BRISTOL,TENNESSEE SPEEDWAY

We moved on to Bristol, TE, and caught up on some blogging, shopping and laundry. Today we drove down to Knoxville, and will stay until Sunday, so we have time to see the area. I can't believe I'm finally caught up, now I have to catch up on e-mails. When we were in Bristol, we were close to the speedway. I took these pictures for Greg and Vicki Mulert, our nephew and wife, because they're big Nascar fans!

APPOMATTOX, VIRGINIA

We got in a little later than we expected, so took a quick tour of Appomattox Court House National Park. The visitor center is located in the Court House with a movie and small museum. You can wander around the village at your leisure and tour the McLeans home, where the surrender happened. On April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered his men to Ulysses S. Grant. For our nation it was a new beginning. Following is the Court House.

The McLeans house.

Part of the room where he surrendered.

One of the white flags of surrender.

Another house in the village.

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH

We just happened to drive by this church and Mass was starting, so we stopped. It was a beautiful church with friendly people, and a Priest who was cool, with a good, short homily.



One of the reasons I put this on, is so Fitz can see one of the places I've prayed for him to be inspired to vote differently! Now he'll wonder if I'm kidding or not!

PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA

One of the cities on the other end of that awful tunnel is Portsmouth, VA. There are ships everywhere, along with marinas full of other boats.

We found an old cemetery that's on the National Historic Register, with signs all over with historical information. We'd have more information, but it was raining and late and we were lazy. What we saw was interesting.

There were many old, neat houses and condos.

TUNNEL

We continued our drive down the coast of VA-a drive which requires one of those bridge/tunnels. Colette would hate it!! I know the purpose of the tunnel is to let ships pass over you, but this thing seemed to go on for miles. Really freaky! Not for the weak and faint of heart! Thank God, we were in the jeep!

YORKTOWN PUB

We decided to have lunch at a "Larry type" restaurant-that means you can smell grease and it may look a little seedy! But the clam chowder and the gumbo were real good.



The door was open-here's the view from my chair.

YORKTOWN LANDING

We drove down to Yorktown Landing, which is a few shops and restaurants down by the water.

YORKTOWN

We drove down to Jamestown and Yorktown and went to the National Park Battlefield. The visitor's center has a movie and a small museum of artifacts and a replica of part of a ship.

How would you like to sleep in this on a ship?

Outside is the battleground with a small national cemetery of confederate soldiers. They've been able to protect the fortifications over the years. I don't think I would have felt good about these hills keeping my loved ones safe.

THE CHRISTMAS MOUSE

There are many shopping opportunities in Williamsburg, and several Christmas shops-I only went in one of them, but it had two floors. Of course, they had an Irish tree, but I figured Kathy Fitz will just have to go there to see it!

CAPTAIN GEORGE'S

One night in Williamsburg, we ate at Captain George's seafood buffet. It was great, with all sorts of fresh seafood including crab legs. We couldn't help but think of Al and Shirley-they would have enjoyed it-the food was delicious!

WILLIAMSBURG MARKETPLACE

On one side of the town is an area full of shops known as the Marketplace. We ate at the Cheese Shop and then did some shopping. It's right across the street from the campus of William and Mary.








There are many more buildings in the town, including the state Capitol, three Taverns that serve food, a print shop, a bakery, a jeweler, etc. I think you can see how neat it is, without me showing you more.

WILLIAMSBURG MAGAZINE

Weapons were also stored in the building called the Magazine. It's surrounded by a stockade.

WILLIAMSBURG GOVERNOR'S PALACE

The Governor's Palace was different with all the swords and guns on the walls. They didn't have any military but if there was a problem, all the men aged 16 to 60 would grab the guns to protect them.

WILLIAMSBURG COURT HOUSE

The Court House was also educational. The man explained all about trials and the various people involved. Now we know why lawyers are "admitted to the bar", as they were able to go beyond the bar, but others couldn't.

WILLIAMSBURG BRUTON CHURCH

One of the most interesting buildings in the town is the Bruton Parish Church which is an active parish today. It's surrounded by a cemetery-there's a grave wherever there's a space.

It has the high box pews with doors designed for warmth. The front pews were for the rector and the Governor. The next four pews are dedicated to Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Monroe and Tyler, who all worshipped in the church for extended periods before they were President. I was talking to the parish member while I was standing in Jefferson's pew, when he told me where I was. How cool!

Sometimes history is amazing!

WILLIAMSBURG CRAFTSMEN

As you walk around, you can watch the crafters and ask them all sorts of questions. Many of them have gone through a six year internship to learn the craft. It was very interesting.



The wheelmaker.

The cooper was of the most interest to me. My great-great grandfather was a cooper in Cincinnati, and he was able to answer some questions for me.