A little trip - part 3

Monday morning (August 2) we left the airbnb in Paducah, Kentucky. Because our iphone told us that it would be nearly an 11 hours drive without even stopping we decided to do it in two days and go through West Virginia.

We took our time packing up and even swung by our old house in Reidland. It looked much different which of course is ok. Oh the memories! This is the second house James and I had designed ourselves and had it built. It was very practical and cute. And it had a pool. We had 9 great years there.

The Bluegrass Parkway! More memories. We both had to drive it often. And mostly in the mornings towards the east with the raising sun blinding the driver and in the evening being blinded by the sun going down ... diocese meetings or girl scout meetings in Louisville. 

We found a rest stop along the highway for the picnic lunch.

James had booked a room in a hotel in Huntington, West Virginia. After sitting in the car we were eager for a walk. The hotel was downtown and close to the Ohio River (the same as in Paducah). We had been hoping to find a restaurant for dinner at the river with a nice view. No such thing. Too bad. But we had a nice walk anyway.

We had to settle for a restaurant on a main street. Luckily there was not much traffic, the weather was nice, lots of people were walking about and we could sit outside. It is always nice to watch 'the world go by'.

We splurged. We started with a potato skin appetizer. Yummy.

And if that was not enough calories more potato, salmon and ribs (something like pick two and sides). it was so good.

James had the 'Famulous Fish & Chips'. James likes his fish only the British way: battered. We had a long discussion with the server why the menu said 'hand battered in ... breading' and the fish was called sway. He decided to give it a chance and it was very nice.

We were on our way Tuesday early. Before 9 am we drove through Charleston. You could not miss that golden dome. Surely that must be the state capitol building.

This long and narrow valley was very interesting. No idea how many times with crossed the Kanawha River from one side to the other. 

When we reached the Virginia Welcome Center near Covington we decided it must be the prettiest one in the State. Zinnias had been seeded everywhere and were a feast for the eye. Butterflies and bees were buzzing around. 

Couldn't help but had to watch this white caterpillar chomp on the flower. You could see his (or her) tiny mouth chew away.

Well, we didn't stop too long. Just to do the 'you know what' and stretch our legs. Soon we continued. When we were on the familiar (from trips to and from Nashville) stretch of I-81 we were nearing lunch time. We decided we could stop at that Blue Mountain Brewery which we visited when we went with William on the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail. 

Guess which beer James ordered?

Yup, the Full Nelson!

James had the Reuben which I had last time and enjoyed so much. This time I ordered the Bratwurst. I was a bit disappointed with it but that is ok. I like trying different things.

So, back home now for a week already. And in the full swing of things. The trip was a full success. So happy that we did it. We hope that it will not be so long before we see Helen and William again. 

William visit Day 12

Thursday

Time is going fast and we realized that today might be our last chance to do the tunnel walk. 

William's cousins did the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail and had a great time. This was on his list to do when in Virginia. So he skipped VBS today and also did not need to be woken up since we had better control of the time. After breakfast we headed out. The drive took 1 hr 15 min and was easy. 

And off we went.

The stretch from the parking lot to the West Portal is a wide trail made of crushed stone and has several short, steep ups and downs (so it says on the internet) but one is quite a long down and I was not looking forward so much to the return.

We had prepared by buying headlights from Harbour Freight to the tune of $2.98 each, including batteries ha-ha. They were really brilliant. We put them on when we were in front of the tunnel entry. My arm is just not long enough for a proper selfie. 

A friendly young man took this photo for us. James had printed out something from the link which I had shared above. It is all very interesting. I find the history of it (completed in 1858) very impressive. Interesting titbits are also posted on mailmarkers along the way.

Towards the end I kept hearing rushing water ... and there was a waterfall.

The East Portal. 

And then the whole way back again. But it is not boring. Somehow it feels different. The photos look 'empty' but there were surprisingly many people walking since it was quite hot but cool inside the tunnel.

No more photos inside the tunnel. After that the way back UP to the parking lot.

Sarah had recommended to us the Blue Mountain Brewery. Great suggestion. We loved it. The food was outstanding. The server was so friendly. Would go back any time. 

William surprised us when we were leaving. He knew what this was and what you do with it.

Whow, how would he know hops?

Well, not the first time the kid surprises us.

Another 1 hr 15 minutes drive to go home. After a short rest Papa took William to the library. He found two books he liked and burried himself in one of them. But he also wanted to play a game of Five Crowns. Dang, he won against me.

