Redskins Training Camp (July 27, 2014)

 Washington Redskins to be exact, and yes that is RGIII in the yellow jersey, walking onto the field. The team has its training camp in Richmond, VA, nice facility and fun to go there on a rainy day in Richmond. Unlike many sports, football is played in the rain (and as it seems practiced in it too). Told that crowds on the weekends can be terrible, but thanks to the rain that was less than you would think, though still a very good turnout.
It was fun to see all of this, its right downtown and not very far from where I hang my hat...maybe a 5 or 10 minute drive. Traffic was light and parking was no problem. Got to park on a nearby street ...parking lots (which charged from $5-$10) were not very full today. There were a lot of food vendors (food being kind of pricey as you would expect) but a good assortment, and also a lot of interesting things to see and do. There was also a nice team store just past the entrance. No charge to see the practices though some of the later ones (New England Patriot and Fan Fest) will require a free ticket to get in.

Kicker seen here was pretty cool....he could really boom the ball. Got to see them run a few plays and do some other drills.
I am a big football fan, though my favorite teams are the Chicago Bears, but still think it is cool that they have this here in Richmond. Like to get out and see things, and though I had been there last year, practice was not under way during my visit.
This is the second year for the camp to be here, and they have made a few changes for this year. There is a lot more food, and they have also improved the parking. Some of the further lots have shuttle busses to get there and back. At any case, it was a lot of fun.

Seen here is the sun of Jerry Rice, not sure if he will make the team or not, but he is there now. Saw his Dad play a few years ago when I lived in Louisville, Kentucky at a Colts/49er's game.
Fun area where the camp is held, lots of good places to eat (also many in the camp area, but others outside of it) and there is even the baseball stadium nearby as well as a very cool movie theater-so plunty to do between sessions. They have the early morning practice (around 810 though was late) and a walk thru practice around 4. If in the area, make it a point to check this out.  

Fireworks in the RVA (July 5, 2014)

Nice time...not far from me is the Virginia War Museum (I go there quite often, its a very neat place, and its free...plus I was a member of the USN for four years).
Liked this photo I took of Richmond, just before dusk, prior to the fireworks show which was said to be the biggest one in Virginia. It was actually centered from Brown Island which is right on the James River, this is above it, but thought this would be a great place to see the display. From the number of people there, I think I made the right call. Was my first time to see this display.  

It was a very good show. Said to be over 3000 shells, and the skies really got lit up. I did not have a tripod, but did manage to get a few photos of the fireworks...most of the time I think I was watching as my jaw dropped.
It was a lot of fun, a great crowd, and a fun display that lasted well over 30 minutes. As a bonus the museum was open before the display...my neighbor had never been there, and got to show him some of the sights inside there.
It was a very, very fun night and was glad to get to enjoy it.

Bit of History in the RVA (July 1-2, 2014)

 Good couple of rides....on July 1 went to Shockoe Hill Cemetery which is the sites of the graves of John Marshall (3rd Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court), a number of Richmond Mayors, one VA governor, some Union spies, girlfriend of E.A Poe, and soldiers of the Civil War and back to the Revolutionary War. It is an interesting place, was made when the graveyard at St. John's Church got filled up.
There is a lot of history to be seen here in Richmond, and in fact a lot of it can be found at every single turn to make in this city.

On July 2....riding with a purpose (looking for a building I have to visit on the 14th) went by this historic Confederate museum. This anchor was salvaged off the wreck of the USS Virginia. I was  at Hampton Roads a few days ago...there on March 8-9, 1862 the CSS Virginia  and the USS Monitor. On the 8th the Virginia sunk two wooden US warships and damaged a third, but the Monitor arrived that night and the next day fought the Virginia to a draw.
In May 1862 Norfolk fell, and the Virginia trapped was blown up in the harbor to escape capture. That actually happened on May 11, but this anchor was salvaged and also a propeller shaft which is also on display at this museum (and a photo of that is on my Racing with the Wind Motorcycle Blog.
Short ride both days as the heat and humidity are both rising. Felt like 102 both days early on....which does not not make for the best motorcycling. Still, enjoyed getting out early and escaping the heat of the midafternoon.