As we were getting together for breakfast, Ken and I drove up to the leaders campsite, too far for Ken to walk, we saw a black bear. He walked up the hill but kept watching us, after the thought, he probably had a cub up a tree nearby. He did disappear, and we didn't see it again, another couple said they saw a bear with cub earlier. They had cooked oatmeal with ice cream for breakfast and different toppings, tasty. The leaders and three others left for the next stop, we got hooked up and pulled out heading north on the Blue Ridge Parkway. While traveling we saw another bear, deer and a grouse.
While driving today, we had stopped at an old canal across the James River. They have a walkway under the road bridge, I walked across the walkway and over to the old canal, it was operated by hand, to close and open the gates to let water in and out.
Swallow condominiums under the bridge
After arriving, we had a pizza party, made by the brewery nearby, really good, made with different beers. We like thicker crust, but it was still good. We also had ice cream cake for dessert. And we all wonder how we put weight on while traveling on caravans.
Thursday, June 19
We all went to Monticello this morning to tour Thomas Jefferson's house. Jefferson designed every aspect of Monticello, an icon of architecture and a world heritage site, constructing and modifying its buildings and the landscape over a period of 40 years. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), theorist of the American Revolution, drafted the Declaration of Independence. The ideals of the Declaration-that "all men are created equal" and have a right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"- established the foundations of self-government and individual freedom in America. Notable achievements of Jefferson's presidency included the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In retirement, he founded and designed the University of Virginia.
Front of house
Back of house
Kitchen that the slaves used to cook Jeffersons meals
After the tour, Ken and I walked around a little and then left, stopped and ate some lunch and then into town for fuel, $3.699 for diesel. We went back to camp and rested the rest of the day, too hot. They did have leftover ice cream from the night before, so we got together and had some, ate and talked before going back for the night.
Friday, June 20
Today was a free day, I did some laundry and Ken sat most of the day talking to some of the guys, resting his foot. His toe is still oozing and I'm not too sure that it hasn't split more.
Had our finally banquet tonight at Blue Mountain Brewery, had a great time traveling with this group of people, made more friends. We had a professor of music on our caravan and played a song with a sewer hose after dinner.
Hopefully we meet some again sometime.
Saturday, June 21
We are leaving this morning to head home and will be home sometime this afternoon, about 240 miles. For now farewell until we travel again.
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