Monday, May 31, 2010

Home Again, Home Again, Jigdy, Jigg

Sunday we took advantage of our last day of sleeping in. The hotel had 3-4 weddings over the weekend and could give guarantee us a late check out until 7:00 AM Sunday morning. Hm, so we asked for a wake up call at 6:55 AM and turned around requested a late check out which they allowed us to stay until 12:30 pm and then went back to sleep.

Now a afternoon, at the airport is always a adventure in of itself. It would be almost worth the price to purchase a cheap ticket and just go and sit at the terminals and watch and listen to people.

Hm, we listened to an argument between a girl and her boyfriend on the phone. Never could quite figure out what the argument was about; however, she missed her flight because she was unable to get a ride to the airport with her boyfriend. Okay, okay, a good 45 minutes of the "As the World Turns" and we relocated to other seats.

Caught our flight to Chicago and actually arrived early. Okay this is going smoothly. Yea, right. First we had to go to a different concourse to catch the flight home. Next as we arrived thinking all is well they announce that our plane was delayed. In fact, they had to swamp out our plane and our plane was on it's way from Washington DC and our flight would be delayed by over 45 minutes. ARGH!!!

Needless, to say we did arrive home safely after listening to all the problems in one of the stewardess life and all the people she knew and who her girl friends were dating. ARGH!!.

It's good to be home.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

From Revolutionary to Civil War Times

Saturday was are last day of really getting out and seeing the sites. After a lengthy discussion and much deliberation we decided to kick back and take it easy Saturday. First stop, Jamestown Settlement. What I share this information with you yesterday. Oh, you're so wrong. Jamestown Settlement is right next to historic Jamestown where we went yesterday. To confuse the general public, the National Parks Service operates Historic Jamestown, the actual original location of the fort. In addition, the state of Virginia has created a museum and operates it as Jamestown Settlement. A word of advice, adults you will want to go to historic Jamestown and see the original location and archaeological diggings. If you have small children and want to show them what the Jamestown settlement was like then take them to the Jamestown Settlement. Best Value if you have time for both do both. Jamestown Settlement depicts the life of the settlers and re-enacts that life style with Indian Villages, the fort, and the replica ships to explore. It was well done and worth the visit. We didn't spend a lot of time here but thought we should at least visit the site. Another word to the wise. Watch for falling tree branches. While contemplating where and how to get to the Indian Village which we could see through the forest of trees, and these are not small trees, we heard a large cracking and observed as a 1 foot in diameter tree limb snapped and began it's downward descendant immediately above the Indian shelters. Luckily have snapping a few more branches in his downward path the branch was stopped by other limbs and came to a uneasy rest. By time we walked a couple of hundred of feet around the path to the village, security had arrived with the yellow caution tape and corridor the area off and consoled the shaken Indian actors. Just a little excitement for the day. Next it was back to Yorktown. We had heard that their was a feud brewing and we want to see what all the commotion was about. What you say we have already shared our Yorktown experience with you. Oh you're so wrong. Well to time travel. We traveled from the Revolutionary time forward to Civil War times. Arriving in York Town we entered the battlefield to observe the Confederate and Union Field Camps. Walking over to the battlefield we observed a demonstration in gear used by the troops, how to march, how to fire their rifles, and how to make a bayonet charge. Kinda of cool if you ask me. Here we were observing the Union Army, talking to those soldiers who served in the Civil War and observing what the field camps were all about. It was a great way to cap off our trip and start thinking about a Civil War Historical Vacation. Now we had to check out of our timeshare this morning so it was late afternoon and we traveled back to Williamsburg, checked in to our hotel for the evening and then enjoyed a stroll into the Merchant area of Williamsburg for a nice evening meal and thus concluded our day.

