Virginia Beach-Jan 6-11, 2019

Being Sunday morning, traffic heading for Virginia Beach was light on I-64 east so I was able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the great Virginia scenery rolling by.  Been awhile since I’ve seen the morning sun throwing long shadows of tall trees along the highway.  Oh how I so much look forward to these travel days.

Seeing how it was a Sunday I decided to go right on through Richmond instead of taking the bypass like we normally have done.  Had it been a week-day with all it’s traffic madness I would have taken the bypass for sure.  Over the years we have gone right through Richmond both ways and never had any problems but if there is an easier way to avoid heavy traffic I much sensibly prefer that option.  Guess you could say my motto is that I prefer to travel ‘the roads less traveled’.  Why put yourself at the risk of a fender bender or worse if it’s not necessary.  It took me a lot of heavy traffic driving over the years to finally understand and accept that there are  smarter, safer, and better ways of doing things.

We arrived at our campsite around 2pm. It didn’t take too long to set-up. We then headed out to Hot Tuna, a restaurant that Denise had found on Yelp for an early dinner. The food was excellent. We stayed a while watching a NFL game with a glass of wine.

Monday, we got in a nice couple of miles walk at Mount Trashmore City park.  Mount Trashmore is an example of landfill reuse, as its creation consisted of the conversion of an abandoned landfill into a park. We then drove out to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Sandbridge area to get a glimpse of some migrating birds. But the weather was a chilly 42degF with a cold wind.  We made a couple of sightings and then quickly headed back to the warm truck.

Tuesday, was a much better day with the temperature in the middle 60’s and no wind.  We decided to hike First Landing State Park. We found a 2 mile trail that winds it way through Bald Cypress swamps. After the hike, we drove a few miles down the road to the actual First Landing Site and Cape Henry Lighthouse. Both of these are located on an active military base, Fort Story. Once we cleared security, a shuttle bus took us to the historical sites. We were able to get off and walk around within the constraints of the sites. 

First Landing

“Upon touching the shore of the New World on April 26, 1607 (13 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock) the first permanent English settlers from the London Company set up a cross on the newly named Cape Henry shore in gratitude to God and to affirm England’s claim to the site. These settlers later traveled up the James River to Jamestown.”

Cape Henry Lighthouse

“The original lighthouse (Brick) was the first authorized by the U.S. government, dating from 1792. It was also the first federal construction project under the Constitution, for an original contract amount of $15,200 (an additional $2,500 was required to finish the lighthouse). A second lighthouse (Steel) was built and completed in 1881 a short distance away after concern arose about the stability of the first.”

Wednesday, was totally awesome! Our granddaughter, Elllie Skye Ranger, came into this world. Us and Erika’s family packed the waiting room, we were over-joyed with emotion and shared a great family moment together. 

Thursday, we visited mom, dad, Ellie and Jace at the hospital. Then we took Jace out for lunch and visited the Children’s Museum in Portsmouth. I think Denise and I enjoyed the museum just as much as Jace. 

Friday, we hitched up the 5th wheel and left for home.  It was a chilly 30degF but the skies were clear.  It made for a nice drive as we traveled down 460 west. 

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Where did we stay?

We stayed at Holiday Trave-l-Park, Virginia Beach. My Review HERE(by Land Wanderer)