National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Road Trip Day 43)

The National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia is one of the twenty-two Smithsonian museums. We were there when the doors opened at 10:00am and spent much of the day checking out the 23 different display areas which cover vertical flight, sport aviation, general aviation, business aviation, commercial aviation, pre-1920 aviation, World War II aviation, Korea and Vietnam, Cold War aviation, modern military aviation, aerobatic flight, World War II German aviation, Ultralight aircraft, Interwar military aviation, human spaceflight, space science, applications satellites, and rockets and missiles.

A little bit of something for everyone interested at all in aircraft or the space program.

Add to all the displays the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar where items for the museum displays are restored. We could look down into the restoration hangar from the second floor and see people working on multiple projects.

I took more than forty photos! Fortunately, I am not going to post all of them. After a while, my head was spinning. I will say that the recommendation to see the museum was spot on for Joe and me. It is a go at your own pace and the parking was $15 for the day. There is no cost to enter the museum. 

Joe pushed me around in a free on-site wheelchair. My leg is healing from the fall I took earlier in the week while climbing into the tent. The vastness of the place meant we would not have been able to see all the displays before the museum closed if I walked and rested. There are seats built into the barriers around the displays so that people can rest. Joe did not take advantage of the seats and logged over eight thousand steps for the day.

So, without further ado here are the photos.

Let's start with toys! The museum has several glass display cases with toys that have been inspired by the space program. I took photos of Space Barbies, Star Trek and Star Wars dolls.

And the other thing often on my mind is... FOOD.

We have dried veggies in our traveling food that was most likely inspired by astronaut food. I think the candies in the photo above look like plain M&Ms.

Since the restoration area was a highlight for us, here are a few photos from the area.

When I first entered the museum, my eye caught all of the planes suspended in the air. 

This a Sport Wings Valkyrie 

Gemini Paraglider Wing (NASA)

Two planes were so big and the camera could not begin to capture their size. The lighting also didn't help. One plane was the Concorde (all Concorde's are retired from flight) and the other was the the Blackbird. The Blackbird on display was used by Lt. Col. Joseph Vida to set a speed record by flying from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. in 1 hour and 4 minutes and 20 seconds.

Another plane on display that was used to set a record, Glamorous Glennis. Capt. Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager, USAF, piloted the Bell X-1 which became the first airplane to fly faster than the speed of sound, Mach 1, on October 14, 1947.

In the aircraft category, my final photo is of the Enola Gay.

Enola Gay - Boeing B-29 Superfortress dropped the first atomic weapon used in combat on Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945. 

Moving into space:

Discovery space shuttle orbitor

John Glenn's training couch used to test "g "forces on the human body during Project Mercury. A plaster cast was made of the astronaut' body in a sitting position, than that form was used to make the couch out of fiberglass.

Disposable Absorption Containment Truck developed for female astronauts on early shuttle flights to wear during launch or spacewalks. 

Mercury Capsule "Big Joe"

Launched on September 9, 1959 its suborbital flight lasted 13 minutes. Its internal design was different from the manned version, but its success paved the way for the beginning of manned Mercury launches in 1961 (information from the placard in the museum).

Today we also tackled laundry. We are getting the hang of laundromats.

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Road Trip Day 42)

It rained early this morning. Our tent kept us dry and cozy. We ventured out for breakfast and then managed to get the oil changed and tires rotated on the Subaru. It was time, already! The second time for maintenance in the past 42 days. 

Then we headed over to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. It was just our speed these days. Only about 5 miles from our campground AND it was not crowded. Entrance is free and we learned a lot about the benefits of the space program. We spent about 2 hours watching videos and checking out interactive displays. We have an interest in NASA as the sensors Joe machined for over thirty years are used in current NASA applications.  

Inside the Visitor's Center 

It has been raining off and on all day so we ended up at the New Carrollton Library to charge our laptops while I worked on the family budget, addresses for an upcoming family reunion, and more road trip plans.