Here's a video to help you all enjoy the experience that we did.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Where It All Began

The year was 1607. In a race to conquer the American Continent, the British, Spaniards, and French had sent explorers to claim the land. In 1607, King James III of England sent a capital venture group led by John Smith. They arrived on the Eastern shores of Virginia. Their mission was to create a settlement where the resources of this land could be harvested and converted to trades and exports. In other words, how could this company of men become rich.

The group consisted of 104 men and boys. They explored several locations along the James River to settle but finally selected a small island and named the settlement Jamestown after their king. Here they created their own House of Burgess and began to make laws to live by. This was the beginning and the birth of our form of government today. This was the first original permanent English Colony.

For the next 100 years, the settlers faced the challenges of a untamed wilderness. By the end of the first year, half of the 104 men and boys were still alive. Diseases, starvation, and Indian attacks were a common theme.


Well the rest is as they say, history in the making. John Smith meets Pocahontas, John Rolfe learns to grow tobacco and exports it to England. Around 1699, they determined that the settlement was not the best suited location due to the swamp and they hence moved to now Williamsburg, VA.










I had to make sure and get a picture of the princess Pocahontas for my granddaughters. I can now sit down with them and tell the real story of Pocahantos and the her contributions to our country's history. She was a great lady.



While at Jamestown make sure that you take the 5 mile drive around the island and see what the island is like. Yes, it is swamping, but beautiful.

If you ever get the chance take the time to go to the original Jamestown Settlement and check out the archeological digs. This was a great tour and we learned lots about the settlement and what we are doing today to preserve this glimpse back into history.

This was a great site to visit and I found it most enjoyable.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Williamsburg to Mount Vernon

This morning, we saddled our horses and began our trek to learn more about General Washington. I have become somewhat more interested in this man and how he conducted his life while here in Williamsburg. So we pointed the horses north and began our trek Northward. The trail took us through other familiar names associated with battlefields and history. Places such as Fredricksburg, Spotsylvinia, Quantico and Fort A. P. Hill. We also passed by places such as Richmond and Petersburg. Finally as we neared Washington D. C. we veered to the right and entered into Alexandria, VA.

Yes, some 2 1/2 hours later we arrived at Mount Vernon to learn more of the man we call the Father of our Nation. Yes, we have fast horses.


Mount Vernon was well worth the trip. It was a hot and muggy day, temperature well into the 90's; but any uncomfortable situations which we were asked to endure was worth the opportunity to walk the grounds and tour Mount Vernon. The home sits on a hill overlooking the Potomac River and provides a tranquil atmosphere to ponder upon the events that it has seen and the individuals whom lived within it's walls.

I was reminded of several facts that I had been taught and forgotten about Washington (i.e. he was a surveyor in his early youth). I also learned new and fascinating facts about President Washington and his family. He was a organized man who took great thought and preparations before commencing upon a task. Despite his lack of military experience, he without ever leading a campaign lead the colonist army to victory by outsmarting the British Generals.



We were also fortunate to have a local high school class perform for the audience as part of their senior project.


While touring the museum, we observed the shoes and a replica dress that Martha wore on her wedding day. I know that my granddaughters would be interested in these two items. So I made sure to include them in my blog for their appreciation of beauty and fashion.

The day was overwhelming and convinced me that given the opportunity again I would return to be fed again. Turning our horses Southward, we arrived back in Williamsburg some 3 1/2 hours later. There were many horses on the path as we headed home around 5:00 pm. Too many for my liking; but we did survive the rush hour madness. Tomorrow we travel to Jamestown.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Yorktown & Surrender

Hm, we must be getting old. Cheryl and I again took advantage of the opportunity to sleep in and finally got started close to noon. Any regrets? No way the sleep and rest is much needed.

Traveled to Yorktown this afternoon and toured the battlefield of the final battle of the Revolutionary War. It was in Yorktown, that Cornwallis had set up encampment by order of Clinton to wait the winter out after capturing Charleston S.C. Washington seeing the opportunity while the British Troops were divided in half sized the opportunity and moved onto Yorktown.

