America's Packard Museum (November 4, 2021)

Visited for the first time yesterday, amazing museum. Discounted rate ($5) for seniors and some amazing Packard cars and other items. Packard also made aircraft engines in WW1, and WW2 as well as PT boat engines, and later even jet engines. The cars were amazing and most of them are in running shape. They are shown at a number of car shows around the US. The building seen at left is the original dealership in Dayton. Some of the cars have an amazing history. The car at very bottom for instance was the last car owned by the gangster Al Capone. If in Dayton for a visit, this is a must see and a wonderful place to explore the cars and other items from the era of Packard.   

 

Around the Area (November 1, 2021)

A few fall photos and some other sights taken around the neighborhood. Some are at the local lakes near the house, others were taken at a favorite place - Carriage Hill Park. Went to see some sights there. On a motorcycle ride on Halloween went by the local airport in New Carlisle where I watched an old Ercoupe aircraft doing touch and goes. 

Temperatures are really starting to fall, and the motorcycle season is soon coming to an end for the year. Beautiful fall color has finally come to the area, and have been enjoying that a great deal. Fall is my favorite season of the year. 

 

Armstrong Air and Space Museum (October 13, 2021)

Great time and the first visit to the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Just a short hop from Grand Lake St. Mary, it was the home town of the first man to walk on the moon. There are a number of items there from Apollo 11, plus the Gemini 8 spacecraft he flew in, and the F5D Skylancer which he test flew. He tested a number of aircraft including the amazing X-15. A truly remarkable life and much of it is detailed at this very fine museum. Enjoyed my visit and looking forward to a return sometime in the future.  

 

Trip to Grand Lake St. Mary, and Indian Lake (October 13, 2021)

Great time exploring Ohio, went to Grand Lake St. Mary with my wife, and we saw some of the sights on this massive lake. Really interesting seeing the seagulls and the pelican type birds. As the sign notes, there is an type of mold in some of the water. One of the cities on the lake is Celina. We had a light lunch there, and that is the place where the church and the two government buildings were photographed. 

Last two photos were at Indian Lake. We did have a fine meal at The Tilton Hilton. If you ever get to the area, be sure to check it out. Again a beautiful and massive lake. We came back via some fine backroads. Course there was one other thing we did and that is covered in the next post.   

 

Cross Lanes, WV to Home ( September 21-22, 2021)

On the road stopped at Tamerack, but it was closed due to Covid. Got to Cross Lanes, WV for a stop at the Sleep Inn. Have stayed there before and its one of the nicest ones I have ever seen. Nice moon that night before bed. Woke up to this view from the parking lot and toured a nearby Cracker Barrel for a touch of Christmas. 

Made a stop in the way home to see The Mothman Statue in Port Pleasant, WV. It is right on the border of Ohio. Heavy rain all the way to home though Ohio but a safe end to a remarkable trip.       

 

Staunton, VA (September 20, 2021)

First time visit to Staunton, VA. Did revisit a place I went to a lot on the motorcycle (and also in the car with my wife) The Blue Ridge Parkway. That is my favorite road in the world, hands down. Riding it is like flying through the mountains (though at 45 mph). Last two photos below are from The Parkway. 

President Woodrow Wilson was born there, and his Library is there also. Did not tour it but did see it. We did wander around the very interesting town. Stayed at a Tru Hilton hotel. First time also to stay in one of those hotels, very impressed and enjoyed the visit there. Ate at a restaurant in town called "Kathy's" and highly recommend that too!

 

Virginia Beach, Virginia (September 16-20, 2021)

Spent four days and a wake up in Virginia Beach with my wife. Saw a number of amazing sights and enjoyed some fantastic meals. All to the overhead soundtrack of F/A-18 fighters and music along the boardwalk. It is hands down our favorite beach in America, and in fact we got married there. Beautiful sunrises (Got two good ones below). Went to a few times to the Navy museum along the boardwalk, though I have no photos posted here, it is well worth seeing. We also went to the Virginia Aquarium there, and had a remarkable time (with a couple of photos below). It was a magical four days and can't wait till we return again!