Posts Tagged ‘Virginia’

Alexandria, VA: Hermione Encore

Posted in Photography, Travel, USA, Virginia, tagged , , , , , , on Thursday, 2 July, 2015| 9 Comments »

Touring the Hermione was so much fun and, lucky me, a friend shared her extra ticket with so I went twice!

The ship is amazing. I’m in awe of the hand craftsmanship and the 18 years it took to build it. While standing on the deck, I imagined what it must have been like being in the middle of the Atlantic ~ how exciting!

Hermione side view
The Historic Hermione and airplane in flight overhead

Hermione French Flag and Continental flag
French Flag and Colonial Flag.

Hermione Rigging and ropes
There are 15 miles of rope and the height of the ship is 56.5 meters (185ft)

Hermione
No idea what this is or why there’s a measurement on it but thought it looked cool

Hermione canon
The original Hermione was a fighting ship and there are 34 canons

Hermione Logan
There was a nice breeze on board

Hermione Leslie and Joe
Lots of happy smiles

My favorite part of the tour was speaking with the volunteers and crew members about their maiden voyage on such a historic ship. Wish I could actually speak French because I’m sure a lot was lost in translation but thankfully the volunteers spoke enough English to tell their stories.

Hermione crew member with man bun
Cute Frenchmen

Hermione Logan VII
Another cute Frenchmen…

Hermone prisoner garb
Pirate looking volunteer

Hermione crew member
Frenchwoman as part of the crew

Other than the volunteers and crew members, local reenactors joined the ship while it was in port:
Hermione Hat
Love the Hermione Hat

Hermione Grumpy the Bear with two ladies
Colonial women greeting the ship

Hermione looking out to the shore
On the Lookout for trouble

Another fun aspect of touring the Hermione is I got a chance to meet a fellow blogger, Robin and his wife. His photos of the Hermione are fabulous ~ check them out at Photographybykent.

The Hermione has been making her way up the Eastern Seaboard and has stopped in Annapolis, Baltimore, Philadelphia and is currently in New York City until July 4, 2015. Click here for a fantastic NY Times article about their arrival in NYC and more historical facts about Lafayette.

Next three stops are: Greenport, NY, Newport, RI and Boston. If you get a chance, I highly recommend touring the ship (or at least seeing it up close). You won’t be disappointed. See full itinerary here.

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Virginia: Midnight on the Potomac ~ The Hermione Tall Ship

Posted in USA, Virginia, Washington DC, tagged , , , , , , on Wednesday, 10 June, 2015| 12 Comments »

It was thrilling to see the French Tall Ship ‘Hermione’ pass through the opened Wilson Bridge at midnight. Adding to the fun were all the people out with us who were equally impressed by, not only the Hermione but the mechanical marvel of the Wilson Bridge. As a side note, living in the Washington DC area makes me empathetic for anyone “stuck” on the bridge. Even at midnight, I could see the line of cars and trucks.

The Hermione Wilson Bridge

Night photography is a challenge for me ~ mostly because I don’t do much of it. My attempt to photograph the Hermione at midnight convinced me to practice, practice, practice. With that in mind, I’ll be up late on Friday when Hermione leaves Old Town en route to Annapolis attempting to get better shots.

Here are my attempts but for some really gorgeous photos from last night, check out Photographybykent:

The Hermione and Capitol II
If you look closely, the US Capitol can be seen on the bottom left

PS Hermione

The Hermione in the Potomac
Earlier in the day, the Hermione was anchored near Mount Vernon Estates where a Lafayette event was happening.

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The Hermione ~ French Tall Ship Voyage 2015

Posted in Travels, tagged , , , , , on Sunday, 7 June, 2015| 11 Comments »

The Hermione (pronounced ‘err-me-own’) is an exact replica of the 18th century tall ship which carried the Marquis de Lafayette to the USA in 1780 and it’ll be visiting our corner of the world this week.

In March 1780, Lafayette boarded the Hermione in Port des Barques, France and sailed across the Atlantic to Boston. The ship made it’s way down the East Coast. When Lafayette arrived in the United States, he brought news of full French military aid to George Washington which secured victory against the British. Hermione’s voyage culminated with the American-French triumph at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, ending the Revolutionary War.

Building the Hermione took 18 years and it celebrates Lafayette ~ the Hero of Two Worlds. His contribution to the success of the American Revolution is nothing short of amazing. As a wealthy French aristocrat, he easily could have lived the life of leisure but instead he traveled to the colonies and volunteered to fight against the British. He also persuaded several other French officers to join him. He lived a fascinating life and, as an American, I’m thankful he was passionate about the plight of the colonies.