We have started working on our camping arrangements for a few days in New Brunswick and a week in Nova Scotia starting May 18^th.

Tomorrow we are planning to go to the National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, one of the Smithsonian Museums, as it has its own parking ($15).  We have been told by locals they think it’s the very best of all the museums. It will be an hour drive (31 miles).

Joe has not saved any wildlife today. The day is early though…

New Carrollton, Maryland (Road Trip Day 41)

When we feel the need to recharge, we have found that in addition to camping, our go to place is a library. We had intended to go to the Smithsonian over the next couple of days. Instead, we both find no desire to tackle the parking issue and deal with my bum right leg. We found the New Carrollton Library in New Carrollton, Maryland and have decided to charge our laptops, Joe’s iPad, and our phones as the campground does not have electricity except in the bathrooms. I’d rather hang out in a library than a campground bathroom for a few hours.

The library sits in a residential neighborhood with a greenbelt at the main entrance. The driveway to the library snakes around with the back of the building on the main street in. A tranquil area. The first photo is from the internet and the second photo is one I took to give you an idea of the view from the entry at the library.

We had light rain last night and again this morning. We stayed dry in our tent. This morning on our way to the library we stopped at Lowe’s and purchased a heavy-duty tarp and a small rug. After multiple trips to the bathroom during the rain we found we had a dirty tent floor.

Several people have asked me what my favorite part of the trip has been so far. I have not been able to answer this question with one highlight. Upon reflection though I have concluded the following:

·        The time in the car with Joe is always a blessing for me. Whether it is us talking about a topic in the news, rehashing our visits with people, my giving him background on the people he is about to meet, listening to a podcast, or simply trying to figure out how to correct the wrong turn just made – it is ALL good.

·        The places I like best are the ones that people share with us that they enjoy. From the Roden’s taking us to Covert Bailey’s home at the base of Superstition Mountain to the drive through the North Carolina Appalachian Mountains with MD and RD it has all meant more to me than the Grand Canyon. I cannot rank anyone better than another – the special places have been entwined with conversations and time with the people I wanted to connect with on the trip. Here is my list so far of events I have thoroughly enjoyed (and if I have left something out, I apologize – we’ve done a lot over the past 41 days):

o   Getting lost, we call it going on an adventure, with my cousins Tammy and Kent in Alabama.

o   Checking out the lakefront property of my cousins Teresa and Johnny in Texas.

o   Watching my husband dance at a senior’s dance in Arizona on a Wednesday afternoon.

o   The potlucks in Arizona and the one in Lufkin where I got to meet new friends and family members.

o   Meeting my friend Susan and her husband and eating at a bar that John Wayne dined in while filming in the area.

o   Meeting up with my family in South Carolina, having a meal together, and getting to know them each a bit better.

o   Attending the quilt meeting in Alabama.

o   The Tryon Palace with Jean in North Carolina and dinner with her family.

o   Watching my husband rescue turtles.

o   Chilling out in libraries.

Going to the Smithsonian seems like a good thing to do and I know we would probably enjoy it. However, our desire to just sit in nature and not deal with traffic today seems like the best choice for us. We have talked about it and neither of us feels the museum is a must do. We agreed we’d do it someday by flying to Washington, staying in the closest hotel possible, and renting Uber to get to the museums will probably make it more worthwhile.

While talking with Jean on the phone yesterday morning, she made a comment that resonated with me. I’ll paraphrase here. “My grandkids enjoyed meeting you. Joe’s playing basketball with them. You were helping them make precious memories. Someday they will talk about the time that Nana’s friends came from California to visit.”

Yes, that is the purpose of this trip, to make connections which will turn into precious memories for some of us. I am feeling blessed by the abundant goodwill of the people we have visited so far. It’s not buildings or mountains I will remember. I think of Maya Angelou’s quote: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Everyone has made us feel welcome.

On the way to the library this morning we came across another turtle in the road. A smaller one this time! Joe rescued it, of course.

