Captain’s Blog
Outer Banks
Rodante, NC
Link to OUTER BANKS, NC
We woke to a great, sunny warm day.
Had a lazy morning but we did walk the beach and sat and watched the waves crashing on the shore-line. 
It was a very relaxing and enjoyable day.
Captain’s Blog
Outer Banks
Rodante, NC
We got into the Rodante around 4pm. The sky is blue and the sun is shining. We lucked out and got a great site at Ocean Waves Campground.
It is a 68-site family owned CG. We were surprised to find that it is completely booked for the next month except for the one site we managed to get for two nights. The management here is very nice and very accommodating.
First on our agenda – out to the beach for a walk. The tide was coming in so the strip of beach was very narrow. We walked about ½ mile but then cut through the KOA because the waves were lapping at our sneaker-clad feet. One wave actually got us so we did get wet but that was ok.
We spent a quiet night at this very quiet CG. Since the CG caters to the retired most everyone was hunkered down by 7 PM.
Captain’s Blog
Monday, Day 20
KOA
We cannot believe that tomorrow we will have been on the road for 3 weeks and we’re only in Virginia. As I said before, we don’t usually travel this way and are generally running from campground to campground to rest area to Wal Mart parking lot running around like crazy and getting little to no rest. Well, we’ve proved to ourselves that we can lounge with the best of them and still get to see and have new experiences.
Today is day four at the KOA and it has been an interesting stay. When we arrived we booked two-nights. Should have beeen easy – NOPE! The woman at the counter named Minnie was less then friendly – more like a snapping turtle. She was very abrupt, rude and obviously didn’t want to be doing her job. She assigned us site 38, gave us directions and off we went. Well, site 38 had a camper in it, so Ronnie proceeded to site 39. I walked back to the office to let Minnie know that site 38 was occupied and was it OK to park in site 39. She didn’t believe me and proceeded to look in her computer – then again telling me site 38 was available. You could see the sites from the window in the office and when I pointed that out to her she took great offense and stated that she wouldn’t have given us site 38 if the computer didn’t indicate it was empty. I wanted to say “LOOK OUT THE WINDOW ! , but I didn’t. I asked again if we could stay in site 39 – her reply “ Well, you have to stay somewhere so it might as well be there. Uggh, I wanted to smack her for being so rude but I don’t look good in stripes and down here they put you on chain gangs. We believe that this campground has been a KOA for a very short period of time because it is still listed on the street signs as Americamp and every KOA we have stayed at had personable, helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Well after our two- day stay was completed we decided to stay for another night. Oh Joy! Ronnie went to the office to extend our stay and when he came back I asked if Minnie was there again. He said no- worse – what! - how could anyone be worse. Well, she didn’t know how to add a day to our stay, had trouble with the computer and spoke so low and mumbled that Ronnie could not understand a word she said. Understand that Ronnie is hard of hearing so I thought maybe it was him, so when we stopped at the office on our way out to check if she was able to add another day I went in with him. OMG he was so right. The woman mumbles in such a very low voice that I wasn’t sure if she was really talking or just grumbling. She finally got us entered and off we went,still not knowing what she said.
Well today is another day and we decided to spend one more night. There were two men in the office today and despite the wait for the computer to come on-line we got re-registered for another night without too much difficulty.
During our entire trip we have had great customer service with smiling faces but no way with Minnie and her friend.
Last night we had a little “event” with Jewel and only wish we had it videotaped. She was laying on the bed comfortably and I was in need of paper towels. Since we store our paper goods under the bed I didn’t want to disturb her too much so asked Ronnie to lift the bed “just a little” so I could reach in and grab what I needed without scaring the dog. Of course that didn’t happen. Ronnie picked the bed up, Jewel went rolling into the pillows, quickly scrambling up the bed and believe it or not she was holding on to the mattress edge with her two paws looking like her eyes would pop out of her head. Well, Jewel was not happy but we both laughed until our sides hurt. I’m not sure if she will forgive us but somehow I think she’ll get over it.
r0n Note:
Made a run over to the Bass Pro shop ACROSS I-95. Not as nice as the one in Foxboro, MA
Captain’s Blog
Sunday, Day 19
KOA
We woke to overcast skies today with rain predicted for later this evening. We got a late start and had planned on two separate activities today but probably will only get to do one.