The ship is also a tribute to the craftsmanship of the Poitou-Charentes region in Western France. The ship was re-created by hand using traditional tools and techniques. The 1500 irons, tackles and pins used in the rigging were made using 18th century forging methods. There are some “modern” items on the ship due to safety rules and sanitary requirements.

It was twenty years ago when a small group decided to live by Lafayette’s family motto: Cur Non which means ‘Why Not?‘. The Association Hermione-La Fayette’s mission statement, as shown on their website, is as follows:

  • To evoke the spirit of “why not?” and demonstrate that given determination, anything is achievable.
  • To symbolize and rekindle through the Hermione the intimate ties between France and the United States, and the spirit of liberty that sustains them.
  • To celebrate the value of impeccable craftsmanship, the firm foundation of the authentic reconstruction of the Hermione.
  • Through this, to create a lasting educational legacy which will be accessible to generations of young
    Americans to come.
  • To demonstrate the inestimable value of history, to the present and the future, and to show that it can be a living force in increasing our understanding of the world.
  • To bring to life the memory of Marquis de Lafayette who embodied this spirit.

The first stop for the Hermione in North America is Yorktown, Virginia. Additional ports of call include: Mount Vernon and Alexandria, Virginia;, Annapolis and Baltimore, Maryland; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New York City and Greenport, New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts; Castine, Maine and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

The Hermione will be docked at the Alexandria City Harbor, Virginia on June 10,11 and 12. Tickets to tour the Hermione are sold out but a limited number of tickets will be distributed at 8:30 a.m. and 12 noon each day at the dock. I’m thrilled I jumped at the chance to obtain tickets when I first heard about the visit. Hoping photos of the inside of the ship will be permitted. More to come after my visit…

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Wordless Wednesday: Talented Artist at Work

Posted in Travels, Virginia, tagged , , , , , on Wednesday, 27 May, 2015| 2 Comments »

An Artist at work in Old Town, Alexandria

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Alexandria, VA: Sugar Shack Donuts

Posted in Food, United States, US, Virginia, tagged , , , , on Sunday, 25 January, 2015| 8 Comments »

After having Georgetown Cupcakes and Baked & Wired pumpkin muffins on Friday, the last thing I needed this morning was a donut. But I couldn’t resist checking out the newly opened Sugar Shack in Old Town. There was a line out the door as we drove up to 804 N. Henry Street but it moved quickly and we were ordering our donuts within 10 minutes.

The original Sugar Shack, located in Richmond, was named one of the top 10 Tastiest Donuts in the USA.  During his time representing in Richmond, Virginia Delegate Rob Krupicka (D-Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax) enjoyed Sugar Shack so much, he decided to bring his favorite donuts to Northern Virginia by opening his own shop. After tasting my first one (caramel with nuts on top), I’m glad he did ~ they are decadently delicious!

Not only are the donuts tasty but the store is also helpful to the community. Sugar Shack Alexandria has teamed up with Together We Bake (a non-profit that trains women in need), to staff the labor-intensive kitchen where each donut is hand-crafted. No machines! The flavors, such as mint julep, maple bacon, s’mores, change frequently but there’s always the standard ones (chocolate, glazed, etc).

Sugar Shack Hanging Donut

Sugar Shack Donut Display
Some of the many choices.

Sugar Shack Coffee
Delicious Coffees

Sugar Shack and GW
Looking through a porthole inside the shop

I highly recommend Sugar Shack the next time you’re in Northern Virginia and get a craving for donuts and coffee!

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Luray Caverns & a little bit of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Posted in Photography, Travels, United States, US, Virginia, tagged , , , , , on Sunday, 25 January, 2015| 6 Comments »

A cold, rainy day in January made it the perfect time to visit Luray Caverns. The temperature in the cave remains constant all year so it doesn’t matter what’s happening on the outside ~ it’s always 54°F  (12°C) with the humidity making it feel more like  65°F (18°C).

Virginia has over 4,000 caves in varying sizes and Luray Caverns is the largest and most grand of the Virginia caves, It’s also the third largest cave in the United States. It’s a two hours from Washington DC and gets an average of  over 3,000 visitors a day. The tour takes about 1 hour and winds through 1.25 miles of paved walkways through enormous chambers. There are about 70 stairs so beware if you have bad knees.