Turtle Rescue #2 

Reflection (Road Trip Day 40)

 We are resting today. Yesterday’s long drive took a lot of energy from us.  A hearty lunch and hot showers have helped us to regain our equilibrium. 

We slept well last night even though the campground itself is near a freeway. Today is much quieter than last night. Maybe all of the truckers were trying to get home to their families? It sounded like a speedway!

The other day I was asked how many people we have visited on this trip. A rough count was 50. I appreciate how many people we’ve been introduced to by family or friends. A trip like this reassures us there is a lot of good people in this country. 

Good in the sense of kindness. Political and religious differences aside. The spectrum has been broad in both areas and there have been no harsh words exchanged. It makes me believe there is hope for us as long as kindness rules.

A picture from today’s drive to grab the hearty lunch:

So, this is where you go to find it OR is this a wish should you turn right?

Remember to spray the ankles with insect repellent.

Joe and I are planning to spend the next 4 nights in this campground and have decided to skip as many large cities as possible going forward. Joe will take public transportation into New York to visit Nate while I stay outside of the city.

I am learning my limits!

On the Road Again (Road Trip Day 39)

Today was a driving day. We drove from New Bern, North Carolina to Greenbelt Campground near Greenbelt, Maryland. It is a national forest area, so we get to use our America the Beautiful senior Pass to save on camping fees.

We started the morning with a quick trip by Jean’s house as Joe had left ‘Joe Droppings’ behind. “Droppings” is the term we use at our house when someone leaves something behind. It started with Megan. When she was small, she would leave small toys in places around the house. I’d go with a small basket and fill it up with Megan Droppings. We have used it with guests who leave things behind.

The most embarrassing droppings we have ever had was when a visiting (and dear) friend had done her laundry. Weeks later, Joe asked me, “Whose underwear are these?” as he held up a pair of men’s underwear. I couldn’t answer that question. After about half an hour I realized they belonged to our friend’s husband. Fortunately, Joe remembered she had done her laundry at our house.

Joe’s droppings were all our electronic charging cords. It was one more opportunity to say goodbye to Jean.

On the way to Jean’s house, we came across a turtle trying to cross the road. Joe stopped the car in the middle of the road and picked the turtle up to place it in the grass. Joe tried to give me a photo opportunity; however, the turtle would have none of it and snapped at Joe. I managed to get one photo.

When we were finally on the road, we knew it was at least a 6 ½ hour drive if all road conditions were good. We also like to stop every hour to use the restroom, possibly grab a snack, and change drivers. We were able to stick to this plan throughout the day until the last two hours. The city traffic was fast and furious and there really wasn’t an opportunity to stop. We were both grateful to get to the campground which seems like it is smack dab in the middle of a major metropolitan area. Joe commented that he immediately relaxed when we turned into the park. We are not city folk by any stretch.

I really appreciate the beauty of the rest stops in the Carolinas. Virginia is no exception.

I love the welcome signs and the beautiful buildings for restrooms and vending machines.

Also taken at Virginia rest stop or "Welcome Center."

Yesterday the campground personnel sent an email that two food trucks would be on site this evening. One would have ribeye and cheesesteak and the other ice cream. Both were to arrive at 6:00pm and as of 7:08pm neither had arrived. I am disappointed. I had been thinking about a ribeye sandwich since I got the darn email. At 8:00 pm there is supposed to be a campfire storyteller who also sings. Reminds me of childhood camping trips.

We will be at this campground for the next 5 nights before heading on to New Jerey and New York City. 

My view this evening while writing the blog.

I'm always happy when out campsite is near the bathroom...

Reunion (Road Trip Day 38)

On July 12, 1974, I married and immediately moved to California. That was the last day I saw many of my high school friends. Jean Westrick (her maiden name) was one of those friends. She left for the Marines around the same time, our class did not have reunions on a regular basis, and our paths never crossed – until today!

