The Wonderful Williamsburg World; Part One

 May 21-June 1 American Heritage Park, Williamsburg, VA 

Mom and dad are looking forward to doing a lot of relaxing here, And, revisiting some of their favorite places in the greater Williamsburg & Norfolk area at a leisurely pace...we might even make it to VA Beach...

Just passed through Mt Olive, the Pickle Capital. Home of the University of Mount Olive, the UMO Trojans. WhooHoo!!! 

We all are most grateful for the smoother roads in the north eastern part of NC. It was a beautiful drive through verdant green forests/woods and incredibly productive-appearing wine, legumes, grain and veggie fields. I even saw a small fox running through one of them. Evidently, our idea of going North to escape the hot temperatures isn’t exactly working out. The heat seems to be following us, but still at a lesser degree than FL. 

Dad said, “The World is Traveling Again!” We pulled into a beautiful, piney NC rest stop that was packed. Not encountering any more gas shortages currently, hope it stays this way! 

The James River bridge on I-295 was very sculptural looking and the River below was pretty 

Our RV park is nicely located in this historic triangle

Our RV Park is so lovely. Sitting in fields between woods, nature trails and landscaped sites with a pool and other amenities. I’m in doggy heaven! I love all the green grass, clover, really big doggy park and trails. 

Mom turned last nights Brussels sprouts into this delightful chopped slaw/salad mix with a bit of blue cheese dressing and more chopped bacon. With that addition completed dad quickly reheated his patty melt & fries in the air fryer. Even the second time this meal was still yummy!

After dinner we walked the park, then just sat and relaxed in the cool night air. Sublime...

We woke late, but moved quickly. M & D took me to breakfast at Honey Butter’s. So good! Then off to Jamestowne Historic site to walk off breakfast. Wow! 

                                   The Jamestown Ferry passing the island

Wow! So pretty! Besides all the critters prints and poo that I saw and smelled, I spotted a blue jay, eagle, cardinals, Canadian geese and more. All that before we got to the historic site and the flies started annoying us. Ugh! We survived and really enjoyed all the history along the beautiful James River. Mom made me sit with her for a photograph with one of her "Mighty Women," Pocahontas. This historic site was on an island located on another island. Go figure! 

This part of the church is a reconstruction on top of the original foundation

We thought it was interesting that the original fort was triangular and they are still digging this site finding more discoveries.

As is to typical in history, another fort was built here years later, Fort Pocahontas...the entire town kept evolving...

The dark gate like structure reminded M & D of "Blazing Saddle's" toll gate in the middle of the desert...very puzzling???

As we were leaving the island we saw the reconstructed Jamestown that M & D explored with Bek and Mike years ago

Dad drove us on parts of the Colonial Parkway. We drove over or besides various scenic waterways, and woods before heading back to SA  mom had plans for me today. A FOOT TRIM & BATH!!! NO! 

Dad found the BEST takeout pizza close to us! FHT Pizza had the thinnest crust and freshest ingredients ever!!! Divine! We have enough leftover for two other meals because we were their last customer & the owner gave us an extra one! Incredible! 

Today was our day to do laundry...boring! And, relax! Better!  Since  they played with me in between reading, watching golf, and walking. 

Monday was visit Norfolk day...

Waterside Shops downtown now has this large mural on the one side

    The Naval Station has a new fancy wall fence at the main gate.  it was fun seeing Navy ships, including the newest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford.   It was obvious from the appearance of many of the ships that the Navy has had a tough deployment schedule the last three years.  Naval Station Norfolk is the largest naval base in the world.  Dad served there from 1972 to 75 aboard the USS John King.  Dad's ship was the DDG 3, when we were in Mayport we saw DDG 109.  Lots of new destroyers since 1975.

While visiting Norfolk and we caught up with mom’s teaching colleague, Christy Bunting. Their friendship was sealed years ago when they survived a hellacious year teaching inner city at Jaycox Middle School in the Norfolk School System.

They had a wonderful time reminiscing. M & D still can’t believe she lost her lovely spouse Gerry 2 1/2 years ago. “ The good do die young!” Christy served us a delicious homemade lasagna and Caesar salad at her darling Oceanview home. I love the idea that Christy's house is only a few years old, but totally has an original "Arts and Crafts" craftsmanship features...

When we first came here, a few years ago, Christy and Gerry's Homearama home was among the first ones built in an area that was used to be so rundown...I just love people with a vision...the Oceanview area of Norfolk has totally been transformed. 

The weather was overcast, cool and very windy, so we didn’t walk to the beach as they have in the past…I was bummed!!! I so wanted to swim!!!

Dad took me out to walk and play ball twice before they left for their explorations without me. 

Here’s their version of Jamestown Settlement

This historic site has considerably advanced since we brought our kids here in the 1980’s.

This is a recreated Powhatan Village. By the 1600's they had a very well established and organized village system. They estimate there was approximately 14,000 of them in Virginia when this colony got started.

Inside one of the larger meeting houses

Demonstrating how they would burn out the center of a large log to make their canoes

            One of the fortified ends of the fort with the cannons lined up to fire...

The initial organization of the fort with homes, storage, most trades along with some farming were all found inside the gates.

The soldiers, government employees and the Governor of course get the more plush quarters.

Now, instead of mostly telling the story through the British colonists, it represents the Native American’s story and the African Americans. Using various  movies/animations and exhibitions/galleries; they told the story of each people’s contributions. We both learned new information that was completely different than what we were taught years ago. It’s an incredibly well executed site with educational actors answering more questions within the two villages or on one of the three ships. Even though much of the story concentrated on the 1607-1614 time period; the large exhibition hall provided more insight to what happened afterwards as well.

We went back to pick up to pick up Pippi after relaxing for a bit...we headed to Yorktown for dinner

We happened upon the newly remodeled Larry's in Yorktown that overlooked the waterfront. What a fun brewpub like bar! The wait staff, owner/manager were entranced with my good manners and lovely personality. We had a lovely meal and drinks there while we relaxed watching the boats and people along with waterfront. 

We needed to walk a bit after dinner, so off we went...I was bummed that they wouldn't let me into the York River...just because they didn't have anything to dry me off with!!! Poor planning I say!

Here is what we discovered...caves. If you are able to slow down, when you are vacationing, you never know what history you will uncover...

The last time M & D saw caves that people lived in was out West, they never heard of them in this part of the country.

Dad took this artsy photo as we were leaving...think he did really well on this one!