USS Yorktown and Fort Sumter, South Carolina

Our plans after leaving Charlottesville, VA, was to contact Chris Emmons and then drive FAST to get close to Charleston, SC. The Emmons' were not available for a visit (last minute, they had doctor appointments) so we drove to Rocky Mount (Residence Inn - wonderful!!). After a regular hotel breakfast, we arrived at the USS Yorktown - cost of $22x2/$17/$11 (SC State Park - did not drive through the National Park) about 2:00 p.m. It had been raining, a fairly strong thunder/lightning storm so everything was wet. but clearing. We spent most of our time on the aircraft carrier which included the Medal of Honor Museum. All very moving, almost depressing in that we walked through the history of WWII. So many dead. So young. AA and I did ride a simulator for an extra $6 each - the Screaming Eagles flight. It was a tame ride, took it easy on us civilians! All money went to renovations and expanding the collections. Walking out to the aircraft carrier: 

From Facebook: We almost missed this historic site due to a two hour thunder/lightning storm. A bit wet, but we made it through the USS Yorktown, the Medals of Honor Museum, and the Vietnam War memorial (a recreation of several camp sites like "MASH") before it closed. 

Recording the successful missions:

The self-guided walking tour included many rooms below deck, the Chapel, engine room, bunk rooms, also look out points above deck, etc. Many STEEP stairs! The Bell:

The Bakery mixer:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe:

Screaming Eagle Simulator:

Apollo 8, you could go inside, but was crowded while we were there:

Outside Flight deck (there was a below deck also with many planes):

The Medal of Honor Museum:

There were many more photographs, stories and medals to see:

Vietnam Memorial:

Also with the entrance fee, there was a battleship and a supposedly a submarine to tour, we ran out of time, as it closes around 6 pm. After stopping for the night (Hardeeville, SC) and a quick Subway dinner, we all said we are ready to be home, do laundry and play with Ginger!

North Carolina Welcome Center - AA and Melissa (07/25/17)

Fun photos at the North Carolina Welcome Center!

Laughs!

Cute photos!

Good-Bye Maine: Driving South with Melissa

Monday: We left Maine with lots of hugs and tears, always want to stay. Sister Melissa is riding back with us so lots of fun for AA!Monday, we drove through ME, NH, MA, CT, NY, NJ and stayed the night in PA. It was unbelievably cold - 56 degrees! Dreary day! No photos, didn't stay anywhere that was photo worthy! The Mexican restaurant for dinner was pretty average - borderline bad! (Chambersburg, PA). We had a decent breakfast and then drove to Front Royal (didn't stop in the Shenandoah National Park), on to Chancellorsville - Monticello. Glad we stopped there, had wanted to 20+ years ago when we toured several wineries, so this was GREAT to see Thomas Jefferson's home. We learned so much and wish we had the whole day to visit (there was a slave tour and grounds/garden tour that was included in our "home" tour ticket that we couldn't take advantage of). The original front of the Jefferson home:

Privee vent!!

Slave home and stable:

Waiting for the shuttle: from the visitor center to the home:

We then drove to Rocky Mount, NC for the night at a Residence Inn by Marriott (good happy hour!). It was great!

Sunday - Our Last Day in Maine

Tomorrow, we are on the road back to Florida. We have had a wonderful visit. This morning was cooler (low 60's) with an easterly wind. It warmed up and was a beautiful day. First, we visited with Vicki Photos and sister Ilene, glad they made the side trip on their first full day back in Maine. A cool breeze kept us a bit chilled. We had red hot dogs, potato salad, pasta salad and fruit. DHS '77 Ray Walsh and wife Carol, and their adorable daughter/puppy Stella.

Melissa and AA trying to coax Stella into the lake - couldn't do it!

Mel giving AA her last Sea-Doo ride:

Last ice cream for us!

Glad to be at my Maine home, will be sad to head south tomorrow! Thanks to my Mom and sister Melissa for the overnight lakefront accommodations and food! Many gifts from Aunti Jean, Aunt Patti, Terri and George, cousin Mike!

Saturday - Family Lakeside!

July 22nd, enjoyed visiting with Aunti Jean, Andrew, Britney, Matt, Ashley.
We started up the new 9.9 hp we bought four years ago, it started right up. An old fashion boat ride! (with Hubby/Daddy being goofy).

We have a similar photo from July 2013:

More cute pictures of Chloe:

MeMe, Andrew and Chloe - 3 Generations with Britney.

 

Adding Mom, 4 Generations:

Chloe is so adorable!

 

 Alyzabeth joined the group:

Mom took these; adding Ford and me! 

 We were hoping to see Hilary again, but a summer cold, asthma and mowing her lawn has kept her home. We must plan another hike and maybe ocean kayaking for our next visit!

Golfing Match - Mary and AA

Mary met my hubby and AA over a nine-hole match. It was a good practice round with a breeze and plenty of sunshine! Perfect summer day! Big thank you Mary for driving up to our course and listening to me chat while she tried to play; I did learn that she has a younger sister who has adopted four children (Korea, Philippines and China).
After completed Hole 10 (first hole on back nine):

Putting:

Always the backside:

Finished! Played the back nine, finished on Hole 18.

AA took this photo:

Glad to meet up with Mary Ranaghan Latini (from DHS '76).