Winston-Salem Air Show (September 12, 2009)

On the way back to Concord, NC on Saturday morning, took a detour to the Winston-Salem Air Show. Ran into massive traffic in Winston-Salem, but toughed it out, getting into the show a little after 12pm. I was able to check out the aircraft on display, and some really great flying. Very impressive was the B-1B bomber which made some very nice passes over the crowd which was among the largest number I have seen at this air show over the past few years. Wings back and afterburners lit this plane made quite a roar over the people below. It was a really impressive early flight in a day which was filled with some great flying in the skies over Winston-Salem, NC. Normally this is a motorcycle ride to the show, but with the Richmond transfer, normal has gone out the window this year.


Many interesting and historic planes were on display. I think the numbers of aircraft (probably due to the recession) were down this year. I did enjoy seeing this P-47 Thunderbolt, a warrior

from the WWII era. I believe something like 15,000 were built, but few are still flying. All sorts of planes were on display: old warplanes, aerobatic planes, transports, commercial, helicopters, private planes, new warplanes...just about anything you could imagine. They even had a school bus with a jet engine make a run down the runway. Though the air show charged an admission (parking was free) it was well worth the money to get in. I have always had a good time at the air show, and this year was no exception.


As noted modern warplanes were on display such as this F/A-18 Hornet which drew quite a crowd all day long. The F/A-18 replaces a lot of carrier planes including the F-14 Tomcat. Did a lot of walking, a bit of a stiff neck from looking up....and had a wonderful time.
Did not stay to the end, not wanting to be in a traffic jam going out, and besides, had my wife and family at home waiting for me; so headed out around 3:30, but just a short drive from there to Concord and a great weekend spent there. I will have some more on that in my next post.
As for other air shows; do have one to see in Virginia at NAS Oceana near Virginia Beach. Actually went to that air show many years ago in what was my first visit to Virginia, and looking forward to making that one (if the planets all align correctly). Also of note, the trip back had a bit of adventure on the way back to Richmond (still a bit of an on-going saga) and will write more on that in my next post.

Labor Day Weekend in Carolina (Sept 5-7)

After a very intense weekend with Patty during her visit to Richmond, had a laid back four day Labor Day weekend in Carolina. Patty and I mostly relaxed; I tacked a home project, and threw a lot of frisbee's with my two border collies Cassie and Mollie. The weather during the entire visit was perfect; no rain, low humidity.
I did get a motorcycle ride in on Sunday September 6 with Bill (in the blue shirt, rides the purple Honda Gold Wing) and Steve (in the brown shirt who rides the red Harley Ultra Classic). The silver Kawasaki Vulcan Classic is my ride. We stopped for lunch in Albemarle, NC at Harmanco's and rode out to Morrow Mountain.

I have been to Morrow Mountain (which is a North Carolina State Park) quite a few times lately. However, its a great ride out there, and riding around the park is really a lot of fun. While its a real gathering place for motorcyclists, it also offers camping, swimming, and hiking inside the park. It was Bill's first time to be up there, which was sort of a surprise, but he really enjoyed the park, and we took him on a good tour of the area. Steve took us back to Concord via some really fun backroads; course there are a great many of those there.
The four days were really nice, had a lot of fun with the family, also enjoyed seeing many friends from (my former) work. While I have a good time in Richmond, VA, its always fantastic to be back home again!

