Warbirds at Concord Regional (May 29, 2010)

Bruton Smith puts on a big show over the Memorial Day weekend at the local track known as Charlotte Motor Speedway. He also likes to honor the armed forces that weekend, and brought a few planes to town. The photo at left is the Memphis Belle, though not the original plane (that is currently at the Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC) but the plane that was in the movie of the same name. Still an impressive B-17 from World War II. Those were remarkable aircraft flown by remarkable men in a very amazing time in our history. The crew of the Memphis Belle was famous for being the first crew to fly the missions needed to get to go home. Before that none had accomplished that feat, being shot down before meeting the number needed.
The Skyraider seen here, was a Vietnam era plane. Noted for its rugged construction, it was used for ground attack over the jungles. I believe it could actually carry a larger bomb load than the B-17 could, and the Skyraider was flown both by the Air Force and the Navy. The plane in flight is a C-47, which was developed from the DC-3 airliner. It flew in war from WWII to Vietnam. It was said to be one of (if not the) most important aircraft of WWII flying in supplies, weapons, and men. Seeing these flying examples of these historic aircraft was a real thrill. To hear the old engines, see the smoke and to see what the planes actually look like in the air was a real thrill.

Forest Hill Park (May 22, 2010)

I heard about Forest Hill Park from a friend who had found it; said it was really something to see. I also read an article in the newspaper that said they were going to rededicate the lake today, so figured it was a good day to get out and check it out. It is not far from my apartment, a short easy drive to the park the entrance of which is seen here. That sign is a reproduction of the original sign at the park which was established in 1934. The land was originally owned by William Byrd III (a name I have seen around Richmond) from land holdings he had in the late 1700's. The park covers some 105 acres, and I really enjoyed taking a walk around the grounds.

The Stone House dates to 1843 and was part of the estate back then. Enjoyed walking around the park, and actually went on some of the trails. A creek with some very large rocks was back there, some stone walks in the very dog friendly park, and got to meet a lot of friendly people out walking around. Richmond does seem to like to say hello, and I enjoy that a great deal. Some of the walks were pretty rugged but getting out was great and enjoyed the remarkable scenery along the way. There are a lot of places for picnics and room for games. Should also note that the park is on the Virginia as well as the National Historic Registers.
Of course the reason for the celebration today at the park was the re-dedication of the lake at Forest Hill Park and this is one view. I have more photos on my Flickr Photo Page (and there is a link to that on my page) if you care to see them. A very worthwhile and fun place to explore, and I will be doing some more of that over the time I am here in Richmond, VA. I would consider this to be a first rate park, and one of the best I have seen so far in the area. If you are looking for natural beauty, a great walk or even some fishing (catch and release only though according to the signs) Forest Hill Park would be a great place to check out.

Before the Roar..laid back in Concord

Nice "visit"...not sure of the correct term when home is two places anymore...to Concord, NC over the May 14-17 weekend. Was blessed with good weather there; both the sunshine of Saturday and most of Sunday, and the Sunday night-Monday rain. I drove that rain (and dodged the crashes) on I-85 on Monday morning. Took the photo at left on Saturday at the Cabarrus Arts Festival. The Old Courthouse is a art center now with locally produced art for sale. A very old building, it is the centerpiece site in Downtown Concord, which has a number of old buildings and many stores to check out. The festival is always fun and enjoyed it this year.
There were a lot of arts and crafts displays there, bands played and there was even a beer garden along with lots of things to eat. The library up the street had a book sale. Patty and I wandered around checking out the sights and sounds of the festival. Not quite Riverrock (which I missed this weekend unfortunately) but nice to get out and wander a bit on a hot and humid Saturday afternoon. Summer seems to have come early. My motorcycle is still in the shop (though I got some news on that...should be out soon as I have a big ride coming up in Carolina in a few weeks) but enjoyed the time with Patty both there, and during a walk on Sunday.
As noted, Sunday Patty and I took a walk along the Greenway. A nice development by the city, has views such as the one at left, and is a great place to walk, jog, run or bike away from traffic. Peaceful and cooler on a early Sunday morning, we enjoyed the stroll along its path.
Coming up the next two weeks will be more explorations of the Richmond area, plus two weeks of racing in the Charlotte area with both the All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 coming to town (the first on May 22, the second Memorial Day weekend). I will be checking all of that out over the next three weeks, and will have some interesting sights to show here.

VMFA, VHA, and Maymont Park (May 8, 2010)

Nice morning/early afternoon in Richmond, and turned out to be a most remarkable day. Made a trip out to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which I had been hearing about. Its on the Boulevard real close to Monument Avenue and right next to the Virginia History Museum. The building that houses it is remarkable, and is a real feast for the eyes both inside and outside. I was amazingly impressed with the building, which is a real joy to walk though. It is a big complex with a lot of displays and quite a lot to see. Admission (for the VMFA and also for the nearby Virginia History Museum is free by the way though parking can cost you.

What makes it something to see though are the works inside the museum. For instance here you see some wall art from Egyptian tombs, and in front laying flat tiles from a Syrian house dating to 1 or 2 AD. To say I was dazzled is not to make an understatement. If you are a fan of art, and that would cover virtually all types, or just looking some something unique and different this is THE place to go. I am sure that there will be something, if not many things, that would capture your attention. This is a great addition to the Richmond area and a very fine museum..period. I will be back again to visit before my time in Richmond ends.

