Showing off the RVA, Part II (June 4, 2011)

Kind of out of order, but still cool. Did go to Hollywood Cemetary (after the visit to the Virginia Historical Society). A lot of history there, including a good Presidental section. Seen at left is the grave of President Monroe. Real close is the grave of President Tyler; two US Presidents within a few feet of each other. Both are originally from Richmond, I also found that Zachery Taylor was also born in Virginia but lived mostly in Kentucky and in fact is born in Louisville. A beautiful cemetery with a great view of the James River, Hollywood Cemetery for the history fan is a great place to visit. Many of the movers and shakers of US, Richmond and Virginia history are buried there. Often also see people having picnics there, and it also gives a great view of the city and the nearby just across the James River Belle Island. In my book its a must see place in Richmond, and judging from the people there, many share that same idea. There was a good crowd in the cemetery on hand on this sunny Saturday in Richmond, Virginia. They also offer Segway tours there for those interested (think there is a small fee for that).
In addition to the two US Presidents, there is also the grave site of Jefferson Davis, the only President of the Confederate States of America. I happened to be there (though missed the ceremony) for his birthday. They even had cannon there. In addition for the Cemetery the famous general George Pickett is buried there, plus thousands of Confederate soldiers, many of which died at Gettysburg under Pickett, and are buried near him. Also a must see is the Pyramid, which is a remarkable thing to see. It is a monument which is unlike any I have ever seen on the war; and the construction had to be an epic job.
Before Hollywood Cemetery, we all went to the Virginia Historic Society, the museum is located on the Boulevard. I have been there a lot of times, and it is a favorite place. Not only is the admission free (as it is at the next door Virginia Museum of Fine Arts) but it covers the long history of Virginia in a fine way. Hard to not find something if not many things of interest to see there. Following the museum, and Hollywood Cemetery we went by Belle Island but due to a festival going on there, there was no parking to be had on a Saturday afternoon. Sorry we did not get to see that, it is a remarkable place to explore and sorry I could not show it off.
Final visit of the day was St. John's Church, which was famous as the location of Patrick Henry's famous "Give me Liberty or Give me Death" speech. Amazed that the building has survived, largely unchanged and intact since the Revolutionary War. Notables buried there include the mother of Poe, and the first Virginia signer of the Declaration of Independence. The church is located just outside of downtown in Church Hill. Church Hill is one of my favorite sections of Richmond, Va.
I have posted a number of other photos on my photo page during this very fun Saturday in Richmond, Va. I hope you enjoy them.

Showing off the RVA Part 1 (June 4, 2011)

View from Drewry's Bluff site of the Civil War era defenses called Ft. Darling. On May 15, 1862 the Confederate Marines (read it was the base for the Marines in the war), 8 cannon (some salvaged from the CSS Virginia) , drove off a force of five US Navy ships (including the USS Monitor) which were headed to shell Richmond. The fort, located some 100 feet above the river, was too high for the ships to shoot at, and the Confederates won the three hour battle. The Union Navy never again attacked the Confederate capital. During the battle, US Marine John Mackie's actions lead him to be awarded that branches first Medal of Honor.
Following the visit to the battlefield, we headed for Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue. We were also going to check out Velocity Motorcycles which was next door to it on The Boulevard, but it has moved to a new location on Marshall Street. Being bikers though (the three of us have gotten to be friends from work, but all of us rode motorcycles together in North Carolina) we enjoyed seeing the Harley-Davidson V-Rod in this photograph. As for the food it got a thumbs up from all of us, though two of us had eaten there before. Nice place, and as for Velocity will check on where that is moved to, and will take a look at that in the near future!
Of course, had to take the visitors to Monument Avenue. Not just for the impressive statues such as this one of Robert E. Lee, but also to see the houses. I believe I read (though can't remember where) that Monument Avenue was named one of the most beautiful streets in North America. I always enjoy visiting it, and like the sights to be seen there. Many great statues can be found there of the Confederate generals, and also one of tennis legend (and Richmond native) Arthur Ashe. We rolled up and down the street making a few stops to take photographs. I think this street is one of the must see locations in Richmond, and seems to be popular with visitors.
This is the group that went with me. The son at left is Chris, his dad Eddie (from Louisville, Kentucky, a connection we all share) is next to him, and at the far right is Keith. We all worked at the factory in Louisville, Kentucky, transferred to Concord, NC. Following the closing of that factory, Keith and I now work in Richmond, Va (Ed did not make the move). Ed's son is studying history at U of L and thought Richmond would be interesting to see for that reason. I think Ed was interested in what he missed. We did much more during the day, and visited a lot more places, and those will be seen in my next post. It was a great time though and fun to check out this very interesting city that I have come to appreciate and enjoy so much!