We left for Maymont Mansion Museum around 10:30 am. Upon arriving at the complex we were first taken by the many lovely structures that are part of the complex. 
Our first stop was at the Carriage House with several pristine carriages and sleighs on display. 
The Mansion sits on acres and acres of rolling hills overlooking the James River. The gardens and parkland is an oasis in the center of the city. It is said that Maymont is one of the most elaborate Victorian landscapes on the East Coast.
We decided to trek to the animal and nature exhibits, the furthest from the house, and work our way back. In the animal and nature exhibits we saw lambs, black bear, multiple birds of prey, owls and a beautiful gray fox.
We then walked to and enjoyed the Japanese Garden with its 45- foot waterfall, huge koi fish in the koi pond, multiple fountains, gazebos and the Japanese Grotto. Then it was on to the Italian Garden with its multiple terraces and blooming flowers.
We stopped at the mausoleum where the previous owners of Maymont are buried and took in the wonderful views from the hilltop. Thankfully, despite the dark clouds overhead the rain held off for the three hours we walked the grounds of Maymont.
LINK: Maymont Mansion
http://www.maymont.org/Page.aspx?pid=217
Maymont Mansion has 33 rooms that reflect the lavish lifestyle of American millionaires in the 1890’s. From 1893 to 1925 Maymont was the residence of James and Sallie Dooley. A native of Richmonder and son of prosperous Irish immigrants James Dooley made his fortune after the Civil War in railroads and other business ventures. Sallie Dooley was a published author and an amateur horticulturist and played an active role in many women’s organizations.
LINK: PHOTOS OF INSDE
http://www.travelphotobase.com/s/VARHR.HTM
In keeping with the taste of American millionaires of the Gilded Age, the Dooleys created Maymont with its elaborate gardens, spectacular outbuildings and in the middle of it all, their 33-room mansion.
There are thirteen rooms available for viewing and they are – to say the least – incredible. Every room is done in a different wood with walls painted soft colors. Mrs. Dooleys receiving room is glided in gold with a magnificent fresco painted on the ceiling. There are transom windows in every room and the transoms are done in Tiffany stained- glass, with different motifs and colors in each room. On the ground level we visited the drawing rooms, library, dining room with a 12’9’’ armoire with Presidential china and living hall the mansion’s principle reception area.
On the second floor we were amazed at the beauty and size of the stained glass window that lights the hallway. There were three bedrooms, one with a magnificently carved swan bed in Mrs. Dooley’s bedroom.
Of interest are the chandeliers throughout the house. Besides being extremely ornate they were set up to run on electricity and gas. There is a gas pump in the basement that looks scary. Given that wiring was not as well insulated as it is today and the thought of gas and electricity running through the same lamps leads one to think that this was definitely a potentially dangerous situation.
The basement houses a reception room, kitchen, pantry, laundry room, cold room, butlers bedroom, wine cellar, maid’s room, drying closet and butler’s pantry. The household employees cleaned the 12,000 square foot mansion, fed seven to twelve people on a daily basis and hundreds on occasion, washed and ironed all the clothes and linens, helped the Dooleys dress, and performed ceremonial functions such as serving at the table and answering the door.
The majority of the furnishings in house were acquired by the Dooley’s on their many trips to Europe. Maymont today provides an unusually complete representation of a Gilded Age estate.
This was another estate/mansion that both of us thought we could live in quite comfortably given the opportunity.
We then went to the Nature and Visitor Center where several fish tanks re on display with the local fish from the James River.
On our way home we stopped at the River City Diner for lunch/dinner. We not only got great service with a more then friendly waiter but great food as well. Another good day for both of us.
Captain’s Blog
Saturday Ashland, Virginia KOA
It was a beautiful day yesterday and projected to be the same today. It did get chilly last night with the temps in the low fifties but our heat pumps work extremely well and we were nice and warm and cozy.
Today we visited the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond that blooms year round with more then 40 acres of spectacular gardens. It is the mid-Atlantic’s only classically styled Conservatory with a new Children’s Garden that has been truly geared toward the many children who come to play.
