With the weekend over, it was time to get rolling. I looked at the map, and realized one of the routes I could choose would take me through Manassas, Virginia.
I had been there in 2015 for quite a few days, so I didn’t really need to tour the battlefield again. However, old friends live there, so I stopped off for a quick visit.
Linda went to college with me. She met Tom after college. I knew Tom was planning to marry her when he made her a piece of furniture. For some reason, that didn’t even dawn on her – or so she said.
And, in the “no photo or it didn’t happen” category, here is the proof that I visited.
With that technicality out of the way, I had to keep rolling. This wasn’t my final destination of the day. I had to get a little further down the road to be positioned for the next round of collections.
This was really an interesting gig! This facility loads the grain right on to the barge. It’s not much to look at, but that’s the barge on the left side of the photo.
This street sign made me think of my dear kitty, Cora. I hope she remembers me when I get home.
I came across a lot of interesting road signs on my travels. I imagine there is an interesting story about why this thoroughfare is named “Prison Camp Road.” But, there was no one to ask, and I had places to go. In fact, I don’t even know where I was!
When my work day was done, I found a room for the night in some roadside hotel near Elizabeth City, North Carolina and then headed out to eat.
First, a salad.
Then , the entree. I wish I remembered what the protein was, but I can identify the baked potato. I was really enjoying the baked potatoes I was getting with my meals. I love them, and I don’t make them for myself. I know you can do them in the microwave, but you don’t end up with the crispy skin. Yum!
I don’t remember what the dessert was, either. But, I am sure it was tasty, and it had coconut on it!
After dinner, I decided to explore Elizabeth City.
I wound my way down to the harbor, which is on the Pasquotank River. They have a lovely waterfront.
I parked and walked over to investigate. I am always tickled by signs that tell you about places that aren’t where you are. Culpepper’s Rebellion took place two miles away. At least I had a direction to head, if I had a mind to. Southeast.
They call themselves the “Harbor of Hospitality” and offer 48 hours of complimentary dockage. That sure is hospitable!
I thought this was a thoughtful way to honor their son, who died all too young. I am sure all who stay in the slip think of him and them.
The park around the harbor is quite lovely, and I love the idea of transplanting someone’s beloved rose bushes to a place where they can continue to be enjoyed.
In case you can’t read the writing on the monument, back in 1983, two friends, Fred and Joe, hosted a gathering for “the mariners” – I assume that means people with ships in the harbor. Joe brought roses from his own bushes to give to the “first mates” – I assume that means the wives of the “captains.”
When Joe died in 1987, his rose bushes were transplanted to the park by the wharf. Fred continued to care for his friend’s rose bushes even as he reached his 90s. He was assisted by local businesses and organizations. The care for the roses have continued after Fred died in 2007.
Some people were fishing off the wharf. They were all gathered around something, so I walked down to see what they were looking at. Eww! An eel!
I took a last look out into the harbor. We surely do live in a beautiful world! Back to the hotel for a solid night’s sleep. The morning would be here soon enough and I would be on the road again.