Gaines Mill/Cold Harbor (May 1, 2011)

On Sunday, continued exploring with a history buff buddy of mine. We went to Cold Harbor and Gaines Mill to see the Civil War Battlefields there. At left you can see the Gaines Mill Battlefield. The battle was fought on June 27, 1862 and was a major part of the "Seven Days Battles". Forces numbering around 32,000 Union met 57,000 Confederate. The Union goal was to capture Richmond and end the war. At this battle troops under Robert E. Lee drove off Union forces which retreated. The defeat also caused General McClellan who lead the overall Union armies to withdraw his forces toward the James River, ending this threat to Richmond, Va.
Cold Harbor Battlefield seen at left happened two years later; from May 31-June 12, 1864. Again the goal was Richmond, Va, this time the Union Commander was General U.S. Grant, and the Confederate forces were under Robert E. Lee. Lee's army made some seven miles of earthworks some of which survive to this day. On June 3 Grant ordered an assault on those lines. The night before troops put their names on pieces of paper, seeing what would be coming a little before dawn. The Union forces out in the open were mowed down by the Confederate fire. In minutes as many as 7,000 Union troops were killed to a loss of only 1,500 Confederate.
Grant later said Cold Harbor (again some Earthworks seen at left) was his biggest regret; that had he to do it over again, he would not have ordered that charge. Over trenches on both sides, the two armies took mostly pot shots at each other until June 12, when Grant suddenly withdrew his army toward Petersburg, Va. There, they would lay siege to the city (as well as of Richmond) in a long battle which would eventually result in the defeat of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, and the end of the Civil War. I went to the Petersburg battlefield a few weeks ago (and with these two places, not for the first time) and have some photos in previous posts.
One new place we visited was the Cold Harbor Cemetery. There we saw a number of monuments such as this one, which is a cannon mounted in concrete. The plaque there notes that some 1958 union soldiers are buried there; 673 known by name, 1279 unknown. There are monuments there as well from Pennsylvania, New York, and a large monument from Congress. I also came across the grave of Medal of Honor winner Augustus Barry, who won the nation's highest award for service in the Civil War. Bodies found some time later at Gaines Mill unburied were a big reason for the establishment of the cemetery. Many of the bodies there were also killed at Cold Harbor. They have been joined over the years with fellow soldiers killed in other US Wars including the Spanish American War, World War One and Two and Vietnam. The cemetery is a quiet and mournful place especially on an overcast day such as May 1 was. So many gave so much in that time, and faced such terrible fates to keep this county united as one nation. Battles such as the fought were literally hell on earth from all accounts.
Another look here at Gaines Mill Battlefield. The battle was interesting in that both Union and Confederate forces flew hot air observation balloons. While they gave good information on troop movements, they were discounted in many cases by the commanders. Confederate balloons were flown from a area which many years later became the site of the Richmond International Airport. A small monument to them can be found just outside of the Virginia Aviation Museum near the airport.
I enjoyed a great two days of exploring in the Richmond area, an area which is both rich with history and has a bright future as well.

