rules. Although the signs read, by order of Virginia Governor face masks must be worn, I really did feel like I was in to close to others and not everybody followed these rules. I had to leave several stores and take a break simply because I felt too uncomfortable. Outdoors seemed fine, but there really were several large groups of people mask-less, which was an issue for me. I managed to get through my panic with a call to the husband and some "your being silly" from Tammy. We decided to head to dinner, we found a place just a few blocks from the hotel and ate outside, mask-less for the very first time since March. The food was so-so, and the service was super super slow. We found out the following day, that someone was shot and killed on the very corner where the restaurant sits. Yikes. Oh...well.
We all slept great in our hotel and the days plans included nothing but beach...so off we headed.
The beach rules include 8 feet apart from each other. This was actually easy enough first thing in the morning, as the day continued however, anything close to the water was pretty well packed. We didn't have any problems however, and I had the best time swimming with the waves. I don't recall spending this much time jumping the small waves as I did on this trip. Tammy was not as enthusiastic about the swimming part, but Ali got in and eventually Tammy made her way beyond the crest of the breaking waves to truly enjoy the water.
The beach boardwalk (Which is actually pavement) stretches for several miles along the ocean, (I knew how many miles when were were there, but I cannot remember). alongside the pavement stretched hotel after hotel after hotel. Squeezed in between were designated areas for artwork and memorials.
The end to a wonderful day.
As usual, I was up much earlier then my roommates. I decided to take the opportunity to see the sunrise...and I would say it was so worth it. I even saw some dolphins jumping through the waves. This later I alerted Tammy to and she was up after that very quickly. She also saw them later when she was at the beach.
If you have never been to Virginia Beach, I can tell you that it is not much different that many of the other resort beach towns along the Atlantic coastline. It did lack the boardwalk and casino's of Atlantic City. Also no playland and amusement rides of Ocean City (either one). But it really was reminiscent of these types of towns found all along the coast. In hindsight I think I would have enjoyed spending more of my time in the Outerbanks but it was enjoyable just the same.
A few more pieces along the boardwalk.
Part of the day was spent at the beach. I stayed back in the hotel, as I had received some very abusive sun the day prior and was burnt like a BBQ'd hot dog. I had been aware and even applied sun screen multiple times during the day, I guess that direct sun and the multiple hours really did me in. In need of SOLARCAINE....Soon we were packed and heading to our next destination. Williamsburg VA. I have been wanting to go here for years ever since I saw some late night I can't fall asleep informercial back in the late 90's. Of course the package was a little different then today and it was also not during a pandemic, but I was thrilled to find Colonial Williamsburg tickets and just over 1/2 off the general admission price of $44.99. Generally you can get a package deal which also includes Jamestown settlement and Bush Gardens, for a much steeper price then the single day admission of $44.99, but due to covid...a steal of a deal at $19.99, although no Bush Gardens and Jamestown is out.
Williamsburg is about an hours drive from Virginia Beach, so we had an afternoon to kill before we would relax in the hotel. We decided on outlet shopping. Unlike the shops of Virginia Beach these stores were quite strict about the COVID rules. Each store had a limited number of people, all who entered must wear a mask, and several had instructions to disinfect your hands before entering. I was actually impressed. We did a few hours at the Outlets as well as stopping at this cute little store along the way.
We found our hotel for the night and had a nice evening meal back in the hotel room of left overs from our previous Walmart trip.
Colonial Williamsburg:
The following day we headed to Colonial Williamsburg. First off, I want to warn any readers that my expectation of this place was very high, so before you read anything be aware that I was just a little bit taken back from the experience. Also it is important to be aware that my experience was during a national pandemic and not business as usual. Had things been as usual, I may have had a different view.
I believe that Colonial Williamsburg had just recently re-opened so things were new for the staff, and perhaps a little more cautious then needed. However, due the pandemic there were only a few of the buildings open, and there were little to no shows/actor experiences present. Now, I'm not saying it was not worth the time, but what I will say is it was not what I had hoped to encounter.
PLEASE SKIP THIS IF you DO NOT WANT TO HEAR MY DISAPPOINTMENT.
First off, the welcome center gift store was closed, this was disappointing, and 2nd they were not providing maps (which I don't totally understand what that has to do with COVID), but my phone's battery was/is acting up so I didn't want to download the app and use the map from my phone, so we really just walked around aimlessly. Each building that was open had a strict number of people who could enter at each time, and you had to wear a mask. I was okay with this initially, but as the day progressed and the crowds increased waiting outside in the heat in a mask for a group to leave one of the buildings became unbearable. (I so feel for the actors who were outside all day.) I also felt that when we were in the buildings we were not getting the full experience. I had hoped to get some history during this adventure, and mostly if you didn't ask any questions you didn't get any information. I also had a hard time hearing some of the presenters through their masks. I was somewhat aware of the towns history and we did get some information, but I left feeling that I some how missed something. Like I only knew that Thomas Jefferson was here because I asked about it, and I understand that he attended William and Mary College, but he was also the Governor at one point, but the governors Mansion (Which we did tour..see pictures below) was left in the state that the fleeing governor left it. I guess I just needed/wanted a little bit more information. Where I did not want more information was in the Axillary tower. Luckily our group included just me, Tammy and Ali, as I asked the presented to give the quick version of his speech as we were standing in direct sunlight, masks on and sweat was burning my eyes. The heat I am sure is always present, but with the mask it only intensified things. I had also hopped to see a battle, maybe the actor playing the Governor, perhaps a glimpse of Jefferson, maybe ride a carriage. But there were no such actors and no carriage rides.What I did enjoy was the bus option, walking the grounds, the museum and spending time in the archeological dig. I think anyone can take the bus shuttle, the museum was not that impressive that I would have paid to enter, and you can walk anywhere along the ground for 100% free! In hindsight despite the admission discount, I believe I could have enjoyed this place just as much having not paid the $19.99 and simply just enjoyed the town. Perhaps in full Colonial Williamsburg normal, I would have walked away feeling I had gotten the whole experience. (But maybe just maybe, this kind of place is really not my style.) At any rate, I can cross the visit off my bucket list and at least tell you about what adventures I did have while visiting.
