40th Anniversary – Virginia and North Carolina
DAY 02 – Meeting up with Spencer, Lauren, and Owen
Beth and I decided to take a trip to the Hampton Roads VA area (where we were married in 1985) and the Outer Banks of North Carolina (where we went on our short honeymoon). This is our 40th Anniversary, and we thought it would be fun to meet Spencer, Lauren, and Owen there to watch the big Air Show at Langley Air Force Base, which was our first assignment.
Today, Spencer, Lauren, and Owen will be joining us in Williamsburg in preparation for the big Air Show at nearby Langley Air Force Base tomorrow. Our meeting spot is a favorite old restaurant of ours – Pierce’s BBQ. It’s a family-owned favorite of the locals for over 50 years.
We beat the lunch crowd by about 15-20 minutes. Soon, the place was packed.
We met Spencer, Lauren, and Owen and ordered up a great meal!
Since they couldn’t check in to the hotel until 4pm, we decided to enjoy the nice day and walk around Williamsburg.
Let’s go explore Williamsburg!
There are many beautiful gardens around Williamsburg.
One of many nice old houses with large flower gardens.
Many of the streets are blocked off to traffic, making walking around much easier.
When I was in the Air Force Band at nearby Langley AFB, we performed at the old Bruton Parish Church in Colonial Williamsburg each Christmas. It was a memorable experience to perform there, and the sanctuary was filled every year. Unfortunately, the church was closed when we visited, so we could not go inside.
There were many old shops open for visitors.
Owen got to meet Thomas Jefferson, apparently making notes on the Declaration of Independence.
Owen got to spend time in the pillory. This one has a long history – read on…….
Beth and I tried our hands at the pillory, but found they have nailed the head openings shut. Now, compare this photo with the next one.
Yes, that’s Beth and I in the same pillory 40 years ago – Feb 1985.
Lots of walking today! Owen was a trooper and covered a lot of territory. His finger was in a splint for a boo-boo a few weeks ago.
Owen enjoyed the gardens, too!
After all of that walking, it was time to cool off with some ice cream. Yummy!
After our visit of Williamsburg, we decided to head over to nearby Fort Eustis to see their Army Transportation Museum.
Owen loves anything related to airplanes and cars, so this seemed like a place he would enjoy. We were right!
Starting back in colonial times, the Army always had to have supplies. It all started with horses and buggies.
Moving into the 20th Century, logistics and supply lines became more specialized. (Note the railroad wheels)
Not all military planes are large. (See next photo for notes)
Notes on the plane in the previous photo.
Owen and Grandma Beth checking out one of the helicopters outside.
One of the cooler exhibits! (See next photo for notes)
Notes on the 1959 Hovercraft shown the previous photo. I want one!
Early attempt at military robotics. Cybernetic Walker. (See next photo for notes)
Notes from previous photo.
More big trucks. I think Owen wanted to get in and drive them! Beep Beep – Coming Through!
Enough walking for one day! Soon, we were back in the room enjoying pizza and a good book.
Playing our “feet cymbals” along with the Blue Danube Waltz.
Soon, it was bedtime. Tomorrow is a big day with the air show, so we want to be plenty rested. See you tomorrow.
Proceed to DAY 03