Sights around Richmond (April 30)

Did a bit of wandering around Richmond on Saturday April 30. Took a friend from work with me, kind of enjoy showing off the area, and though it was around some places that I have been, it was still a great time. One of the great things about finding places in Richmond is going back to them. For instance this is the Bell Tower in Byrd Park. It was built as a War Memorial for (I believe due to the dates of its construction) World War I. It is a very neat structure and very massive with a lot of very nice detailing. I really enjoy wandering around Byrd Park, it is a very nice and in fact have another photo at the end of this photo section. While there saw a Art Fair (was also told it would go on Sunday) and enjoyed that. Often come across surprises in this town, there is something going on in Richmond virtually all the time if you look for it. Saw lots of really great art, and also it was fun to watch all the people. As always there were quite a few dogs with the people, this is really a dog friendly town and I like that a great deal. Any town that likes dogs is fine with me!
As for dogs and people watching, hard to beat Carytown. Though traffic is something to see (as seen at left) it is a very interesting place. Great variety of places to see, stores to visit, fine places to eat, and often even music and art in the street. Galaxy Diner is one such place. There you can get breakfast all the time (in addition to other meals). Being a motorcycle sort of guy I liked the guy on the Can-Am Spyder Trike also in this photo. Good place to walk on a nice sunny day as this April 30 day was. There are a lot of eye catching places to explore, and I think there is really something for everyone in Carytown. It is one of my favorite areas of the city to be in.
Though I have yet to see a movie there, the Byrd Theater is one classic looking place. In fact it is on both the National and Virginia Historic Registers. It was built for $900,000 ($11 million in today's prices) in 1928. First movies were shown in 1928 for a cost of 25 cents for a matinee, 50 cents for an evening movie. Movies are now $1.25 cents and there are 1300 seats. Named for the founder of Richmond, Virginia, the Byrd has a donated Dolby Sound System which was donated by none other than Ray Dolby! I am looking forward to checking out a movie there, as it is said to be remarkable on the inside with a number of amazing features. Richmond is a town which really protects it's past and I have the feeling the Byrd Theater is a real tribute to the city. In addition to movies, the Byrd is also home to a number of interesting events, and for more information on this place, some photos of the inside, and more on the history of this movie treasure, check out the Byrd Theater website via your favorite search engine. I hope soon to have a few photos myself from an upcoming visit.
Speaking of visits, went to the Virginia History Museum. I don't know how many trips this makes to check out this fine Richmond treasure. it is located on the Boulevard which is not far from Carytown. It was actually my first stop during the day with my friend. Both of us being Civil War buffs, checked out the big Civil War display (plus other items) to be found in the museum. The Statue seen here is a monument to horses from the North and South that were killed in battle during the Civil War. The museum is just a little distance away (easy walkable) from the remarkable Monument Avenue. If it is statues you like Richmond is a great place to check out.
Finally, back to Byrd Park, and this Fountain in the lake found there. Nice place to hang out and check out the beauty in the area. Saw a lot of people fishing there, and quite a few birds as well. One bird I did not see so often were Canadian Geese. Saw a sign that border collies are being used to chase off the birds in the area, while leaving alone the ducks in the area. I can think of no better dog for the job, border collies are among (if not the) smartest dogs out there. Again, the fountain is very beautiful and the lake is a nice place to hang out on a wonderful day. I have a few more photos on my photo page from the day out in Richmond which I hope you enjoy!

Petersburg National Battlefield (April 16)

