Sunday evening – last day in N. Virginia

Although we weren’t able to accomplish all intended / planned activities, it was a full day. The heavy rains last night prevented the planned fox hunt. When we heard, we thought it might be because the ground would be too wet and treacherous – dangerous for horse and rider. But after chatting with Kathy we learned that the wet ground could be seriously damaged (dug up) by the horses and the riders didn’t want to inflict this on the property owners. (The hunt is on property owned by consenting owners.)

Instead we had brunch in a beautiful restaurant constructed of reconstructed Pennsylvania farmhouses – disassembled and moved to northern Virginia. The first photo is representative of the fox-hunting atmosphere in this part of the country. Although every room was designed in a different motif, our attention was captured by the giant grasshopper over the bar. An omen of sights to come.

After breakfast, Gary and Kathy drove us to a ferry-crossing north of Leesburg. This ferry is guided / restrained crossing of the Potomac – Virginia to Maryland. Motive power is by a small diesel-powered boat attached to the side of the barge. Sounds kind of hokey, but apparently has been in operation for many years. More impressively, it is a key route for commuters on their way from Maryland into the D.C. area – DAILY. The only time it doesn’t operate is at flood stage or when there is too much ice in the river. The two photos show this “contraption” in operation.

We stopped at several points along the Potomac where folks can fish, put boats / canoes / kayaks in the water, and generally enjoy a day at the waterside. One of the most impressive stops was the Chesapeake & Ohio aqueduct / canal crossing the Monocacy river in Maryland. Build in 1833 and used until 1934 to carry barge traffic. Today it is a bike path / hiking path. Hurricane Agnes almost destroyed it in 1972, but it has been restored to it’s present state.

Following our tour along the Potomac, we said good-bye to Gary and Kathy and returned to the motor-home to welcome Jay and Carla. This was a first-time in a motor-home for both. Considering they are both over six-foot, four inches, it was a tight squeeze. Actually they could both stand erect inside. Jay had to duck to avoid light fixtures and air conditioning vents. But this didn’t deter from our enjoyment of the White Star champagne. After our appetizers and catching up on our various life-experiences, we headed off to the Bonefish Grill in Gainesville (that’s Virginia, not Florida, not Georgia).

While showing Jay and Carla around the motor-home, we found this praying mantis laying eggs on the electrical outlet post next to the motor-home. Wonder if they’ll hatch.

The final photo is of Jay and Carla in front of the unit.

A great week in northern Virginia. Tomorrow we head south towards Williamsburg / Norfolk for a few more days before heading to Florida. Next Sunday this time we should be back in our house - hopefully one that all repairs are completed.