Okay...enough of my disappointed rant....now on with the experience.
First things first.....THE GROUND ARE INCREDIBLY Beautiful. If your in the area, I do encourage you to take in the areas charming 17th Century sculpted landscape. You can't miss the beauty as well as the historical buildings, some that are actually the original. I really enjoyed just walking along some of the back pathways and we all had fun in the Labyrinth maze behind the Governors Mansion.
I can't explain how BEAUTIFUL the grounds were kept, once we stepped of the bus it was apparent. It is so carefully maintained and simply LOVELY.
The Governors Palace was recommended as our 1st stop. This place is impressive.
Once inside the we took in the wealth and the importance of the Governor. Just get a look at the swords lining the walls of the entry way.
We did get to visit with the horses.
While Tammy and Ali loved on the horses, I got myself a genuine Williamsburg Root Beer. (1/2 off special today.)
We then made our way to the museum. This cool building was a nice welcome after the hot humid day had been.
We caught the shuttle bus (which runs throughout the area and the historical district about every 15 minutes.) and got off in the market/restaurants area of Merchant Square. This area is not actually part of Colonial Williamsburg, but there is food, shops, campus book store. (William and Mary College is right next door to Colonial Williamsburg, if you didn't know, I didn't.) and even a young Mr. Thomas Jefferson himself. Smile for a selfie Tommy old boy.
We had a nice lunch in one of the college campus hangouts called Retro. (Pub food). Did a little shopping and walked back to the center of Colonial Williamsburg.
Up next we learned about the guns used in the revolutionary war. These guns we were told were really not that effective. They did make a ton of noise and created a lot of smoke, especially when there was a line of people firing all at the same time. Our re-creator explained that there was more fear provoked on the presentation then damage.
Our presenter was visited by this adorable little guy.
He gently moved him from harm and continued to present.
So......could one have a wonderful time at Colonial Williamsburg? I am quite sure. YES. But it would be best taken in when there is not a pandemic and it is NOT so Obsessively HOT. I am sure if I had been more prepared (Do your research), had a map, minus the above factors, I would have had a much more enjoyable time. Despite the negatives, the grounds, and buildings were indeed impressive. If you are not as enthusiastic about the interior of the buildings and can learn about the history online somewhere. I would save yourself the money and simply enjoy the grounds for FREE. Now this opinion may be very different if you are coming during a Pandemic free time. The whole Colonial Williamsburg experience on NORMAL may have been very much like what I had hoped to experience.
We found the Southern entrance and pretty much took the main drive Senic overlook the whole 107 miles north making stops as we wanted along the way. I was so excited. One of my bucket list items (and its a big one) is visit all of the now 62 National Parks. So far I have only visited 3. The curse of living on the East coast. I still think its doable. I'm only 50 after all.
We started off our adventure driving along the scenic overlook of Skyline Drive that winds through the park North to South. Or South to North in our case.
Our 1st hike took off at Black Rock Summit. The hike was fairly short, but offered an amazing opportunity to scamper up rocks to heights above the trail and overlooking these amazing views.
Below is the view of the rocks looking up. We actually climbed up these to get to the top.
But once we were on top.....I felt pretty darn proud of myself.
I grabbed a picture of the signage. 3092 feet and look the Appalachian trail runs along here. Of recent, when the Pandemic had started and I was stuck in my home with youtube, I have been obsessed with the Appalachian trail through hikers and for a brief (well maybe not to brief) but in all consideration, wanted to make the trip a goal for myself. Somehow, hiking from Georgia to Maine sounded appealing. Now, not so much. It might have been my deep desire to GET OUT OF MY HOME QUARANTINE and see the world. Right now, stepping on the trail was enough.
Back on the road we searched out next places to stop. Word of warning. Those lovely brochures that they give you after you surrender your $20- for admission, does NOT have much information on where to stop, what to see and much of any information about the trails you might want to hike. I tried to get some information on my phone, but there was literally no reception up in there those hills. BEFORE YOU GO, do your research. (I understand this is with all of the National Parks.)
We eventually found a place to stop and attempted to visit the Byrd Visitor Center, but they were closed for lunch. Instead we decided to take a hike on a trail marked Nature trail and Dark Hallow Falls.
The hike back up was a killer, but it had at least stopped raining.
Below are some pictures along the trail that were rather stunning.
Once we were back at our car, we were all feeling a little pooped. I was soaking wet, hot and tired. The hike was only about 3 miles in total, but it sure did challenge us.
We spent a little time at the Welcoming Center before we hit the road, continuing north. I was so aspired and happy about our time in the park, my only complaint was not enough time and we had NOT SEEN ANY BEARS.....then all of a sudden.
I pretty much only got behinds on all the bears we saw, but I was satisfied.
It was a wonderful and amazing trip. I cannot wait for the next one.
