Kelly Trips and Tours

That's a wierd title. We know what a river-bridge is. When cruising the Blue Danube a couple years ago, at one point we sailed on a bridge with a highway running under us. It was strange to look down and see cars passing under us while we cruised along in our Viking River Cruise Ship. But a bridge-tunnel? What's that? Today was free day - that is we decided we'd decide this morning. We thought about going to Kitty Hawk, N.C. but decided we didn't want a 2 1/2 hour drive each way. We thought about going to Virginia Beach and then we saw Cape Charles on the most eastern shore of Virginia on the map and did some research. Decision made. Cape Charles is a small town and our decision came down to distance and a unique experience. To reach this small town meant we'd be crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel. The continuous portion of this connector is 17.6-mile on a fixed link crossing the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The roadway is an elevated bridge that is obvio...

This morning we bundled up (the temperature was in the high 30s) and headed out to Jamestown - a town that was settled in 1607, long before the pilgrims arrived in Plymouth in 1620.  We arrived in time to join a guided tour of the old town. We learned that archeologists have made many significant discoveries there in the last 10 years which have changed what historians have previously believed. Our guide explained how the people lived and died - many died of starvation and disease. In fact, 70 of the first 100 settlers died in the first 3 years. He showed us where important buildings have been excavated and we spent a long time in the outline of the first church which had 4 graves in the nave of the church. The bodies were removed a couple years ago and taken to the Smithsonian for study but will be returned in a few years to be reburied.  He explained the politics of religion as it impacted the leadership of Jamestown.   We also learned about the conflict ...

After our hearty breakfast of Cherrios and peanut butter toast, we headed to Colonial Williamsburg, Day 2. The Weather Channel was right when it told us last week that it would rain on Wednesday morning, but we decided to push on with our plans anyway. Our first stop was the County Courthouse for a re-enactment trial. The trial was to start at 11am. Audiance participation is a must as each of us will play a part...defendant, jury, etc. But, due to rain, the audience never showed up so we were dismissed from court! That is, court had to be cancelled since we were the only visitors this morning, but not before having an opportunity to discuss the court processes in the 1700's. Proclamation dismissing us from court! We visited the magazine where weapons from the 1700's reside as well as muskets still in use today. We also stopped in the leather shop where an artisan was creating a leather cartridge holder. Third weapon from the bottom is from 1690. ...

Sunny but 26 degrees this morning...burrrrrrr. It was great to finally sleep in and relax before heading out to Colonial Williamsburg. To all of you: Although the temperature reached 51 degrees by 2 pm, it was still chilly. As always, Karen was very thoughtful this morning leaving Bill a nice Valentine's card. We enjoyed strolling main street and visiting several shops. We learned that in colonial times chocolate bars had not been invented. Instead, it was served heated in liquid form in a thimble size cup. Of course we had some in two stores and it was rich and yummy! Since Bill did not even think to get a card, Karen made sure he won't forget the next time! Next stop was the Silversmith shop. So being a wise old man, Bill bought Karen a pair of beautiful earrings to celerbrate this special occasion. He planned this all along! After a nice lunch at the Blue Talon Bistro, we continued our tour of the Governor's Palace. First stop, the kitchen. ...

This morning we woke up nice and early to the sounds of the wind in the trees.  The plan was to get an early start on our four hour drive in order to get to Tom and SueAnn Summers' place by lunchtime.  It was a very cold and clear day as we started out.  Dudley Dooright took us along some peaceful country roads through some beautiful Virginia countryside and then after a while we joined the interstate as we entered North Carolina. After a nice and uneventful drive we arrived at Tom and SueAnn's cute house nestled among the pine trees in Whispering Pines. It was so nice to get long hugs from old friends. We got to see their beautiful home and chat for a while before they took us on a tour of their new home area.  We saw the charming town of Pinehurst, their lovely colonial style church and then drove over to the clubhouse at Pinehurst Country Club. Bill just had to give Payne Stewart a fist pump! We enjoyed a very yummy lunch at the Duese Clubhouse a...

Not only is this timeshare well appointed, our room faces the golf course!  No golf on this trip even though it was 78 degrees today. Karen in front of our building, the Patrick Henry, and a view of our bedroom and the 2nd bedroom. Both are very nice. Todays adventure took us to Natural Bridge State Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In 1750 George Washington surveyed this gorge carved away by Cedar Creek for Lord Fairfax.  On July 5, 1774 Jefferson bought Natural Bridge and the surrounding 157 acres for a whopping $2.40 from King George III. What a steal! The bridge is 255 feet high, 40 feet thick and 100 feet wide. In fact, Natural Bridge is 55 feet higher than Niagara Falls.  Look closely and you'll see a couple coming towards us. When Washington completed his survey, he carved his initials 25 feet above the river. We enjoyed walking along Cedar Creek until we reached Lace Falls and bac...