Saturday, Day 15: Driving Adventures, Monticello

Spent our morning enjoying, for one last time, the ocean. The view, the sound, the feel of the salty wind and the sand in our toes. A cool morning, with the sun trying to poke through the clouds. It has been a good respite here in Virginia Beach, but we must head out.

The drive west was eventful. We had bickering, vomiting, traffic jams and more…all before leaving the coastal area. To say that it was a great time would not be accurate. I will be so glad to arrive at our destination.

Yikes, traffic is thick, thicker than Minnesota mosquitoes. Wonder why? It is, after all, Saturday morning. We make little progress over the course of thirty minutes. Here it is: an accident. Sort of. A car is on the side of the road.

Here’s another reason for traffic. Richmond Raceway, where a big NASCAR event is taking place today. We’ll do our best to miss most of the 100,000 spectators.

Arriving later than we wanted at Monticello. The tour of the property is very informative, and the grounds are just lovely. Jefferson was exceptionally gofted at design and had a fabulous vision for his home. The house is an architectural landmark, of course. There were some story-tellers and exhibitions at the estate, which the children enjoyed.

Cheap dinner at “the Colonels,” and we missed the rain while dining. Stuffed into the hotel room (a freebie on rewards points”), we fell into a deep sleep…