Airpower over Hampton Roads. (April 24, 2016)

Up early on a Sunday morning to go to Hampton, Va  for the Airpower Over Hampton  Roads Airshow. It was held at Langley Air Force base which I learned is the oldest military base in the state, and one of the oldest in the world. This was a celebration of its 100th year. The show had been rained out Friday and rain shortened on Saturday, but Sunday was a day with blue skies and that held from beginning to end. There was a lot to see and do with many vendors, displays of aircraft and some remarkable flying during the day.

Some planes there did not fly. This B1 did not take to the air, though that is how it got there. There was a lot of planes to look at, and all of them were really remarkable. Touring some of the bigger aircraft was also possible. Planes ranged from WWII aircraft to the most modern in the United States Air Force inventory.

The Budweiser Clydesdales pulled the wagon around the airfield as seen here in front of the United States Thunderbirds Aircraft. The Thunderbirds closed the show with a typically great performance. Watching them you are struck with the great skill of those pilots and the hard work that goes into their performance.

 Many things to see and experience. There were a number of aerobatic acts, the Golden Knights parachute team from the US Army. The Army also brought a helicopter as did the US Navy. The Navy also flew an F-18 Hornet from the nearby NAS Oceana which is in Virginia Beach, VA. There were no dead spots in the skies.
This is Shockwave, which is powered by three jet engines and this truck holds the speed record for Semi trucks. That record is 376 mph. A problem developed with the truck so we did not get to see its speed, but it sure was impressive to watch it belch fire.  

As I noted the Navy brought a F-18 seen here at left. Lots of great flying by what I think are the best pilots in the world. I also want to give a big shout out to all the military people who worked hard during the show to make it happen, and also could be seen both working and checking out the show as well. Langley is a big base and had a number of people who were off duty at the show. Everyone was real friendly and enjoyed talking to many of them while I was there. A big thank you to the Air Force for all they do for this country.

Many older aircraft flew including this P-51 Mustang (silver plane at bottom) and the F4U Corsair (blue plane at top). These two plane types flew in both WWII and the Korean War. In fact as was said during its solo flight the F4U actually flew during that conflict in combat. Many of the older planes survived because they did not, and were saved by that fact.
Enjoyed seeing the B-25 fly and a number of P-51's. In fact one of the planes I enjoyed seeing was a Mig-17 which was built in Russia and flew during the Korean War.    

I really enjoyed seeing the flight demo of the F-22 Raptor. It is a Fifth Generation Combat aircraft and may be the only one that can do all the things this plane can do.
I was amazed watching its performance which was nothing short of awe inspiring. While the Thunderbirds were remarkable this was a real highlight for me. Not only is the plane supersonic but it is also stealthy and is seen here in flight with its weapons bay open. It carries all its weapons internally and opens the doors as they are needed to keep down the radar profile. I can also tell ya, at full afterburner the Raptor roars.

Seen here is a group from top to bottom which consists of a P-51 Mustang from the WWII/Korean War period, the Air Forces (and also will be flown by the US Navy and the Marines) F-35. The F-35 flown by the Navy will have a tailhook and some other features, and the Marines version will take off and land vertically. The F-35 is the plane in the middle. The plane at the bottom is the F-22 Raptor.
It was a great day! After the Thunderbirds (jaw was hanging open too much to take photos) headed back to Richmond with a big smile on my face and a lot of pride in the men and women of the US military of all branches of the service who have in the past, do in the present, and will in the future protect this nation.

Maymont: 90th Anniversary (April 16, 2016)

 Normally would have put this on my motorcycle page...though really was not a motorcycle ride. It is a just a few miles to these parks from my house, and only takes a few minutes. Byrd Park (which is where I took this photo) and Maymont are right on the other side of the Nickle (which is actually now 35 cents) Bridge. One thing I like about Richmond is the amazing parks in this area (or in Virginia for that matter). In fact the day before I did take a huge ride to Jamestown and Yorktown, but this was in total due to a little ride after a 17 mile ride. I had cleaned up the motorcycle earlier and just took it to get to this.  

Good thing as parking was slim...Maymont was packed. Some 90 years ago the Dooley family donated the house and the lands to the City of Richmond, and they have maintained it ever since. The day was filled with a number of events including period music, period clothing, tours of the mansion which is really something to see, and of course a car show with period cars. I really got to see some amazing vehicles. As all were from the 20's and 30s it was not your typical car show.