After the massive storms of Saturday April 16 (which spawned tornadoes in both North Carolina and Virginia, killing many) awoke on Sunday April 17 to a day of blue skies. I went to Petersburg National Battlefield with two friends to see the site of the Civil War siege (which was the longest recorded on American soil). The battle lasted from June 9, 1864-March 25, 1865. Old Blandford Church, just outside the battlefield has buried among others some 30,000 Confederate Soldiers. Its windows are memorials to the states of the Confederacy and were done by Lewis Comfort Tiffany. The church was built in 1735.
Some 150,000 soldiers from both sides faced off against each other during the battle. The lines were some 30 miles long in all, and were heavily defended. At left is seen a recreation at the battlefield of what assaulting troops would have faced. Cannon, riflemen, and wooden defenses designed to defeat enemy assaults against the positions were highly effective. Union troops always greatly outnumbered the Confederate forces, but the lines held until the Confederates were defeated at the Battle of Five Forks which opened up the cities of Richmond and Petersburg to the Union Army. Following that battle the end to the Civil War was just a few days away.
Both the forces and Petersburg were bombarded by guns such as these from the Union forces. This weapon I read could launch a 215 pound shell for a distance of some two miles. Soldiers of both sides endured such weapons, snipers, disease, starvation (in the case of the poorly supplied Confederate forces), and other dangers. Many of them lived in small buildings as the Confederate forces and the cities were starved out in what General Robert E. Lee knew was only a matter of time. Both General Grant and General Lee knew the Siege would be effective. An offensive to break the Union Line at Petersburg was the last major offensive of the war for Lee's troops.
Seen here are one of the actual defensive positions of the battlefield. Gone are the wooden supports, and other defensive items seen in the photos of old; now they are little more than grass covered earthworks. Loss of life during the final campaign was heavy on both sides, as was the number of injured. Due to the weapons used, many of the injured lost arms and legs after being wounded. Richmond was the site of one of the largest Confederate hospitals in the Civil War, and had a much better than average (though still terrible) survival rate for wounded soldiers. Richmond was also the sites of two Civil War prisons.
Near the battlefield is Blandford Cemetery. It's oldest graves date to 1702 and among its many thousands of dead include soldiers from the Revolutionary War and other wars (including the previously mentioned Confederates in the first paragraph). This cemetery was the site of the first Memorial Day in the US which was held there in June of 1866.
This was my second visit to the battlefield and the cemetery. Few places have as much Civil War history in one area as Richmond, VA does...a terrible period in American history when brother fought against brother and so many gave all they had during that war.

Spring 2011: Forest Hill Park

First day of Spring, and its about time. Winter in Richmond was not all that bad-certainly a big improvement over last winter (which was frankly pretty bad) but glad to see Spring here at last. It is a great and favorite time of year, and have enjoyed seeing the trees in bloom (mostly I believe Bradford Pears and Dogwoods here in Richmond). Nice to enjoy the season and to relax with a Sunday morning walk in Forest Hill Park. One of the oldest parks in Richmond I believe, and a real jewel. It has had a lot of work done to it in the last year or so, and a great many improvements have been made to this park. Seemed like a good place to walk on this day.
Walking at Forest Hill can be a good adventure. It features some steep climbs, but this is a good thing for a work out. Some people get gym memberships, but I enjoy a good walk outside in the air. There were a lot of people out, though being early not as many as I often see there walking, riding bikes, jogging, playing with dogs, and just generally doing the same thing I was. Got a lot of "hello there" greetings. I am always impressed on how friendly Richmond people are, and that is a nice thing on a Sunday morning, first day of Spring day. Perfect blue skies and a quiet urban park, it does not get any better than this. Have been getting over some kind of cold bug that has been going around work, so felt good for the first day in quite a few days to feel like getting out. Work has been a bear this week with that, so fits that the first day of spring I would feel good and be ready to get a good walk in among the beauty to be found there. I like a lot of parks in Richmond, which is blessed with some fine ones, but this in my opinion is the best of the best in the city.

Forest Hill Park has a trail which runs along a creek by the lake, and its really nice. Got a lot of big rocks there, and there are a lot of bicyclists who ride that trail (and a few of them went by me). I am not one of those people who dislike bicyclists; in fact I think its a great and very smart way both to get a workout in, and to commute (if possible for that matter). Though my favorite two wheel way to go ride now has a engine and Kawasaki on the side, I remember riding a few years ago, and have given some though to getting back into it again. Especially with the price of gasoline and the impact of those vehicles on the environment it sounds better and better. Very interested in electric bicycles but I am rambling here; that is for another post. Got to check out that electric Leaf last week (previous post) and that really has me thinking about the future. Going to a place like Forest Hill Park, you realize what a special and fragile thing this world really is; nothing at all like it at least in this solar system- and its the only game we have. If we mess this up, we are pretty well screwed.
View here is the restored and very beautiful lake at Forest Hill Park. I like going by there, watched a guy for a time playing with his dog in the lake. He would throw a stick, and the dog would catch it. He and the dog were having a blast, I like to play with my dogs in North Carolina, and look forward to doing that again very soon.
Was nice being out. Got my mind off of problems with the "gas billing company" at the apartment complex NWP Services Corporation. Weather has been warm (for winter) and I have not run the heat, but someone has and I got a bill for the "heat" this month. Pisses me off knowing I have not used it, and getting ripped off by the corporation. For the apartment complex it is easier for them, for the residents it often means questionable bills. Not meter reading, just "you owe this." My advice is that if you find when renting apartments that they use a "service" such as NWP Services Corporation run...don't walk...out the door and find another place to live. You will be glad you did.

