We finally slipped away around 10 a.m. and headed up I-64. As we approached the Hampton Roads tunnel we could see the tall ships leaving Norfolk. They had been in town for Op Sail 2012 and made quite a display leaving port. Unfortunately just as Pam was ready to take a picture we entered the tunnel.
A short time later we were approaching Williamsburg and made the decision to swing off the interstate for lunch. Pam picked out a restaurant in the historic district and plugged it into the GPS. We got close. If you've been to Williamsburg before you know that the streets are closed to automobile traffic in the historic area. After circling listening to the GPS voice say recalculating we found a spot on a side street only a couple of blocks from our destination. We took a few pictures while walking around.
Our brief stop didn't allow us enough time to even scratch the surface of all the sights to see in Colonial Williamsburg. Maybe on the way back?
Once back on I-64 the traffic was light and we passed by Richmond without delay. Just down the road another historic place went untouched by us. Monticello. Thomas Jefferson's home which sits a few miles south of Charlottesville, Va. By now we were getting into the Appalachian's and the scenery just kept getting better.
Before long Pam spotted a sign for a Pilot Truck Stop. Home of her favorite road trip coffee. We just had to make a stop! (Actually I think she likes all the help she gets from the truckers!)
A little while later we crossed into West Virginia near White Sulphur Springs.
After a brief stop at the welcome center we pushed on through the Allegheny Mtns. to Beckley, WVa. where we found a room for the night.
Interestingly, right next to the hotel was a Head Shop that reportedly sold synthetic marijuana. Unfortunately Pam wouldn't let me out of her sights during our entire stay.
6/13/12 Wednesday Back on the road I-64 joined I-77 and became the West Virginia Turnpike. In my bus driving days this was a 2 lane toll road with an occasional passing lane. Not fast but scenic.
At the separation of the two interstates is Charleston, the capital of the state which lies on the banks of the Kanawha River. Again not much traffic as we passed through.
On to Huntington where we made the decision to leave the interstate system and follow the Ohio River on U.S. 52 into Cincinnati. A quick spurt across the tip of Kentucky and over a bridge and we were in Ohio.
Hwy. 52 winds along the Ohio reminding us of the roads back home along the Mississippi. Small farms. Old barns. Towns that time has forgotten, and beautiful vistas of the river.
We stopped in Manchester for a closer look at the river.
We made another stop near Chilo at the Meldahl Lock & Dam.
A few miles beyond the lock is the town of Pointe Pleasant, Ohio. The birthplace of General Grant. Of course we had to stop. Particularly since we come from Galena, Il. where Grant lived before the Civil War and where a house was built for him to return to after the war.
His birth house was a 1 room house not far from the banks of the Ohio that his parents rented for 50 cents a month.
On to Cincinnati where our destination was Pirates' Cove (www.piratescovecincy.com). A great waterside bar/restaurant owned by our friends Rick and Sarah from M/V Private Affair. We spent the evening visiting and enjoying the live music which they have 7 days a week. The place was hopping which kept Rick & Sarah hopping as well. We closed the place up before retiring to their condo for the night.
Thanks for the hospitality!
6/14/12 Thursday Our last travel day and a good one it was! After saying good bye to Rick & Sarah we made our way through Cincinnati passing the stadiums before leaving town.
Not finding a Pilot for coffee we stopped at a Dunkin Donuts just outside of town. The coffee was good but I thought I lost Pam when a rather large man showing more crack than the Grand Canyon bent over in front of her nearly sending her into the shelves full of snacks. Crisis averted we escaped with our lives and continued heading west.
Not far beyond our stop we entered Indiana and on to Indianapolis. Once again I threw a curve to the GPS and had to listen to her recalculate. Our stop for lunch came between Indy and Danville, Il. at a White Castle! Fine dining for sure.
Our White castle stop enabled us to slide into Illinois. Only 280 miles to go.
An easy drive across the state checking on the corn and soybean fields beside the interstate as we traveled. Just as we hit the Mississippi River we turned north on 84 headed to Savanna, Il., where we were meeting family at Manny's Pizza. We arrived early so what else to do but sit by the river for awhile.
Needless to say I've lost Pam for the month we'll be home!
Great blog - glad you are home safe,we are also.
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