 As I said, there was quite a crowd, and this is just a small sample. I saw some Revolutionary War "National Treasures" at Yorktown Battlefield, and certainly some more at 400 year old Jamestown but Maymont if not a National Treasure is certainly a Richmond Treasure and is one of the most popular places in the city to visit. When friends come to see Richmond, this is either at the top of the list or not far below. Just a remarkable place.

One thing they had a lot of was horses and carriages. I saw quite a few of them, but this one just really captured my attention. You can see part of a bigger one with a full size horse just out of view, off to the left.
This was one of those shot in the dark things, but sure glad I went to this. Of course I cannot name a time that I have not been glad I went to Maymont. In addition to events such as this they have a zoo, Japanese Gardens, Italian Gardens, a great carriage collection, some amazing old buildings, the house, and just some remarkable grounds. It has been featured many times on this page and I can surely say that if you are in Richmond for a visit make sure to add Maymont to your list of must see places. You will find it at least very worthwhile if not amazing.    

Opening Night at The Diamond (April 14, 2016)

 So....after work on Thursday night decided to go to Opening Day at The Diamond to see the Richmond Flying Squirrels take on the Altoona Curve. Both are Double AA teams and it was a neat thing to do. I have never been to an Opening Night anything...so this was pretty neat. Not to mention that though I have been in Richmond now for a number of years I had not seen a game at The Diamond. Throwing out the opening pitch was none other than Jerome Bettis which I thought was pretty cool. This is the man himself shortly after the throw which he got over the plate.

 There was a good crowd for the game. General Admission was $9 being the day of the game ($8 normally but it was an on the fly decision to go) and parking was up to $5 from last years $3. It was a lot of fun being there, Vendors brought beer and food with the usual exchange (you give them money and they would give you beer and food) and there was a lot of entertainment and giveaways during the game. Was a fun bunch of people, Virginia always seems to be a really good time and this game was no exception to what I have found to be the case.      

As for the game it was pretty good. It was a cool night, think at the end it was around 51 degrees but we all had coats (well most of us, there were some hardy souls running around in t-shirts and shorts).
Richmond won the game 2-1 which is good. After the game there were fireworks which I did not stay for...after a day of hard work at my job this was a push even going. However I was certainly glad I did and sure plan to do this again in the very near future. It is not an expensive night out and is most certainly a fun one indeed!

Sailor's Creek Battlefield/Farmville (March 26, 2016)

 Posted some photos of my Racing with the Wind Page, but here are more from the motorcycle ride on March 26. This is from the Sailor's Creek Battlefield, where the remains of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia . During the actions here from April 3-6, 1865 Lee lost a full quarter of his army.Three days later the end came at Appomattox Court House.
Very well preserved battlefield and I can highlt recommend the Visitor Center which has a lot of interesting items from the battle on display. This was the first time I had been here, and was very glad I made the stop to see it.  

Farmville as I noted is an old town...dating to the 1700's. Lots of neat shops, restaurants and stores. It is also the home of Longwood University and that is a fun to explore school...though I did not have time to do that this trip. Spent an hour in Farmville. I was under cloudy skies and expected the rains to fall any second. However, the entire ride got through it bone dry.
The ride to Farmville from Richmond is some 70 miles through some really nice countryside and I really enjoyed that. Though went mainly for the ride (which I had made before with the exception of the battlefield) saw some new and very nice things, and was a very fun day.  

From the History Ride (March 17, 2016)

Again, this is the Thursday motorcycle ride. Yesterday went to The Blue Ridge Parkway this time a little closer to home. This photo was taken at City Point which is now part of the city of Hopewell, VA.
This was an old plantation when the Union Army set up shop and turned it into one of the great seaports of the world (in its day) during the Civil War. There is a lot to see there, including fortifications, period buildings and preserved by historians of the day the cabin used by General US Grant. There is also a very nice National Cemetery nearby...saw that for the first time this trip.  

Stopped in Old Town Petersburg, which like City Point has a long history. Lots of very interesting buildings, cobblestone streets and good places to eat.
Not a foodie by any means but did enjoy the lunch I had at The Brickhouse Run in Old Town Petersburg. Good food and very nice people and I had a very good time there.
Spent some time wandering around the area, if you like history this is a very good place to go to. Though I did not go today I have in the past had a great time at the Petersburg National Battlefield which is nearby. Exploring Petersburg takes a lot of trips for there is a lot there to see.    

