Richmond, VA (September 15, 2021)

Before I moved to Ohio, I used to live in Richmond. Took the photo at left on the beer deck of Legend Brewing, home of some damn fine beer. Nice to see the city again, though having a blast with my wife in Ohio, Debbie and me had some great times there. 

This was my house in Richmond. I got a kick out of seeing it again. Saw that the big tree in the  front yard is going. Wandered around for a bit and checked out the old neighborhood. As mentioned we had lunch at Legend seen below. My old employer is below that, an amazing complex of buildings. 

Made a stop at Scoot Richmond, which is now at a new location. It is from them that I purchased my Triumph Speedmaster. That is one great motorcycle shop (and I have been to a few). No Triumph dealers in Dayton, so good to see those motorcycles again (I get my motorcycle here worked on from a former one...also it's very good place to go). Had a great time in Richmond, and a nice overnight. There was a group of motorcyclists at the hotel, who were going to a rally in New York (former firemen) and we enjoyed hanging out with them.   

 

Cumberland, Maryland (September 13-14, 2021)

Part of a very fun road trip, spent two days in Cumberland, MD. Here we run some on US40, this is where it ends. Was a big transportation area, and the train depot is really cool. Neat museum there but closed due to Covid. George Washington HQ cabin is neat. I doubt its totally original (due to the age) but still cool. Nice sights there, and "Curtis Famous Weiners" is a neat place to eat (though outside, again due to Covid). Very cool downtown and a fun place to explore. My wife and I had a wonderful time there on our way to our next destination.    

 

Carriage Hill Farm (September 10, 2021)

Visited Carriage Hill Farm again, one of the oldest of the parks in the Dayton area. The farm dates to 1830 and is a remarkable place to visit. Fun to see the animals (many of which as you can see at left are very friendly). The buildings are original and many of them were open today. 

I enjoy coming out here, both with my wife and via the motorcycle (though today was in the Honda Civic while out getting it washed). It is a beautiful place and very peaceful. In wild times such as this being in an oasis of calm is a welcome thing indeed.   

 

Labor Day Weekend (September 6, 2021)

Rolled into Dayton yesterday, for a look around the very interesting city. Took the river shot at left from the bridge near the fountains. Made a first time visit to the the 2nd Street Public Market. Cool place and enjoyed a New Zealand Meat Pie (breakfast version) which was VERY good. I used to have those in Richmond Virginia at a shop in the Church Hill area. Later drove to Carriage Hill Park where I visited with a couple of my favorite animals. It was a wonderful day. 

Enjoying this Labor Day 2021 though no longer really labor (at least not in a paying job) though still lots of work to do out there. Hope your holiday is wonderful        

 

West Virginia Days (August 24-26, 2021)

 

Short 3 day trip to Wheeling, West Virginia and to Mountaineer (aka Chester) where we also spent a day. Two overnight trips to see some nice places. We have been there before and will be again in the future. To the left is the bridge at Wheeling, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US. It is now closed to traffic but makes for a cool walk over the Ohio River. Below are three photos from Chester: the Teapot, the military display outside of the city, and horses racing at Mountaineer Casino. My wife and I had a wonderful time there with beautiful weather and fine people.    

Hanging with the Great Blue Heron (August 23, 2021)

I like to take morning walks around the lake here, and this morning, was blessed with this look at the Great Blue Heron which is a frequent visitor here. Amazing and majestic birds, fun to watch them fly, and even got a photo of the takeoff below. 

It is not uncommon to see these and other remarkable creatures here, and enjoyed this walk. It inspired the morning motorcycle ride today. I rode out to Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where the Wright Brothers perfected their aircraft. It is known as the "First Airport". Photos there can be seen on my "Racing with the Wind" blog page.    

 

B-36 Open Cockpit Day (August 20, 2021)

Visited the US Air Force Museum, joined a long line of people to see the cockpit of a B-36J Peacemaker bomber. The plane was developed during WW2, but was not used during the war. After the war though it was the US heavy bomber during the 1950's. It was ultimately replaced by the B-52. The plane was powered by six turboprop engines and later 4 jet engines were added on giving it a total of 10 engines! It was actually bigger than a B-52 but the all jet B-52 is still (as of this date) in service. This was an amazing experience and enjoyed it a great deal. Always remarkable things at the Air Force Museum!