One can see the actually earthworks that the British and American Armies created. The America's with the support of the French moved their cannons into position and began the bombardment of the British lines. Soon the Americans troop moved their lines and embankments to within 400 yards of the British lines. Then one night the French and Americans moved onto redoubts #9 and #10. Here the once tattered army of the colonies showed their true colors and fighting as professional soldiers with the French broke through the lines of the British and turning their cannons onto Yorktown pounded the British forces.

Soon Cornwallis realized the situation he was in and order a retreat across the River York. One thousand men started across the river and a tremendous storm prevented the retreat further. Cornwallis had only one option, surrender.

We walked through the Moore Farmhouse where on October 18th, 1781 officers from both sides met to negotiate the surrender terms for Cornwallis's army.



Imagine what the officers of each army must have thought and considered as they worked through the conditions of the surrender. Sitting in a small room with each other, the American Troops refusing to give the British an "Surrender with honors". The thoughts and debates that more than likely occurred as they came to mutually agreed upon terms.

We looked over the field now called Surrender Field where on October 19th, Cornwallis's army marched, over a mile long, and were order and complied to laying down their arms. This was the last battle to be fought in the Revolutionary War.


It was an honor to walk across the fields and inspect the earthworks where so many men sacrificed their lives for the creation of our country. It makes one stop and ponder the feelings of those that served and to walk across the same ground as men such as Washington, Lafayette, and others walked across and consider their internal struggles. An awesome day!

Finished our day with a visit to Victory Center in Yorktown and a quiet dinner along the River York. We had experienced some tremendous feelings today and surrendered ourselves to the nightfall grateful for the opportunity.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Conversations, Shopping, and Witch Trials

Another late start today. Thank goodness for vacations, Cheryl and I are enjoying our time of relaxation and rest. Much needed time of rest and leisure.

Once our day began it began with a discussion with General George Washington. General Washington addressed an auditorium of people and allowed whom ever wished to ask him a question which he would respond too. Here is a man that is cynical, yet full of great wisdom and insight. A man of conviction, to his values and beliefs, a man of firm resolution. It was revealing to hear his reasoning and perception and come to a better understanding of whom he is.



Next, we spent a few hours in the Merchant Area enjoying the shops and dining. A tour of the capitol and jail concluded the day and another couple of hours sitting and watch people stroll up and down the street conclude our afternoon.

We luckily came across a place for Cheryl and I...well probably more me than Cheryl. We discovered the first hospital for the insane and mentally ill at Williamsburg. Touring through I thought how fun some of those early medical treatments could have been. Hm...I warned you and told you I probably belong in such a facility.







Finally, we arrived at the capitol and became the chief justices to the Royal Magistrate in the trial of an accused witch in the area. Another great insight learned of how the trials of the day were conducted and what was or not allowed in the court. This trial was only concerned with the facts that were brought against this woman and whether she met the conditions of being a witch. 38 not guilty votes and 44 guilty votes sent the woman to the jail until sentencing. Hm, Cheryl and I had varying votes. Guess, who was more sympathetic.

Late start, late finish, wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Plantations and Rebellion

Happy 20th Anniversary to Cheryl and I

Today, we visited a couple of significant plantations along the James River. First, we toured the Shirley Plantation. An active plantation housing 11 generations of the Carter-Hill Family. Rising above the James River the plantation view of vast corn and wheat fields is a magnificent sight. This is the oldest continually owned family business in the United States and Virginia's first
plantation.





Edward Hill I descendant included the mother of Robert E. Lee who married a revolutionary war hero. Elizabeth Hill grew up at Shirley Plantation.



Also imagine all of the men of the plantation going off to war during the Civil War and the women of the plantation left to run the 950 plus acres. What was their thoughts and concerns when one morning they awoke to find the Union Army camped in their fields. Despite the fact, that their men were fighting for the Confederacy, they unselfishly cared for the wounded. As a result of their compassion, General McClellan issued a order of protection and placed two Union Guards to ensure that no harm came to the women nor the plantation. Thus the Shirley Plantation survived the Civil War one of the only few.