Picasso Exhibit at the VMFA (March 5,2011)

Special day, in that my wife Patty made the trip up from Charlotte, NC to spend the weekend here. Always fun to take her out and show off this unique city, and we have a fun two days planned. Yesterday, we had tickets to the Picasso exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. That is one of my favorite places to visit in Richmond, and I have been a number of times. Normally free except for special events (such as the Picasso exhibit) tickets ran $20 each to see the works of this remarkable artist. The display covered all the different periods and styles he worked in during his long and very productive life. The crowd came from all over the US.
I noted the diversity of the crowd and had a lot of time to do that, because the line (as seen in the photo at left, and only partly seen at that, as it was much longer) took a good solid hour to get to the exhibit. Still though, as promised heard a number of languages in the crowd, and met some interesting people. As Patty noted in the course of the day, and I have a number of times, Richmond crowds and people are among the friendliest that we have come across in a number of places. It was a very fun event, and we enjoyed checking it out and can suggest it as an interesting thing to see. Unless you get to Paris, France where these are displayed; you may never see its like again!
Of course, the museum is normally free (and still is if you want to bypass Picasso) with just hours and hours of interesting things. Patty and I wandered and saw many (but not all) items in the museum such as this marble fixture which was in a garden in India around the mid-1700's. There is a wide variety of things to see at the VMFA and we enjoyed our visit there. I have posted a few more photos on the photo page from our visit there. The museum also have a very good web site with more information on the museum, as well as info on the Picasso display. That will be in Richmond for a limited time, and I believe this is the only city on the east coast showing it.
Following the museum, we stopped for food, refreshment, and some fine music at the Cary Street Cafe, located not far from the VMFA. One of my favorite places to stop and found by me not long ago, it is a nice place with friendly people. I like the vibes there, and have always have a very good time. Said to be "Richmond's oldest Hippie Bar", it is a fun place to relax, kick back, and enjoy yourself with some fine people.
Spent the rest of the afternoon exploring some around Church Hill and downtown seeing some of the sights. Patty noted that she enjoys seeing the older buildings in Richmond, which is not just a rare but nonexistent sight in Charlotte. It was a very fun and interesting day, and we had a great time, with another day to come this afternoon!

Along the Midlothian Turnpike

Went out on February 23 to get a few things done. While out, figured I would visit a few places on an early Wednesday morning. One of my stops was the Chesterfield Towne Center. I like this mall (though did see that they have replaced the Peace Frog store with another, a favorite of my wife when she comes to visit here). Photo at left is the food court. They have some good places to eat, and of course the big Barnes and Noble store is there. I wonder how long bookstores will exist; Borders is closing a number of stores and not sure how the others are doing. I like to visit them though, another I like is Books a Million which is further up the road near 288.
Got a kick out of this, took a walk though the Garden Ridge store at the Chesterfield Towne Center. I think everyone needs a suit of armor, and at left are three. Lots of interesting things to check out in there, and if the one in North Carolina is any indication, this is a great store to visit around Christmas time. It is more seasonable now though with a lot of garden and outdoor items, as spring is just around the corner. Weather has been sort of wacky, warm days followed by cooler ones, even some snow flurries following a few warm (mid-70's) and windy days. Still the signs of spring are in the air, and it won't be long till winter is a memory.
Took this photo during a walk on February 21 following a good weekend; some of those photos are on the previous post. Milepost 5 brown building) was a seafood place in a former older business (closed since I have been here) that opened last fall. Sometime in the last few weeks; Milepost 5 closed. Never got to find out if it was any good. What is good is the $3 Car Wash. Went there today actually, and got the car cleaned. I like it; its cheap, its fast, and the vac is included with no time limit. For the price you can't beat it, plus it does a good job. That was one of the things that I did today. Had a good time out in the area; lots of interesting things here to see and do. As can be noted in the photo, there was quite a breeze on the 21st when I took my walk along the Midlothian Turnpike. Hope everyone has a great day!