LINK: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden http://www.lewisginter.org/
We were first amazed at the beauty of the fountain and flowers leading to the entrance of the visitor center. Once inside we were greeted by very friendly staff and learned that there were special glass exhibits throughout the Conservatory and gardens.
In the Visitor Center, Education and Library Complex, Conservatory and Treehouse we were treated to incredibly beautiful Ikebana arrangements (Japanese art of floral design) that we were completely enthralled with.
In the Visitor Center we were impressed with the blown glass masks done by Frabel, a German glass blower, who came to the US and began his career blowing glass for laboratories. He later decided he wanted to use his trade for art and began his well renowned career.
As we walked the Main Garden Path we were greeted with glass Highwheeling Longfellows or glass men atop a unicycle. We viewed more Clown Longfellows set on brightly colored spheres in the Synder lake as we walked over the beautiful Lotus Bridge. Throughout the park there were Longfellows in different arrangements representing different aspects of fun activities.
We stopped at the Children’s garden and were impressed with thought put into an area for the children to enjoy. They had a water feature and an incredibly beautiful tree house that we were more then happy to explore.
As we walked along we were impressed with how well maintained everything was and how beautiful the paths, waterways and lakes were. When we arrived at the Rose Garden the vast number of varieties of roses still in bloom was amazing. Ron kept snapping photos of each variety as we walked. We were told there are 1800 varieties of roses in the Rose Garden. Today at noon there was a wine tasting and expert Tango dancers in the Dance Square. We stopped and shared a sandwich and watched the dancing.
We then went into the Conservatory with its beautiful glass dome and more then incredibly beautiful tropical flowers and trees. Among the live florals were glass florals and one of a kind sculptures made by Frabel. We were in awe of the beauty of the place and were fortunate enough to be here on the weekend that the glass sculptures were here on display.
After many Oohs and Aahs we headed to the Lora M. Robins Library to take in more amazing floral arrangements and glass sculptures.
Once back outside we stopped at the Sunken Garden with its Large cube with imploded glass spheres, the Healing Garden, a place of spiritual healing and the studying of medicinal properties of plants and the many 19th century hand carved gazebos throughout the gardens.
We both gave this a five-star rating and would recommend visiting the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to anyone and everyone. It is a spectacular, beautiful and restful place to visit. We would love to come back in a different season and see what else the gardens have to offer and what other fantastic exhibits that may be available to impress.
ENJOY
**********************************************************************************
AGECROFT HALL
Next we stopped at AgeCroft Hall. The house is a Tudor manor house that was actually built in Lancashire, England in the late 15th century. For hundreds of years AgeCroft Hall was the distinguished home of England’s Langley and Dauntesey families. At the end of the 19th century the house fell into disrepair, and in 1925, it was sold at auction. Hearing of this great opportunity Richmonder Thomas C. Williams, Jr. purchased the structure and had it dismantled, crated, shipped across the Atlantic and then painstakingly reassembled it in a Richmond neighborhood known as Windsor Farms. Unfortunately, Mr. Williams enjoyed his home for only one-year prior to his death.
We were very fortunate to have an enthusiastic tour guide who gave us an extensive, two-hour tour, even into rooms we should not have been. The furnishings were authentic pieces dating from 1485 to 1660 with ornate carvings and inlaid woodwork. The beds were hand made with ornate bedposts and carvings in the wooden canopies Of course, the beds were made for only those that could afford them. Most people in those days slept on straw or layers of cloth when available.
The house was huge with lots and lots of dark wood paneling. We could only get pictures of the outside. The windows were beautiful and original to the house. Not one pane was broken on transport from England.
***********************************************************************
AgeCroft Hall
LINK:
http://www.agecrofthall.com/
We then toured the gardens. Nothing was in bloom but one could imagine how beautiful the gardens are in the Spring and Summer.
We walked to the back of the Virginia House directly next door. Tours are not available of the Virginia House without an appointment. Our tour guide told us that the exterior of the house is a façade and that the interior is a typical 1940’s house with lots of furniture and stuff. We did poke around the gardens and Ronnie wanted to get closer to the house but someone does live there so I vetoed that idea.
The neighborhood itself is beautiful with huge homes, yards and fancy cars in the front yards. It is a very typical high-class neighborhood for people with lots and lots of money.