Oh, I caught her on Facebook and would hear from mutual friends how Jean was doing. I knew she had married someone (Sam) in the Marines, and I knew she had two daughters from the marriage and Sam brought two children to the marriage. I knew Jean was not enamored with technology and that she was very involved in her church. A year or so ago she sent me her phone number and asked me to call. I tried a few times but never connected and then life got in the way, and I got busy and well we never connected.

Then I got a message on March 18^th on this blog, “In your tour around the US are you going to be in the North Carolina if so let me know, and I'll treat you to a wonderful visit to my new hometown New Bern NC.”  I had no idea who had written this message as Goggle does not require people to sign on to the blog to read it and therefore all comments are anonymous (unless the writer signs on or writes their name at the end of their message). I went on Facebook and put out a plea to identify the writer of the comment.

A mutual friend (and high school classmate) identified the writer as Jean and gave me Jean’s contact information. Other people started telling me that I had to go to New Bern, that it was a great place. I emailed Jean, I called Jean’s phone and left a message, and even though we had not connected, I booked a campground site for the nights of May 4^th and May 5th.

As we got closer to leaving for our trip, I decided it was good to make the trip to New Bern and that if the stars aligned, we would meet Jean. I kept the reservation. Then on Wednesday, May 4^th, I sent Jean a text and she answered!!!

Jean had a commitment for this morning and agreed to meet us at her family’s home at 10:30 am and from there we would go to tour Tryon Palace. We arrived at Jean’s home to be greeted with hugs and enthusiasm. We spent about 45 minutes talking and catching up on 49 years of life events (marriages, children, grandchildren, and careers). We were scheduled for a noon tour which took about an hour and then we toured part of the gardens, the separate kitchen, and the stables at the Palace.

The Drawing Room at Tryon Palace

The Dining Room. Only Dinner was served in the Dining Room (our lunch) Breakfast and supper were served in the bedrooms.

A guest room (Note the table - all bedrooms have tables as breakfast and supper were served in the bedrooms.

The Alcove Bedroom

The children's bedroom (another bed was in the corner to the left of where the photo was taken.

An arch in the garden. Honeysuckle aroma fileld the air.

Jean and Joe identifying plants in the garden.

We then visited an American Militia Camp on the Palace grounds. The camp was like camps in the 1780’s (after the American Revolution). Just as we arrived, two of the docents, in period costumes, were handling a broken auger which was either a replica or an original piece. Joe sat down with them and gave them some advice on the best way to fix the piece. They were most grateful, and Joe was happy to get in his daily dose of ‘helping.’

Joe and a militiaman (blocking a woman in the camp) discuss the broken auger handle.

Due to a time crunch and hunger we went to the North Carolina History Center, ate lunch in the Museum at a restaurant called Lawson’s on the Creek. Joe toured the museum while Jean and I chatted some more.

Our first night in the tent went beautifully. I had an excellent sleep and was very comfortable. It was incredibly quiet all night long. The campground is about 2 miles back from the freeway and so we get no outside traffic noise. Our tent is large enough for Joe to stand up in and having room to turn over in the middle of the night feels like a luxury after sleeping in the Subaru Outback. The good news is that we can sleep in the Subaru if the weather warrants it.

We did discover one problem with the tent and that is that there is nothing to hold onto when walking out the tent door. There is a 4” to 6” threshold that one must lift their foot over to exit (or enter) the tent. Joe put out his hand to help me and I promptly tripped out of the tent landing on my stomach. No worries, I managed to get up and move. However, as the morning wore on, even with ibuprofen, my right leg would begin to ache. Fortunately, we were able to get a wheelchair at the ticket booth, so Joe wheeled me around much of the time. I can report tonight that my leg still hurts a bit. I am hoping a good night’s sleep will help it to heal quicker.