Downtown Richmond/Church Hill

Beautiful warm but very windy day in Richmond, when I went out to see some old favorite places, as well as some new ones. One of the new ones is seen at left; Richmond Dairy Company Apartments in downtown Richmond. Very different sort of building, and one of the many buildings that have been re-developed in the city. Richmond makes great use of its old buildings, and does not tear them down when they are "done" but finds other uses for them. Much like my former city of Louisville, Kentucky, but much unlike Charlotte, NC which does not have very many old buildings. In fact in Charlotte even newer old buildings don't last long.
Near Church Hill/Shockoe Bottom is the Church Hill train tunnel. Built in the 1870's, in 1925 it collapsed. Buried in the tunnel are four men, one 4-4-0 Steam Locomotive, and 10 flat cars. Due to damage and flooding the bodies and the train were left in the tunnel where they remain to this day. Also seen is a walking/bike trail along the James at Shockoe Bottom. Nice trail, and nice view of the river there. Very interesting area to explore and I like going there when I can, though this was my first time to see this path. Everytime I wander the city, I see something new.
Row of buildings again are a number of old buildings (including some old tobacco factories) that have been put to new uses as offices, condos and apartments. That can also be found in the Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond. Last view is from Libby Park in Church Hill, one of my favorite places with great views of the River, nice views of the city, and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. That is where I ended the days exploration of the city.















Had a great time, always something new and interesting to see, have a few more photos from the sights of today at my Photo Page which is linked to this page.

Combination of the Two

Nice weekend in Carolina started with a dawn drive on February 12. Got to have some coffee, and made a stop at McDonalds on the Midlothian Turnpike where I snapped this photo at left. Liked that one, and enjoy driving in both directions on this road when I am exploring Richmond. Lots of interesting places along the way here, and it is a popular drive for me to either get out of Richmond or into the city. I even do some walking along this road, though its not the best road for walking as there are no sidewalks or good ways to cross it (which brings running into play). For this trip though I was quickly on I-85 after a few minutes on VA 150.

One of my first stops on a trip is South Hill, VA. I tend to stop at the commercial area, though I get the impression that there is a quaint little town just before I get to that areas. I will check it out; like making stops on the way home to see things. Have made some stops at Durham, Burlington (both in NC) and also have made stops in Virginia at the Dinwittie Airport as well as a couple of stops in Old Petersburg. All have been really interesting; I figure if you have to travel you might as well see some interesting sights along the way, and nice to take a few minutes to get out and see something besides the normal "rest stops".
Had a great two days in Concord with my family, and it is always a joy to be there. It is also nice to see some favorite places such as Punchy's Diner seen here. Patty and I had breakfast there; the food is great and prices are reasonable. They also have some cars, motorcycles, jukeboxes and other items on display inside the restaurant. Displaying cars, etc seems to be a Carolina thing; there are a few restaurants that do that. Timing was good for this photo, a few minutes after I took this, the place filled up with barely an empty seat. I would like to think that it was because Patty and I were there, but I doubt that was the reason.
Got in a motorcycle ride on the 13th; just a short one on a very fine day in Carolina. Made a stop at the Concord Regional Airport which is the 4th or 5th (I forget) busiest in North Carolina. Like to watch planes take off and land, as I am a huge fan of aviation (and once even worked in the industry which was really cool). A father and his two sons were watching with me, that brought back some good memories of doing the same thing with my Dad many years ago. I have been fond of planes as long as I can remember; even longer than my passion for motorcycles. Airports are always interesting places, even the smaller ones. In fact Charlotte-Douglas International Airport has a great viewing area where you can watch the big jets take off from that very busy airport. I am sure I will take a ride out there sometime later this year. Like with Richmond International Airport they also have a very nice aviation museum there. They are planning to display the airliner which landed in the Hudson River a year or so ago, that will be pretty cool. They also have an extensive collection of other interesting aircraft.
Near the airport are a number of race shops; Earnhardt-Ganassi, Roush-Fenway, Hendrick Motorsports and Petty are all near the Concord airport. Many of the teams have aircraft based at the airport; they drive the cars and tools, but fly the drivers and teams to race sites. Just about time for NASCAR to crank it up for another year, and that will be a big deal in both Concord, NC and in Richmond again this year.
Made a short stop at Suck Bang Blow (which is getting to be my favorite beverage stop in Concord, NC) though as I was on the bike made it a short visit. Rest of the day had a great visit with the family, and I enjoyed a fine day and night with Patty, before heading out on a warm but windy Valentines Day for Richmond. Ah, the life of a migrant American factory worker...but lots of interesting things to see here, and looking forward to a great weekend here in the River City.