Six Months in Richmond

Maybe a hair over six months, but have been here since February. Actually two prior trips; first an apartment hunting (and general look) around the area which was a great deal of fun, and second a company December tour of the factory, and a bus trip to see "The Tacky Lights Tour". That last was a great deal of fun, and took a lot of the edge off of the move. Had to figure that a city that came up with something like that, had to be a good place to live! I plan to see that again this holiday season. I also (as I did in the Louisville-Charlotte transfer) checked out internet sites such as City-Data.com, and even RVA Blogs (which impressed me enough to start this blog, a very positive introduction to Richmond, Virginia from its residents). Additional information came from a Richmond Chamber of Commerce packet which was full of information.
I came here in February, usually go back to Carolina every other weekend, also during vacations, and frequently for three day weekends as well. I do enjoy driving in Richmond. For one thing you don't see quite so many people with cell phones in one ear, a coke (or a burger) in the other, driving 20 over the speed limit (that would be the Charlotte area). When you do see people blasting along as I have noted, especially on the I-85 section from Petersburg to the NC border you usually see those cars again....parked in front of the car with the flashing blue lights! Course another thing of note is that the roads are pretty rough here. Over the last six months, I have learned where many of the pot holes are, and drive accordingly. Not sure the seat belt law is to prevent you from injury in a crash, or to keep you from flying through the top of the car.
That said, I have enjoyed exploring Richmond. The Capital is amazing, designed by Thomas Jefferson (how cool is that!) and with a great statue of George Washington. In fact Richmond has some great monuments. Monument Avenue is a must see, and in fact there are many statues around town. Richmond has a great sense of history. A real history lesson is the Hollywood Cemetery which has many great figures of Richmond and US history buried there. An added feature is the great views of the James River.
I have enjoyed the Civil War cites. Old Petersburg is worth a walk, as are sites such as City Point, Five Points, and Ft. Darling. The best of all though has to be Petersburg National Battlefield, I spent many hours there checking out the various sites of the battles. Of the ones I have seen here, that was the best as far as preservation and presentation. It really made the Civil War come alive in a way that books and movies just can't. I also enjoyed the American Civil War Museum near Canal Walk; a nice museum.
Canal Walk was pretty neat. A nice idea, probably be worth another look, though is never really crowded. Belle Isle I saw for the first time last weekend, that is remarkable...and will be back to that. Took me a while to really explore it (did that for the first time with my wife) but a lot to discover and enjoy there.
As I have noted not a food critic, but places that stand out where The Boathouse, Bottom's Up Pizza, and Buz and Ned's. Something else that was kind of neat, while checking out the Chesterfield County Airport saw the line at the buffet there. Getting a haircut a couple of weeks later, the barber mentioned that as a great place to eat. Respecting people with razors at my neck, I went back, and it was really good at a good price.
People have been friendly, the city has been very interesting, and there is a lot left to see here. Its been a quick six months. I only wish my co-workers would take more of an interest...they seem to feel that its enough to find the way to work and back, and the nearest Wal-Mart. That however is their loss; for me, this is a very interesting city with a great deal to offer, and I have only scratched the surface.
As for problems; only a few minor ones. Some billing problems with Comcast (since resolved) and some minor apartment hassles. To this point, my stay here has been trouble free and fun.

Exp;loring Richmond with Patty (Day 2)

Patty and I spent a second day exploring Richmond on Sunday August 30. Started out with an early morning at the Capital. Nice place; the Capital itself was designed (I am told) by Thomas Jefferson. The big Washington statue is impressive as well as some of the smaller ones. Got by the Governor's Mansion; kidded with the guard there that "you can tell the governor we are ready for brunch'. She told us he was at church, and before we left saw him walking back (with a lot of security) from church.
We left there, and went to Canal Walk, and then walked out to Belle Isle. I had seen it many times, but was the first time to visit it. Great view of the city from the walkway, and the island itself was remarkable.
John Smith was an early visitor, and it has been (among other things) a Indian village, a civil war prison, power plant site, various factory sites, and is now a very, very popular site for people to hike, bike, swim and play. It was a wonderful place and I will be back for sure!
Patty and I took a hike around the island, and enjoyed that a great deal. If you have not been there yet, it is a for sure must see destination. I am now somewhat pissed that it took me so long to go there; would have been there many times by now if I had known what all could be found there.
Following our hike, went to Shockoe Bottom. Patty and I have been there before, myself quite a few times, and also with her in her previous visits to Richmond. We went to "Bottoms Up" and really enjoyed the pizza there. Very good and went well with her tea, while I enjoyed a "frosty cold beverage". Service was very good too, and had a good time. While there checked out a very fine looking motorcycle outside (as I am kind of a bike fanatic) and after a short while, headed back to the apartment for the day.
Patty had a great time, will be leaving later today and I will be heading to work this afternoon. I forgot to mention in the last post (which also deals with her visit) that we had also eaten on Saturday at Buz and Neds. Liked that too, but of the three places I have been to this weekend, that one I had been to (and liked very much) before...so it was not a surprise that it was good as I had prior experience.
Have enjoyed with my buddy Keith and especially Patty showing some of the sights of this very interesting town. Was great seeing some new sights with my wife this weekend, and makes me wonder what else I will discover during my upcoming two years in Richmond, VA.
On this cloudy Monday as I write this, enjoying the almost fall weather outside my open apartment patio door. Having a great time here today with a few more hours with Patty!