Half a year already gone and one day

I better hurry to do one more blog now before life gets even busier. 

Last Saturday I suddenly thought I really would like to go to a farmers' market. Before the pandemic we would meet Sarah and family sometimes at the South of the James Market. Recently that one has relocated to our side of the river in Bryan Park. James and I had visited there in spring and liked it. 

We were the first to arrive and were lucky with the parking. Actually I think the parking is better than at the former place. James found a shady spot to wait for the others.

Ah, the hugs we got when they arrived. There was plenty to see ... but no "Mrs. Yoder's Donuts". Nooooo!

The boys were disappointed. Maybe some adults too? Mrs. Yoder always was at the other place. And the boys remembered. 

But shaved iced was a pretty good treat too. It made the lips and tongue blue or purple. I don't remember the flavors (or color?) the boys wanted. 

Ha-ha, see Omi had one too and photo-bombed? (the outstretched arm from the right with the dragon blood flavor) Most of these photos are from Sarah. 

Sarah and I were very fascinated with this woodworker's stand. He was very nice and let us take a photo for Uncle David in England.

Sarah pointed out the clock on the wall. The plaques with the flasks for flowers were not bad either.

Monday morning early we had to leave before 8 am. I had just driven out of the garage and closed it when I spotted the turtle. OMG, that door could have easily crashed her (or him?) It came from the flower bed on the left.

James jumped out of the car to take a photo. The turtle decided to go back where it had come from. I love that photo and James' shadow.

We had promised Sarah we would be at her house early because she had to leave for work. We were bringing the twins to a nature camp at Rockwood Park starting at 9:30am. Caleb was picked up a little earlier for a different camp at a different place by a friend and his mother.

James and I had 2 hours after the drop-off which was not enough to go anywhere (or home) but we were very happy for the opportunity for a little hike. We found a trail map which was helpful because there were many trails winding and criss-crossing. Of course we needed to be back in time.

It was a hot day. Of course, it is summer in Virginia. But it was lovely in the shady woods. I was fascinated by the pattern on the ground. I was not quite able to master a good photo.

Yes, yes, looks like nothing. But look at the next photo. Does that not look like a mini orchid?

So far it was a busy week. Monday all day with the children, Tuesday and Wednesday church work. I met the new administrative assistant and showed/told her what I have done in those two months (since the former secretary left) ... and what not. I am very happy and impressed! Yesterday I also finished The Cloak (our monthly church newsletter) and emailed it to everybody. I uploaded it first to the church website so I only had to email the link which is a much easier process. Here is the link for 2021-07.

Today James and I had to do some very early shopping to beat the crowd at Costco. And we even did our daily walk before that. I had a hair cut appointment at 10 am. A good day. Somehow I felt like celebrating. I always do when something major is finished. We decided to go out for lunch. James made reservations at "Lola's Farmhouse Bistro". It had been recomended by our friend Julie. 

The staff was very friendly. Inside or out? Even though it was a very hot day, it was lovely under the very tall (massive) trees and some umbrellas. 

We ordered and while we waited we had visitors. This is Henry. When he lay down on the concret he looked flat as a pancake.

And this is Sophie with the reputation to like french fries or whatever. 

The menu had a very good selection for good lunch prices. James' first choice would have been the Portabella Mushroom Sandwich but since we had lots of portabellas in the fridge he had the Steak Sandwich which he enjoyed very much. I selected Lola's French Dip with salad. Oh was it good but quite messy to eat. Worth it.  

We have not "cleaned up" our plates like that in a long time. That says something. 

I had been told about "Lola's Farmhouse Bistro" by our friend Julie. Actually she has a personally story about it when it was the Fox Head Inn. I mentioned to a server that it was a pitty that there was nothing about the history on the website and she found a flyer for me. I love HISTORY. We will go there again for sure. It is charming and the food was delicious.

A nice (hot) day today and now it is thundering. Tomorrow we will drive to Abingdon Virginia and spend the night. We are a bit disappointed that we could not get a room in the Martha Washington Inn. We had been there before. On Saturday we will meet Helen and William from Nashville in Bristol and take William with us for (what he calls) Omi Camp for 3 weeks. We are very much looking forward to it. 

I hope William will help me with blogs because his Mom and Dad surely would like to know about his days here.

We will try to give him (and us) a marvelous time.