We left the museum and headed to Jean’s home to meet her daughter, son-in-law, and their four children (therefore, Jean’s grandchildren). OMG! (Oh, My Goodness)! We had an awesome evening, Joe helped Jean with dinner by making guacamole and some Pico de Gallo to go with the Taco Salad that Sarah and Jean had put together earlier in the day. Sarah, a physical therapist by trade, and Nick, a Design Engineer and Team Lead at a nearby base, welcomed us into their home as if we were long time friends.

The four children, Isaac (Age 11), Emily (8), Catherine (6) and Nathan (3) brought joy to the evening. During dinner on the sun porch, the children entertained and amused themselves. After dinner, Nick cleaned up the kitchen and dishes while we visited. Emily asked to read us a story she had written for her Godfather who is very ill (hospice). Isaac played chess with Joe while we all continued to chat. Joe was excited to beat Isaac as he had not won a chess game in a while. Never mind that Isaac is only eleven.

We managed to take a group photo before we headed outdoors so Isaac could give us a drone demonstration; however, the drone had not been charged. Instead, Jean, Joe, Isaac, Emily, and Catherine played basketball. I think Isaac won the game. During the basketball game, Sarah and I visited, it was a gift to get to know a bit about her.

Left to right front: Isaac, Nathan, Catherine, Emily

Back left to right: Jean, Joe, Beth, Srah, and Nick

Isaac, Nathan, Catherine, and Emily

Our visit with Jean and her family was precious and a day I am not likely to forget for a long time. I think it foreshadows how Joe will be as a grandpa for Caleb and Charlotte. As we left this evening, after a round of hugs, Jean said she appreciated that I was tenacious in reaching out to her so we could enjoy a reunion. Jean ends all of her goodbyes with “God Bless.” Today he did.

Flanners Beach Campground, New Bern, North Carolina (Road Trip Day 37)

We said our goodbyes to RD and MD this morning and got on the road to New Bern, North Carolina by 10:00 am. A quick stop at the post office to drop off postcards for our grandchildren, Caleb & Charlotte, and we were on the road except for quick bathroom breaks and driver changes. We arrived at our campsite at Flanners Beach Campground at 3:30pm.

I was able to connect with my friend Jean and plan to meet up with her tomorrow at around 10:30am.

Joe and I put our new tent up for the first time. I am afraid I was more of a hindrance than help. He is still talking to me though and the tent is up. The tent has plenty of room. The air mattress we have been sleeping on looks tiny inside of the tent. We will see how I do getting up and down off the ground. I think it will be a wash with the climbing in and out of the back of the Subaru Outback.

New Tent (if you look closely you can see the air mattress)

Our campsite (looking out the tent doorway which is facing the back of our site)

The campground is extremely quiet and after all the traffic today it is nice to sit in nature and breathe. One downside is the bathroom is about 400 steps from our site (it is the opposite end of the loop). I am not complaining about the walk so much as I am that sometimes I don’t get 400 steps of notice!! Joe said next time he will drive me to the restroom. When I booked the site, it showed a bathroom next to us. There is a bathroom – they have padlocks on the doors. If this is my biggest concern of the day, I am doing fine.

Dinner Party (Road Trip Day 36)

 Today was a wonderful day of visiting with our friends in Davidson, North Carolina. RD, Ted, and Joe worked on cutting and installing shelving in RD’s new art studio. MD and I baked cupcakes, made a couple of different salads, and visited as we worked together.

Neighbors of our hosts came for dinner this evening. L and R brought their Great Pyrenees puppy, 6-month-old Tucker, for a brief introduction. We all petted and talked to Tucker before dinner while we drank an adult beverage and got to know each other a bit. During and after dinner people shared their stories of international travels. L and R were educators for much of their career and lived in Minnesota for four years. They gave us great tips on surviving the Minnesota winters. Good food, good friends, and good stories made for a magical evening.

Tomorrow, we leave for New Bern, North Carolina where we plan to connect with a friend from my high school days.