Having gone on a much more organic cave tour in Doolin, Ireland with only six other people and having to wear a hard-hat, Luray Caverns felt much more commercial and sterile. But the Caverns are massive, beautiful and definitely worth a visit if you’re in the Shenandoah area. Every once in a while I felt a drip of water which is called a “cave kiss” and considered good luck.

Luray Caverns Discovered point sign
Luray Caverns were discovered in 1878 by Andrew Campbell

Luray Caverns XX
The calcite (crystalline form of limestone) reminds me of candle wax.

Luray Caverns XXIIII
Stalactites (growing from the ceiling) and stalagmites (coming up from the ground) are everywhere.

Luray stalactites
I tried to stay at the back of the group to get photos but then it was hard to hear the guide.

Luray Caverns Rock Fish
Known has “The Fish Market” These stalactites are amazing and looked fake since their formation is so symmetrical.

Luray Caverns Redwood Tree
Looks like a waterfall

Luray Caverns Mirror Lake
My personal favorite in the cave is Mirror Lake. The illusion of it being so much larger than it is had been staring at it for a while.

Luray Caverns II stalactites
A beautiful chandelier made of calcite

Luray Caverns Dripping
Another chandelier like formation

Luray Caverns Archway
Archway in the cave

Luray Cavern Fallen
A fallen stalactite ~ looks like tree that’s been cut

Luray Caverns Organ
Another item which was a bit jarring ~ the Great Stalacpipe organ which vibrated off the walls and played “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” tune. According to the guide, there have been over 500 weddings at this location.

Even though the Caverns are on the US Historic registry, they are privately owned by the Graves family and unfortunately, as is too often the case, the siblings are squabbling over the future of Luray Caverns. A much more in-depth article here in case you want to read the details.

After the tour, we drove a little ways on the beautiful Skyline Drive which is beautiful even in the dead of winter.

Skyline Backpackers in the wild
We were looking for bears but only came across backpackers in the wild

Skyline Drive Ice Fall
Along the Skyline Drive: Icicles

Skyline Drive
Shenandoah National Park is fantastic year-round (well, maybe minus the snow days). In the winter, there will be less crowds but I’m looking forward to seeing it in the spring and fall as well.

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Virginia: Great Falls National Park

Posted in DC, Photography, Travels, Virginia, Washington DC, tagged , , , , , , on Sunday, 21 September, 2014| 4 Comments »

Great Falls National Park is a beautiful 800-acre recreation area located just 15 minutes from Washington, DC. We arrived early enough to avoid the crowds but, as we were leaving, there was a line of cars attempting to come in. There’s lots to do at the park such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, picnicking but NO SWIMMING. Sadly, there have been several drownings due to the currents.

Great Falls Waterfalls
Great Falls

Great Falls
Great Falls

Great Falls Narrowest part of the Potomac
Narrowest part of the Potomac ~ Mather Gorge

Great Falls Kayaking
Kayaking is popular at Great Falls

Great Falls Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing in progress

Great Falls High Water marks
High Water mark at Great Falls ~ water was definitely at a low mark on our visit

Great Falls, VA USA
Climbing down to the rocks & water

Great Falls On the rocks
On the rocks

Great Falls Blog

Great Falls III

If you decide to go, the park is open daily except for Christmas Day. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle but there are plenty of free pass opportunities such as Active Duty Military can get a year pass for free. There are picnic tables and grills which are available on a first come, first serve basis. By 11:00 am, most were already taken ~ not surprising since it was a gorgeous Saturday morning. For more info, click here.

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Jamestown: Established in 1607

Posted in Photography, Travels, Virginia, tagged , , , , , , on Thursday, 10 July, 2014| 7 Comments »

Jamestown is America’s first permanent English colony, founded in 1607.  There are re-creations of how life was during these early days. We drove along the Colonial parkway which is a beautiful road leading to Jamestown.

Colonial Parkway, Virginia

Our first stop was the pier where there are the three re-creations of the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery ships which brought the English colonists to Virginia in 1607.

Jamestown ship
Re-created ship, the Godspeed, at Jamestown Pier

Jamestown ship looking out the pothole

Looking out the porthole on Susan Constant ship Jametown, VA
Looking out the portholes

Looking at the canon abroad the Susan Constant ship at Jamestown, VA

Jamestown Wine Barrels
Barrels on the ship. I would hope some had wine or whiskey. I would have wanted some on the journey.

Not only can you board and tour each ship but there are very informative guides discussing the four-and-a-half-month voyage from England. There are also periodic demonstrations of 17th-century piloting and navigation. After listening to all the stories about what the passengers and crew must have endured, it would have been hard for me to make the journey. If by chance I did make it, it would have been ONE WAY. I can’t imagine getting back on the ship. The conditions sounded hideous. Makes traveling these days a breeze.

