With the ultimate goal of being in Pasadena, California for New Years Eve (the same for the last 2 years), we began our trip at 9 a.m. on a chilly Tuesday morning, Nov. 22.
This is the third year of our winter tours of our nation.
And, this year we got an EZ pass to make passing through the tolls quicker and easier. The EZ pass is on the windshield by the rearview mirror and is electronically read as we pass through the toll booths. It, the EZ pass, works as advertised!
We usually stop on the New Jersey Turnpike to fill up on gas as it is generally cheaper. This trip was no exception — $3.59 at home and $3.19 in Maryland. Interestingly, we have found two states do not permit self-pumping: New Jersey and Oregon.
Our first stop was at James’ son in Falls Church, Virginia, outside Washington, DC. This is a trip we are quite familiar with and it is a stay we relish — not only staying in touch with family, but also because it gives us the ability to frequently tour our nation’s capital.
This stop on our trip is special as we’ll have Thanksgiving with two thirds of James’ family. Thanksgiving is indeed a holiday for all Americans. On Friday, the so-called Black Friday, it is almost obligatory to go out to the retail shops and box stores to join the frenzy of shoppers (not one of Joan’s favorite things to do) trying to take advantage of the holiday savings.
James loves to shop on this very special day, kicking off the holiday season.
In the past we have explored the Smithsonian and monuments in the capital. One of the newest memorials is the World War II — Women in Military Service for America Memorial.
Located right outside of the Arlington National Cemetery, the memorial tells the history of women in service to their country. One feature of the memorial is the log of women that anyone can access using computers. Type in a name, and you can get the military history and picture from your search.
It was really exciting to see Joan’s aunt’s picture and military history.
We should mention that driving in the metroplex of our nation’s capital is markedly different from tooling around Litchfield County. I encourage anyone visiting the Washington area to check out downtown Alexandria. It has a feel of a unique sort of charm and invitation for all visitors. Thankfully, there is Mapquest to navigate along with Joan. In this area for most of us from small towns in Connecticut, having a navigator in the passenger is seat not a luxury, but, we feel, a necessity. As senior citizens, several years ago we obtained a National Park pass at a cost of $10 each. This entitles us to enter national parks and forests at a reduced rate — and sometimes for free. Since the pass is good for a life time it is truly a bargain.
We went to Great Falls National Park in McLean, Virginia, and only 15 miles from Washington (with our park pass it was free) which give a look at the Potomac River before it gets to Washington. The river is fast moving with rocks and gorges, which can be very dangerous for those who foolishly decide to climb past the fences.
On the last Sunday of each month, there is a Tea Dance held in the Spanish Ballroom, (listed on the National Register of HIstoric Places) Glen Echo Park in Maryland. The Spanish Ballroom is a 1933 restored Art Deco building. Music is provided by the Hot Society Orchestra from Washington, DC.
The music is reminiscent of the 1940s and great for dancing. Walking back to the parking lot, we passed a historic carousel and made our way through a series of "Yurts" with artisans displaying their talents in this unique park.
One of the problems we have encountered on our trips is that since we travel in a small RV van, we don’t have a shower. In past years we stopped at a motel a few times a week so we could do our laundry and take showers, but this can be expensive.
This year we joined Planet Fitness in Torrington, and can now go to any Planet Fitness gym in the country. This should help out in three ways. We can shake out the cramps of sittiing for miles, keep up our exercise program, and shower!
Tomorrow we will say goodbye to James’ family. They will go off to work and school, and we will continue south on our journey to Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Fredericksburg is the site of major Civil War battles. We took the walking tour of the battle site of several engagements. James saluted the Union Memorial to honor the bravery and sacrifice Union soldiers made to save the country we have and enjoy today. We have included a picture of a tombstone for a Connecticut soldier who died in one of the battles. He, Union Soldier Charles Miller, along with all soldiers who lie with him — some identified only by a number — deserve eternal honor for their sacrifice.
From Richmond, the State Capital of Virginia
James and Joan. the American Vagabonds
You can e-mail James and Joan at american_vagabonds@yahoo.com. Follow them online at www.registercitizen.com's home page, then click on the blog link. Stay tuned for the next post!
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