Mount Vernon, Virginia

Home of George and Martha Washington and all his slaves, we're back into Virginia to Mount Vernon, situated on the banks of the Potomac between DC and Chesapeake Bay. The two of them (and the slaves) are buried here.

Virginia Beach, VA

To this dude, spotted dog is a delicacy, so don't move a muscle. He's called Neptune and hangs out on the front in Virginia Beach at 31st Street.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Nettsie and me got into trouble in Colonial Williamsburg for not ordering grits, so they threw us in the stocks. (Actually I could have hopped out quite easily but decided to tell jokes to Nettsie to lessen her anxiety)

Jamestown, Virginia

So this is where it all began, the English colonisation of America. Four hundred years ago, after a long sea journey, the survivors landed near Virginia Beach, found it a bit gaudy and decided to move into Chesapeake Bay to this point up the James River, where they proceeded to starve to death. With the help of the native Americans, including my friend Pocahontas (above), a few survived and the rest is geography.

Appomattox Court House, Virginia

Heading across Virginia now and we stopped off at Appomattox Court House where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, effectively bringing about the end of the Civil War. Quite a serene spot. Seems incongruous it played such a pivotal part of US history.

Lazy Days Winery, Virginia

Speaking of wine (see previous posts) we visited this winery in Virginia. Apologies for my appearance. I wasn't driving.

Monticello, Virginia

This is Monticello, the hilltop home of the aforementioned Tommy Jefferson, one of the founding fathers, key author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the United States. More importantly, he produced a pretty good wine too.

Skyline Drive, Virginia

Skyline Drive is a scenic route in Virginia along 100 odd miles of the Appalachian Mountains with great views on either side. However, it must be said, after 40 odd miles you more or less see mainly the same views and you start to tire of it. Better to cross the Shenandoah Valley into West Virginia where you get basically the same views for free.

These bottom two photos are actually taken in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, while we were on the trail of the lonesome pine. The Blue Ridge route is actually a free continuation of the Skyline Drive.

The Potomac River, Virginia

May 2016 and here I am on the banks of the Potomac River on the Arlington Memorial Bridge, which links Arlington Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial, which can be seen on the other side of the bridge. Note the Washington Memorial just above my head. God bless 'Merica.