Next it was up the river to Harrison landing and Berkely Plantation. The Berkely plantation dates back to the first settlers of Virginia.





It was actually here that the first settlers arrived in 1619, before the Mayflower Pilgrims and they observed and declared the first official Thanksgiving. These settler were shortly alienated by the Indians and the Berkely Plantation did not see any active settlement for nearly three more years.

In 1726, Benjamin Harrison IV constructed the three story mansion and began to host important guest to his home including man such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. In fact, all of the first 10 Presidents of the United States visited and stayed at Berkely Plantation. Benjamin's son also known as Benjamin Harrison became governor of Virginia and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. William Henry Harrison, Benjamin's son became famous for his efforts at Tippecanoe and later became the ninth president of the country and his grandson became the 23rd President Benjamin Harrison.



Berkely Plantation was utilized as an encampment for the Union Army during the Civil War. Lincoln visited the troops twice during the war and it was here that General Butterflied created a tune in his head and working with his bugler composed "Taps". A lot of firsts occur ed at Berkely Plantation.








Driving back to Colony Williamsburg, Cheryl and I envisioned the Revolutionary and Civil War Troops traveling down he same roads that we were traveling on and could see them marching to the battles of freedom. It makes one stop and think about what really occur ed in this area and who travelled the same paths.


Concluded the day at Williamsburg with the Revolution taking Center Stage, a visit by Lady Washington and General Washington. Here an wounded soldier is complaining to Martha Washington of the army not paying him and he is unable to work. It was a touching scene as Martha pays the soldier some money and promises to take care of the matter. This actor we became acquainted with and had several conversations with him. Oh by the way, he has never heard of the State of Utah.

A dinner at the Kings Arms Restaurant filled our bellies and we returned to our timeshare amazed at the circumstances and the events of what lead to the creation of our nation.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

A Trip Back into Time

We took our time this morning getting going but it was well worth it. Hey, after all we are on vacation right. Okay, it was noon before we got going. Who cares!

First, after breakfast at Sonic, we arrived at the Williamsburg Visitor Center and began our journey back into time to Colony Time Williamsburg. Walking through time and the town we experienced how the common folk (the poor); the middle folk (merchants, shop keepers; and the high society ( the governor, military and tories).















In the Governor's Palace characters such as Governor Dunbar, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry lived or conducted business here. It's easy to imagine the early colony residents living and surviving the revolutionary war.


Re-enactments of the events that lead to the war and what occured brought characters such as Bendict Arnold to life. Boo..

"WELCOME TO THE REVOLUTIONARY CITY"

A cry for independence!





























































A Traitor, Bendict Arnold.























































A friend, Lafayette.






My wife loved the trip back into the future but due to the rain ( very little) and the humidity she has forbidden all photos of her. Something about she would look like a drowned cat... hm, I don't think so.

It was too bad that we had to come back to reality but our Lola directed home via scenic route and after a wonderful dinner at Mirabelle's Italian Restaurant we relaxed for the evening and planned tomorrow's activities.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Virginia Adventure

Today, we began another adventure. Who the hell scheduled a flight for departure at 7:25 AM on a Saturday morning. That means our day started about 4:00AM. UGH!

Caught a flight to Norfolk Virginia...oh to get to Norfolk we first flew to Denver found a restroom, got in line and boarded the flight. Next it was to Chicago and then onto Norfolk. Today we spent in the air. Tomorrow we begin the site seeing.

Of course the real adventure today, was signing onto my own blogspot. Incorrect Username or is a incorrect password. Who knows and of course to solve the problem, you have to try all of the configurations. Hm, well after several attempts and trials, I managed to get the right configuration. Hurrah! I won't have to remember everything until I get home.

Needless to say we are grateful to be on the ground at our timeshare, Williamsburg Plantation, with a full stomach now and ready to catch some zzz's.