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! 

 

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.