Finally made a stop at Drewry's Bluff which was the sight of a major battle. Here in 1862 the Confederate Fort here repelled a Union fleet coming down the James River to shell Richmond, VA. The earthworks remain (the wood and other parts are long gone) but in the day it was a major fortification. Union ships never attempted shell Richmond from the river again. The USS Monitor also took part in the battle.
I am not sure if that is a gun used in the battle, but it is a period piece. That is yours truly sitting by the cannon. As was the case yesterday had a very enjoyable day on the motorcycle. More photos can be found on my Racing with the Wind blog page. Thanks for visiting my page!

From the Motorcycle Ride (March 16, 2016)

 Great time on a wonderful day to ride to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a good ride and I have a few more photos on my "Racing with the Wind" page, but these are some different ones.
This was the site of an old farm, not the original buildings but they are not replicas either but rather of the period. Big building is a barn and the smaller building to its right is a "Bear proof pigpen".
Being early March the Visitor Center was closed but the farm was still open and I enjoyed exploring it and seeing what life was like back in the day!

 Course the wonder of the Parkway is the amazing views. Sure not the color of fall, but nice to see the mountains again. It was an 80 degree day and best of all was the fact that only a few cars and motorcycles were there. I pretty much had the mountains to myself...though did get to enjoy it with the handful of people there.
The road goes way far...close to 500 miles if you want to ride the whole thing, and it runs into North Carolina. It was in that state that I first discovered the joy of riding the Parkway. Glad to say the Virginia section of it is also remarkable. I do hope one day to ride the whole thing, as there are still many sections I have not seen in both states.  

Made a stop and wandered around after taking to the roads again to the University of Virginia. A beautiful school (and had been there before in a previous visit). This is the Rotunda which was designed by Thomas Jefferson and is undergoing repairs (which is a good idea considering it is almost as old as the US itself).
The school is well worth a visit, as the campus is old and just amazing to check out. Following my visit I wandered around a bit more on the motorcycle finally deciding to stop and get a little lunch before riding back to Richmond.

Had lunch at the Downtown Mall, and some of the thing I like are the non chain restaurants to be found there, and the fact that there is a lot of seating outside. Being a college town the fact that prices are not too high is also a big plus.
After the lunch and a bit of exploring (saw that the Drive by Truckers were playing at the Jefferson there that very night...wish I had known that earlier) headed back toward Richmond.
From Richmond, The Blue Ridge Parkway is right at 100 miles, so it was a long ride there and back.  I rode the parkway a bit and of course put a few miles on the bike wandering around Charlottesville which is right on the highway (in my case) on the way back.
80 degrees though on what was the warmest day of the year so far...even made a little night ride after a break around Richmond. Just a wonderful day of exploring some old and new favorites in the area of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

New Sights in Richmond (March 12, 2016)

 Cool thing to do on a cloudy Saturday in Richmond, was that some various sights in Richmond offered free admission to some of their attractions. Though I had been by the Confederate White House a number of times, got to tour it for the first time since I have been here. I was very impressed...while much of the house has been remade, there were quite a few items which were in the house during the Civil War. Tour guide was very good, and really brought the history of the place alive. The Civil War was a dark period in our nations history but is a big part of living here due to this being the capital of the rebel states.
I also toured this house below, which was the home of     Supreme Court Justice John Marshall. Once again, many of the items inside there were in the house during the period he lived there. A very important Chief Justice (I believe he was the 4th in the history of the Nation) he also served the longest. Many places in Richmond are named for the man, and he had a great influence on the laws of this country. He is also buried in Richmond.

Final stop unlike the other two was a place I have been before. The Poe Museum has a number of items in the life of the noted author who did live in Richmond for a time. He however did NOT live in the house where the museum is which also happens to be the oldest surviving house in Richmond. His mother is buried not far from this museum in another historic Richmond place (St. John's Church where Patrick Henry gave his "Give me Liberty, or Give me Death" speech) .
In addition to these I also made an earlier visit to Maymont on what was a full day (have been to Maymont many times before). This day was the start of what turned out to be a very fine and fun weekend in Richmond, and the last weekend of Winter.