An American Turning Point (February 5, 2011)

On a rainy day in Richmond, nothing better than to visit one of the many fine museums in this city, and few are as fine as the Virginia Historical Society. That museum has a long history having been founded in 1831. Its first president was John Marshall, and its first member was James Madison...a good start indeed leadership wise. I went to see the exhibit "An American Turning Point-The Civil War in Virginia. This year is the 150th anniversary of that terrible war. Few wars are as violent as a Civil War, and the US Civil War was especially bloody. Richmond and Virginia was the center of that conflict with a great number of engagements happening here.
The items above were actually used in that period, as well as the gun below (which was last used in war by its owner...General J.E.B. Stewart). Over 200 objects and some 17 audiovisual displays tell the story of the Civil War in the state and in the city. It was a fine display and just opened February 4. It will continue at the museum until December 30. A great feature of the museum is that it is admission free. These photos seen here, can be seen in larger versions in addition to some other photos taken in the museum (there is much more to see there) on my Photo Page, of which there is a link on this site. I have visited this museum a number of times in the two years I have been here, and I am sure that I will be returning in the future as well.

In the Grip Of Winter: January Hull Street Drive

On a cold, mostly gray day in Richmond, feeling the grip of winter with storms past and future looming in my mind, took a ride to Honda House at 14760 Hull Street Road. There I checked out some of the motorcycles. I love to ride (have a 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 back in Carolina) and wanted to see some of the new designed Honda motorcycles. The ones I wanted to see were not there (of course) yet, but I did enjoy checking out some last years "new designs". This one at left (in blue) is the Honda Fury. Uses the VTX-1300 engine, this bike is designed as a
"factory chopper" and is a big change from the Honda Shadow that I used to ride before the Vulcan. A very sharp motorcycle indeed.
More conventional, but along the same lines is the Honda Sabre, seen here in red. Uses much of the same items (as does the Honda Interstate, which looks much the same as the Sabre but with a windshield and saddlebags) this bike uses much the same items as the Fury, but with a lot less rake, a slightly different front wheel, but the same VTX-1300 engine. Sat on both bikes, on the Fury you sit a lot lower (with the Fury feeling longer and lower) but for my taste really liked the Sabre. Not sure that the bike of the future in my case will be another cruiser, but I like what Honda has gone to update these bikes. Had a few Honda's over the years, and they were great motorcycles; and I am sure that these are no exception.
During the day made a short stop at Swift Creek Reservoir. Have not been there since my visit to The Boathouse with Patty a while back, but a very nice place. The area around it is called "Sunday Park" and is a very peaceful place. I enjoy the boats along the shore and in the water, the ducks and other water type birds, and various people you see there. Even on a crisp cool and overcast Richmond day it is a fun place. I also made a short stop at the nearby "Glory Days" which is a nice sports bar/restaurant. As the NFC and AFC Championship games are tomorrow (and sure to back the bar) today's visit was peaceful. Checked out some hoops and a very refreshing beverage from the taps.
Last visit on Hull Street was to Richmond Harley-Davidson. They do have some nice 2011 models, though due to the down motorcycle market can't really say they had anything really "brand new" model wise, but some interesting bikes nonetheless. Hull Street certainly has a lot of things to do as far as eating and shopping; other than Swift Creek though not a whole lot of scenic things to check out (though have learned on previous visits there is a lot further up the road such as the Richmond Zoo for instance) on what is a very long road. Not a road that I often visit (though did some this year for some of the "Tacky Lights Tour") but does have some places of interest during my visits. Its one of those places where if you are looking for something, generally you can find it on Hull Street.