Exploring Richmond with Patty (Day 1)

My wife Patty has been to Richmond four times now, but thanks to my weekends here, this trip actually knew some places to visit. Our day of exploring ended with dinner at The Boathouse which was a first time for both of us. It had come highly recommended, and have to say (though I am no food critic) that it was very, very good. We got there early, but it filled up quickly as does Sunday Park parking, so a word to the wise. We enjoyed the food there, the service was also very good, and it was nice being out by the water. Another plus was that the rains held off all day long, though had a good rain chance (as we do today as well).

Had a great time exploring "The Boulevard/Monument Avenue" area. Made a tour of the Virginia Historical Society Museum, which is a really neat place to see the history of the area. It is also (until tomorrow anyhow) free to check out. Patty really liked the monuments on Monument Ave, and enjoyed a drive around Hollywood Cemetery. We got out to check out the views, and see some of the notables of US and Richmond history taking a long dirt nap there. We also did a short sort of preview tour of Richmond, will be heading back there today to check out a few more of the sights of the city. Looking forward to lunch at Bottoms Up today in Shockoe Bottom.
So far, she has had a great time here, and have enjoyed checking out the sights. My wife being an avid quilter, we also checked out some quilt shops on Midlothian Turnpike and in Chesterfield...so we covered a lot of ground on her first day here.
Will post on day two in the area tomorrow.

Concord Motorcycle Ride (August 22, 2009)

Had a great visit to Concord, though short on Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd. Got some rain (told there was a lot more in Richmond) but had some really nice weather.
Took a short ride around the area on Sunday; finally got to see the Great Wolf Lodge which opened a few months ago. Told its pricey but has a great water park inside. I just went by the front and took this photo of the "wolves at the door". Will check out the inside on a future visit. Looks like a very interesting place though.



I also rode by Cannon Village. It as were the streets on an early Sunday morning really quiet. Traffic is light and few people are out (though many are in church). Went by the statue of Dale Earnhardt in the town; he was from Kannapolis, NC and they put up this tribute to him a few years ago. The company he founded (Dale Earnhardt, Inc.) is in nearby Mooresville, NC and is (or maybe was by now) quite an operation. Many people think of NASCAR teams as small companies, but they are now massive high dollar undertakings. I like to visit the race shops, many of which are located in the Concord, NC area. NASCAR has even been the driving force in the local airport, which has grown over the years by leaps and bounds. Many of the teams have aircraft based at the Concord Regional Airport.
Anyhow, though a short visit had a great time with family and friends. Big weekend coming up as my wife Patty will be spending the weekend here. Always our plan to explore the city of Richmond together, and will be sharing some of my discoveries here with her this weekend. Looking forward to showing her some of the amazing sights I have seen here. We are also planning a dinner at The Boathouse; I was very happy with the view, and have been told the food is good. That will be the feature of a future post coming soon!

Sunday Park Tour (August 15, 2009)

My wife Patty will be making another visit here this month. Today I did some research to find "The Boathouse" (it is our anniversary and want to have something both a bit special and local for that food wise). I first made a stop at Harley-Davidson of South Charlotte (because not only am I far away from my wife, but also my motorcycle) and thought that was a good place. This was the second stop, and I was most impressed. Enjoyed a few breathtaking views around the lake at "Sunday Park". Really enjoy sea food, and can't fault the views at all. I liked this photo of the lake and the sky reflected at left.

As a former sailor (US Navy) always feel good around boats and this view was really nice. Will be fun for a pre or post-dinner walk, and did see a lot of activity there. There were people riding bikes, and saw a guy with his border collie sitting in a chair by the water. Talked to him for a bit, have a warm place in my heart for border collies as I have two of them waiting to play frisbee with me in North Carolina. I think its a pretty nice area, and sure did not know it was there. Not sure how good The Boathouse is going to be though I am told a lot of good things about it, but will for sure be returning to this place in the future just to relax.

Really enjoyed the views of the water, and headed back from there to find Glory Days also on Hull Street for a refreshing barley pop. That was also a very nice place, servers were very friendly and of course liked the sports theme of the place (the bathroom is well worth checking out as well). Good food and liked the little tv sound things at the tables. Get the number on the tv (there are many around) punch in the number and presto...you have sound. Nice touch in my book.
Took a quick view of Hull Street some weeks ago, but today was a bit of a deeper look. I was pleasantly surprised and for sure feel this area is very worthy of some much deeper study. I will be returning to this area in the very near future.