Motorcycle Trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains!

We decided to take what looked like the last chance to take a cycle ride to the Blue Ridge Mountains on Monday. Little did we know that the weather forecast would be off by a mile. The sun was shining very bright and the air was warm when we left about 10 AM. We were about an hour into our three and a half hour trip when the clouds moved in and brought with them very cold and soon to be wet air. We both had layered our clothing in preparation for the cold that happens with the acceleration of the bike and the wind but we were still cold when the sun left us.

Our first stop was at a Lowe's. While we got warm we looked for the fittings for our water maker. Larry has been looking for what he needed to connect the water maker direct to our water tank with a valve to divert the water for tasting, for some time. This valve gives us the precaution not to contaminate our entire tank in the case the water isn't quality for drinking. After an hour we were successful and warm and we were off again.

After about another hour we entered onto I-95 and were greated with rain and the spray of the passing traffic. We stopped at an underpass and put on our rain gear.

Our next stop was at a McDonald's for something hot to drink and fries. We then stopped at a liquor store to get some rum to help drown out the cold later in the evening.

It was shortly after four in the afternoon when we arrived at the Caledonia Farm 1812 B&B. As you can see by the picture above it is a beautiful old stone farm house. Our cottage was the honeymoon suite, the stone structure attached to the main house. It served as the Summer kitchen and slave quarters when the house was built.

We settled our belongings into our cottage and set out for a one mile drive to an English Pub for dinner. We arrived back at our cottage, satisfied with an excellent meal, before dark, as planned. We had thawed out by the fire at the Pub and now were ready to relax by the fire for the evening. We made it until 9 PM and went to bed, the warmest we had been all day.















On Tuesday we woke to high winds gusting to 50 MPH and a partly sunny, partly cloudy day. We had come this far so were determined to go to the Skyline Drive Parkway and enjoy the breathtaking views. We had a lovely candlelight breakfast at the three corner table in the picture, complete with a view of the mountains and countryside. After breakfast we commenced to put on as many layers of clothing as we possibly could and still move.















When we arrived at the Skyline Drive and went to the entrance booth the attendant shared with us that snow was a possibility. Oh goodie! We were still determine to see the views after coming 150 miles, so we paid and entered the park. Our first stop was at the first visitor center. It gave us a chance to warm up. When we left the B&B earlier we took a route that appeared to be direct only to find ourselves going around in a great big circle. We could have saved some chill time by taking a short cut that we were unaware of until we passed by the Pub from the night before. Oh Well, Live and Learn. Next time!

The picture above was taken at the first overlook. Even though we were told that peak color was the weekend before, it still was beautiful. We didn't last long, the wind was howling, so back on the bike we got. We had planned to ride to the second exit on the parkway but decided we would cut it short. We arrived at the highest peak in this stretch, which was 3,400 feet. The highest peak being 3,680 feet. Larry mentioned to me that it must have rained because the pavement was wet. Looking closer we realized that it had indeed snowed. It sure was cold enough for snow. The visitors center said the temps were a low of 20 and a high of 40 degrees F. I though we were crazy but we weren't the only ones. We saw another couple but they we dressed better for the conditions and had heat on their bike. They still seemed cold.















Larry took this picture of me(Michelin woman) at another overlook. I look like I could barely move and it was true.















This was Larry doing jumping jacks trying to get back his circulation.

We came to the first exit after traveling 32 miles and one failed attempt to warm up again at the store and rest room that had been closed and locked for the season. We left the mountains and descended into the Shenandoah Valley. As we took the turn we spotted a warning sign for motorcycles. It said "Motorcycles warning high crash area". Oh great! Were half frozen and Larry has to maneuver sharp turns. I started to get nervous as to what to expect but we took it slow and all was fine. They were very sharp turns and if you tried to hot rod it down the hill I'm sure it could get tricky. It was still very cold but it actually felt warm as we descended down the mountain into the valley.

Our next stop was at a glass blowing studio ( chance to get warm). We entered and were delighted to see many beautiful works of art. The owner was there and offered us a tour of his studio out in a back building. I had never seen a studio this large. While talking to him we discovered that he gives lessons that are two hours in length and you have two finished items when you are done. We plan to return to the mountains next year and take a glass blowing lesson.

We warmed up and were off again. This time we took the short cut back and stopped at our English Pub for late lunch early dinner. We were treated to another great meal and returned to our B&B. We stayed in for the duration of the day and evening attempting to get the chill out of our bones.

The next morning we woke to a still in the air and sun. By the time we finished breakfast and were on our way the clouds had moved in. It was a cold ride home but we were glad for the hot shower when we arrived at the marina.

We definitely are planning a return trip next year but it will be much earlier than this year. Probably around July when temps are in the high 90's here, they will be a pleasant 15 degrees cooler in the mountains.

Cold and Stormy in Deltaville!

This picture was taken last weekend during one our frequent blows. This was a wind out of the North at 20 to 25 knots. It sure kicked up a fetch on the Rappahannock River. Being on the boat felt like being on the back of a Brahma Bull in a pen waiting to be let loose. Needless to say while Larry was working on the weekend I spent a considerable amount of time at shore with him. The temperatures have taken a plummet with no indication of a rise. November 10 can't come too quickly. Winter and I just don't seem to get along any more. I can't imagine not having heat on the boat.



We have been preparing for our journey South. Our plan is to spend Winter in the Florida Keys working part time and staying warm. With that as our plan provisions are not as intense as last year when we came all the way from Lake Ontario and spent two months in the Bahamas. I don't mind not having to go so crazy shopping and inventorying months of food.



Last evening, Wednesday, we had our usual pot luck dinner but it was anything but usual. There was about nine couples sharing a great meal. The migration South is in full swing. Our Wednesday night dinners are getting well known and cruisers are pulling in to dock and before they have their lines secure they ask if they have the right night. Larry and I were invited Monday night to share cocktails with a group of transient boaters and Tuesday we watched the sun set with another transient couple. I think tonight we will take it easy and relax on the boat.



The pictures that follow are some of what we have been busy doing over the last month.



















This beautiful wooden boat stayed with us for two nights waiting for the weather to improve. She was being transported by a crew from the St. Lawrence River. She now is privately owned but used to be at the Clayton Maritime Museum in the Thousand Islands, NY.
















This picture of Patience and I was taken while Larry and I were visiting Patience and Steve in Duck, NC in the Outer Banks. The ocean had actually calmed on this day but still looks pretty mean. We had planned to visit by motorcycle but the weather forced us to rent a car. We had a great visit in spite of the weather.

















This a is the gang at our daughter Jennifer's house . From left to right : Patience, Jennifer, Me(Gail), Kelly, Jessica(Patti's Daughters) and Patti (my Sister). The girls decided it would be fun to do shots. It was fun, especially watching them laugh more and more with each shot they drank. Larry and Steve retreated to the garage, I guess we were too routy for them. We had a great visit with them. It had been four years since our last visit. I hope it won't be that long the next time.



















Last week we finally got to take our trip on the motorcycle. I will say the weather was dry and not windy but the day we left it sure was cold. We drove about 6 hours to Advance, NC to visit our friends Bruce and Halina. They live out in the country on a beautiful wooded lot by a creek. It was interesting driving by cycle up the stone road to their house. Our visit was short but a great one.

This picture is of Halina feeding Mommy cat and her quite grown up babies. They are feral cats that live in the woods near their house. They are not the only wild animals she takes care of. She also feeds the raccoons and opossums. She said she would rather feed them than have them be destructive looking for food and it works.