We then went into downtown Richmond to look around. We stopped at The Hill City Chop House where we enjoyed terrific steak and ribs. Back at the MH we settled in for the night both tired from the days’ activity.
Captain’s Blog
Friday
Around 8 pm last night the new torrents of rain started and seemed worse then the previous days’ rain. The wind picked up and because of the water leak over the bed (on my side) I slept on the couch. Ronnie slept in the bed but did not like having me on the couch. The rain poured, the wind blew, the roof leaked and another poor nights’ sleep was had by all.
We had planned on going to Cape Hatteras but according to news reports there is a lot of flooding there as well so we will stop in the Richmond Virginia area and see if there is anything of interest to do there.
It is predicted to be a nice sunny day today. Hopefully, we can dry out the roof and patch it up.
We drove a little over 100 miles today and as predicted the sun is shining brightly. We stopped at the Virginia visitor center and got some great info on things to do in the area. Normally Ronnie would have researched and had all kinds of excursions planned but Virginia was never an intended stop.
We decided to stay at the KOA in Ashland 15 miles outside of Richmond and right off I95. It is great to have full hook-ups after 6 days of boon-docking and very short showers. Amazingly we never ran out of water and running the generator worked well for TV watching and web searching.
As we were taking the exit to the CG we noticed a huge RV place that sold RV’s and did repairs. Ronnie was going to drive over but I wanted to set up at the CG. Wrong move!!! Once we got a site Ronnie suggested we didn’t set up and take a ride over in the Jeep to see if they could give him any ideas on what to use to fix the roof or maybe get it fixed there.
We spoke to a great woman named Jay who was more then helpful. She didn’t think it could be repaired that day but would speak to the manager. He wanted to see the MH so we went back to the CG and drove the MH over to the shop.
Amazingly, the manager, was a man that came from Massachusetts and was the former manager at Campers Inn in Raynham, 10 minutes from our house. He recognized us because we had been to Campers Inn several times looking to purchase a Winnebago.
He told us that with the turn-down in the economy he and six other Campers Inn employees from the Massachusetts and New Hampshire stores were working here in Virginia. How lucky for us. He evaluated what needed to be done and had it fixed for us in one hour at a mere cost of $125.00.
The entire team at McGeorge's Rolling Hills RV SuperCenterwas amazing. All very friendly, helpful and they even treated Jewel to dog biscuits and lots of petting – which she loved. We were happy to get the roof fixed and in such a timely manner. This place was amazing with its’ great customer service and it is open for service 6 days a week and will open on Sundays by appointment if someone needs a repair in a hurry. This is unheard of in MA. When we called for a simple oil change at Marty’s they told us we would have to wait two months – no service there.
McGeorge's Rolling Hills RV SuperCenter
LINK:
The day ended well with the roof fixed, me being able to do the laundry and taking a very, very, very long shower.
Captain’s Blog
Thursday
Greenbelt Park, MD
Well, as predicted the torrential rains started last evening around 7 pm. The rain was coming down so hard through the night it kept waking us.
I’m not sure if I mentioned that we had a corner of the fiberglass roof that had lifted and Ronnie had made an attempt at fixing it before we left. Well, it didn’t work and we had water dripping through the AC vent over our bed. Not a lot of water but enough to be an issue that we couldn’t ignore. So at 7 am in the pouring rain we were outside with the ladder, plastic and duct tape trying to cover the area and stop the leak. Well, that didn’t work all that well and the rain kept leaking in. There was nothing more that we could do so we put a bucket under the leak, plugged the vent with towels to soak up the water and rode out the storm.
It was a long miserable day and since we had no utilities we ran the generator for a good part of the day to listen to the weather reports regarding flooding and the tornado watches and warnings issued for the entire Washington DC area. Yeah, just what I wanted to hear – tornado warnings.
Around 4 pm the rain slowed, but not the leak and we decided we needed to get out of the MH for a while. So off we went to the grocery store buying stuff we didn’t need.
Back at the MH we settled in with some junk food and waited for the second round of storms to hit us. Some parts of the area had already received 6-7 inches of rain and roads were washed out. Now another band of rain was expected to drop 3 or more inches on the area.
r0n Note:
NAN the Witch, dropped by our Campsite bringing rain tornado warnings and the like.
