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! 

 

Hampton Air Power Park (September 16, 2021)

On the way to Virginia Beach is Air Power Park. Very cool place to see some interesting aircraft. In fact while there at nearby Langley Air Force Base a group of F-22's were flying.(one seen directly below). Some very interesting early rockets and military aircraft seen in the park. I have made the stop there many times and always enjoy seeing it again. Was pleased to see that the aircraft and rockets have been repainted. As I remember from my last visit that needed to be done. It was fun to see this again, and enjoyed the visit. It is right off the highway, and admission is FREE.   

 

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.