I like museums...and one of my favorites is the Virginia History Museum. Its right next door, and as I already noted, is also free to visit. One of the things that are featured in the museum is a display of WWII photos; and they were remarkable. Those who have been reading my post know I am a motorcycle guy, and really liked this WWII era WLA Harley-Davidson, but also enjoyed the art work, as well as the many displays featured at the museum. Both the VMFA and the Virginia History Museum make for a really good "double feature" for a visit, and a fun combination when heading downtown. Again there is something there for everyone.
Finally, ended my visit to Richmond today with a trip to Maymont Park. It was my second visit, but sure was beautiful in the Spring (last visit was in the winter) and the flowers were remarkable. I also for the first time checked out the small zoo there, and thought that was really cool. Got to see the vultures eat (they eat meat and sort of bark like a dog...I never knew that) and they had a number of interesting birds such as this Owl, Hawks, and even a Bald Eagle. They also have bears, foxes and other wild animals on display. It is truly a Richmond treasure!
More photos are posted on my photo page, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed my day in Richmond. It has been a remarkable one, but in many ways, another one of many!

Carolina Classic Bike Show (May 1, 2010)

A great time at Spencer, though started off bad.....my own motorcycle apparently has a charging problem and will be going into the shop this week (thought it was the battery...thought wrong). Been a lot of years since I had a motorcycle mechanical problem. Did spend some time with the mechanical...shrugged the breakdown off (actually, never got it out of the garage) and took the car to the bike show. The show was held at the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC (just outside of Salisbury, NC) in what was a former working rail yard. They have a fantastic (and free) collection of "planes, trains and automobiles there.
As for the show, had a number of classic motorcycles from all over the world. Unlike many motorcycle shows though, only a few US made (one 1929 Indian Scout did stand out though) but a lot of bikes from England (such as this BSA at left), Italy, Germany, and especially Japan. The bikes covered a wide range of history and included many discontinued types, models, and brands. Many of them brought back memories, as two bikes I saw (Yamaha RD-350s and Kawasaki 750 triples) were bikes that I used to own and ride (though not the bikes actually on display there). Most of the bikes were ridden in, and it was fun to hear sounds from long ago again.

You just don't often get to see running versions of old motorcycles such as this Vincent at left. Readers of this blog would know I am fond of history, and enjoy many types including mechanical history. It was a real treat to check out this show. I look forward to it each year, and once again it was well worth (in this case) the drive (hopefully a ride next time on the Vulcan). Spencer and Salisbury are a great area of North Carolina, both very interesting cities. Nearby is High Rock Lake which is a beautiful lake to visit, and there are some great roads in the area. It was a wonderful day, and I am glad to show you some of the sights. Many more photos can be seen on my photo page, and there is a link to it on this page.

The Slip and the Bottom (April 24, 2010)

An overcast Saturday in Richmond, problems with the internet (went down Friday night, fixed by Comcast on Sunday morning...thanks to the tech who came by early) gave me the inspiration to get out and do a little exploring. Had a great time, and put more photos on my photo page besides these. Got into Richmond via the Midlothian Turnpike...just roll up that and it goes straight into Shockoe Bottom. This is the view of the bridge which crosses the James River going in; also from what I saw it was a very popular fishing spot. I like rolling to town via the Midlothian Turnpike, its an interesting drive that way.
Took this photo at Shockoe Slip. Like to get out and walk, and there are many interesting things to see there. Good places to get a bite to eat, some liquid refreshment (think the famous blogger of "Jack Goes Forth" works there someplace) and a lot of history to check out. I liked the cobblestone streets in the Shockoe Slip section (which adjoins Shockoe Bottom) and also the old buildings which are there. Seemed on Saturday to be a lot of tourists around town, as many people were getting help with directions. I myself (though have only been here for a year and a couple of months) was able to help a runner find Canal Street...made me feel good!

Richbrau was a local brew pub, which from what I read had been open for some 17 years. Unfortunately I never got the chance to check out its beers, as it closed earlier this year.
In addition to the Shockoe Bottom/Shockoe Slip walk, got out and wandered around the Capital grounds, and the downtown area near there. Actually rolled in the car as far as The Boulevard making a stop at Velocity Motorcycles (if you are into motorcycles, that is a great shop to visit) and down always impressive Monument Avenue before heading back to the apartment. Everytime I go into Richmond I see something new and interesting, its a fun town to explore and to this date I have yet to be bored with it.

One more in Charlotte (April 17, 2010)

Saturday morning took a motorcycle ride with my friend Steve; he fired up the Ultra Classic, and I took my trusty Vulcan and we tackled the mean streets of Charlotte, NC. Took this photo at left on Tryon Street in what is known as Uptown Charlotte for my second visit in as many visits to the Queen City. Always nice to wander around there though, and a lot to see and do in the town. It was a really nice morning for a ride, a little overcast, but warm and mostly sunny. I like riding around Charlotte on Saturday, like with Richmond, traffic is generally a whole lot lighter, and that is a fine thing when traveling by motorcycle.
Steve and I went to lunch at Mac's Speed Shop (again my second visit since my last visit) but he had never been there and it is damn fine BBQ! These tanks (storing something I suppose) are across from Mac's....find them interesting for sure, and thought they were worth a photo. South Blvd is an intersting part of the city, goes a long way (in fact all the way if you follow it into nearby South Carolina) and is a really good ride. We did not have time for all that, but enjoyed a fine lunch with some good people. A C-130 flight crew also was having lunch there, and that was pretty neat. Today was the start of the Kentucky Derby Festival with Thunder Over Louisville...did not get to see the air show, but did get to eat with an air crew!
Rolling back toward Uptown in this last photo. I think (not positive) that the pink building houses condos, have been a lot of them going up in Charlotte. A few posts back I have some more photos of Charlotte and where I had lunch (two weeks ago, its a fun place) but one of many in the city. Like exploring Charlotte, though today was a relatively short visit. I will be posting these and some other photos on my photo page (have a link to that) if you are interested.
Next weekend will be doing some exploring in downtown Richmond, seeing some old and hopefully some new favorite places there.