Jamestown Steering the Ship
The tiller required constant steering or the ship would go off course or topple onto its side. It had to be manned 24 hours with 4 hour shifts

The ships carried 105 passengers and 39 crew members. It was a business venture sponsored by the Virginia Company of London through a charter granted by James I. Captain Christopher Newport lead the crossing, dropped off the Colonists, explored up the River and ended up settling at Jamestown. Only two months later, Captain Newton returned to London with  loaded wood and other natural resources for sale in English markets.

Next we explored the Powhatan Indian village which is re-created based on archaeological findings at another site once inhabited by Paspahegh Indians, the Powhatan tribal group closest to Jamestown, and by descriptions recorded by English colonists. There are historical interpreters discussing and also demonstrating the Powhatan way of life.  There’s no shortage of animal hides hanging around. They also grow and prepare food, make tools, Canoes and pottery.

Jamestown Petls TWO

Hides at Jamestown's Powhatan Village, VA

Jamestown Canoe making, Virginia

Because they lacked certain instruments, the Powhatans would burn a tree to get it down then use a fire method to make canoes by softening the wood enough to hull it.

Cornhusk Darts at Jamestown
Cornhusk Darts

Grinding Maiz
Grinding the Maiz (corn)

Since we needed to get lunch and be back in Williamsburg by 3pm, we made a quick overview of the museum located at the entrance Jamestown. It’s worth another look the next time we’re in the area. I enjoyed reading the “what was happening elsewhere” which is a list of what was happening in England/Europe while the Colonialists were traveling to the New World. Always good to get the global perspective when learning about US History.

If you’re interested in the details of visiting Jamestown, visit there website here.

 

 

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Colonial Williamsburg: Overview

Posted in Photography, Travels, Virginia, tagged , , , , , on Saturday, 5 July, 2014| 4 Comments »

The drive from Alexandria, Virginia was scheduled to take 2 hours and 45 minutes but due to multiple car accidents, it took a little over 4 hours.

Traffic on I95
Never a good sign when traffic is so backed up that people get out of their vehicles.

We still made it in time to walk around Colonial Williamsburg and have dinner at Aromas Restaurant.

Williamsburg Ambrosia Restaurant Patti and Logan
We chose to sit outdoors at Aromas Restaurant since the weather was so beautiful. Aromas is a casual restaurant with a good vegetarian selection. John had the Shrimp and Grits which was particularly yummy. Logan ate a Portobello mushroom burger with pesto. I had the Thai Vegetable Wrap with delicious mango pieces. If you’re in Williamsburg, I highly recommend Aromas as a casual, delicious and not too expensive place to eat. The cost for the three of us was under $30 including a bottle of water and a coffee. If you want to check out the menu, click here.

Colonial Williamsburg
Planning the rest of our visit

Colonial Parkway
We had a chance to drive on the gorgeous Colonial Parkway. No dividing lines!

Williamsburg Colonial House

Williamsburg Colonial town

Williamsburg Garden

Williamsburg Governors Palace

Williamsburg House

Williamsburg Logan and the water well

Williamsburg Pathway

Williamsburg Sheep Blue eyes
Blue eyed Sheep

So glad we finally made it to Williamsburg. We’ve been planning to come to the area a couple of times but have had to cancel for various reasons. Tomorrow we’re heading to Historic Jamestowne which is the first permanent English settlement in the US.

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Mount Vernon: Another Gorgeous Day at the Washington’s Estate

Posted in Photography, Travels, Virginia, tagged , , , on Saturday, 28 June, 2014| 4 Comments »

I always enjoy taking visitors to Mount Vernon Estates. There seems to be new things going on all the time and it’s such a beautiful place to walk around with my dog. I’ve written about previous visits here and here but wanted to share my photos from my most recent visit.

Mount Vernon view
Lovely views at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon 16 sided barn
16-Sided Barn

Magnolia at Mount Vernon
Lovely Magnolias

Logan Maya Black and White Mount Vernon
Daughter and Dog

Mount Vernon Paint Cellar
Paint Cellar

Mount Vernon Pioneer Farmers
Pioneer Farmers

Mount Vernon Sail boat
Sailing on the Potomac

Mount Vernon Tea on the grass
Morning Tea on the Lawn

Mount Vernon Tobacco
Tobacco

Mount Vernon Vegetable garden II
Artichoke Plant/Flower

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