Life is good.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina (Road Trip Day 35)

 MD and RD drove us to several of their favorite nearby places north of Davidson, NC. We left around 9:30am and got back to Davidson around 5:00pm. One of their favorite places is Blowing Rock, NC. MD snapped a photo of Joe and I at the lookout point that is just above the rock. I took a few photos of the view and another shot of Joe climbing one of the rocks.

Blowing Rock is in the Appalachian Mountains. From the look-out point we drove to Valle Crucis to lunch at Over Yonder. The restaurant was closed so instead we checked out the Mast General store and then took a drive up some local roads until we could go no further. We turned around and drove back to Blowing Rock for lunch. 

Photos from Mast General Store.

The colors in the region surprised me as the trees are a mixture of red, dark greens, soft greens, and blooming dogwoods. During our drive we came across three turkeys, reminding me of the wild turkeys we have roaming Woodland, California.

Joe snapped a photo from the car window and the turkeys are camouflaged – they are there though!

We got back into Davidson, and I took a nap before we went to MD’s father’s house about 5 minutes away in a neighboring town. Ted just moved up from Florida. Ted is a retired machinist, like Joe, and so we were excited to meet him. His passion is wood carving – I took photos of some of his work. The photos do not do his work justice. The intricate carving is exceptional.

We ended our day with dinner out at a popular restaurant 131 Main. Ted joined MD, RD, Joe, and me for dinner. It was the first time I had tried a mushroom artichoke soup and it tasted like heaven in a bowl.

All in all, a most excellent adventure.

Sweet Caroline(a) (Road Trip Day 34)

We met up with my cousin Troy and his wife Candace in Greenville South Carolina today for lunch at an Asian restaurant. Great food and an enjoyable visit. Like his younger brother, Kurt (Saturday’s blog), we had last seen each other at our grandmother’s funeral in June of 1996. Troy is the eldest child of my Aunt Janet and Uncle Doug.

We found lots to talk about, sharing career and work experiences over the years and learning about children and grandchildren. While retired, Troy now finds pleasure in refereeing soccer matches for youngsters and high school aged teams. Both Candace and Troy are active in volunteer work for their church. We enjoyed getting to catch up with Troy and meeting Candace.

After our 2 ½ hour lunch we headed to Davidson, North Carolina to visit with our friends MD and RD. MD and I met on an online chat group thirteen years ago. She and her husband, RD had been to California on a business/pleasure trip and had met us in 2011 at Stinson Beach, CA. Several years later we met up with another friend in Pennsylvania for dinner. We have stayed in touch over the years, and we treasure their friendship. They have generously opened their home to us for the next few days.

MD is a writer and she relaxed us this evening with a reading of two of her poems and a short story she had entered (and won second place) in a North Carolina and South Carolina regional writing contest. Her writing translates itself beautifully into the spoken word. It felt as if I were transported into the places she described. I could see the people in the story as she read. MD is incredibly gifted. I am looking forward to the day her first novel is published.

RD is always gracious to us. I could sit and talk with these two magical people for hours. Oh wait, we did just that! RD’s work week is Wednesday through Monday so the next two days are his weekend. RD and MD are taking us off on a touring adventure tomorrow. I can hardly wait!

We are also excited at the prospect of meeting MD’s dad. He was a career machinist! Now retired, he enjoys wood carving. MD tells us his work is quite intricate and that he also incorporates other materials besides wood into his sculptures.

Today’s photos are from the first northbound rest stop inside the North Carolina border.

We saw two billboards today on the road that drew our attention.

The first was in South Carolina and advertised quite explicitly an Adult Store. Both Joe and I (who are not prudes) were surprised at this. Not what we had expected from a state with multiple churches in the same block everywhere we have traveled.

The second billboard was right after we crossed from South Carolina into North Carolina. It read, “Abortion is legal in North Carolina.” I thought that was rather neighborly of North Carolina to extend an open invite for anyone ever faced with the difficult decision of ending a pregnancy.

I did a Google search and both types of billboards have generated legal challenges. Guess Joe and I are not the only folks to be surprised by billboards.