Homeward bound

 Before we left to head home, the Wagon Masters and the Tail Gunners had a continental breakfast for our group.  It was nice not to have to deal with cooking or dishes on check out day. Our plan was to make it home in 3 days and we did.  It was a nice peaceful ride with some backroads and some interstate  roads

Stop 1 - Lee Hi Campground, Lexington VA.  

We stopped here again.  With the truck stop for gas, a store and a Denny's it has all that is needed.  Although we didn't eat at Denny's it was a nice option.

Stop 2 - Ebenezer Park, Rock Hill SC

The ride to this park was nice.  We took the interstate through Charlotte, NC then took the highway and local roads to the camp ground. This was a beautiful campground that I would choose again!

We did run into some problems after leaving. The low coolant/check engine light came on and the coach shut down.  Thankfully, we are at an exit and were able to get off without problems.  She did start back up then shut down again, but Bob was able to get us into an empty parking lot.  He was unable to clear the codes and get the engine started so he removed  the coolant module and just watched the fluids until we go home.  No more problems!

Stop 3 -  Little Ocmulgee State Park

We traveled mostly the backroads through Georgia. Very pleasant and stress free!  However, once again found we could not level on the site we had chosen.  We finally gave up and chose another one but no sewer hookup.  There was  a dump station so all was good.  There are lots of trees at all the sites and the park also has a beautiful golf course and lodge.

Day 4 - Home Sweet Home

We arrived home mid-afternoon.  A wonderful trip - one we will remember and talk about for a long time

Next adventure:  Summer trip to the Mountains

Washington DC - Day 6

We did not participated in the morning activates.  We were scheduled to leave the next day to head home and knew we would be  tired with another late night planned.  However most of the group went.  The day's event was 5 hours at any or all of your choice of the Smithsonian Museums. We really hated to miss it but we knew it was best for us.

Evening Activity - A sunset cruise on the Potomac River

Dinner was a choice of steak, chicken or  salmon, and was very good.  The only draw back was the music.

The band was loud!  It was Prom night so the music was not what we would have chosen  but it was all good.  The cruise was lovely with all the lights from shore.  We were home by 11:30 and in bed early for the trip home.

Washington DC - Day 5

 Stop One:  Arlington National Cemetery

We got to sleep late and didn't leave until noon, however we didn't get home that day until 11:30PM.

The changing of the Guard is awesome!  These individuals are so dedicated.  They not only can not smoke or drink, not only while they guard the tomb, but forever, least they shame the integrity of the mission.

Iwo Jima Monument

President Kennedy's Grave site

Robert Kennedy's Grave site

Second Stop:  Ford Theatre

After Arlington  Cemetery, we had dinner in an old bank converted to a restaurant and then we walked the few blocks to the Ford Theater to see the musical Shout Sister Shout which is based on the life of    Sister Rosetta Tharpe.  We sat just below where President Lincoln was shot.

Washington DC - Day 4

 Stop one:  The Basilica

We left early again and arrived at the Basilica around 9AM. Words do not describe the beauty and tranquility of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception!  it has more than 80 chapels and oratiories. 

Stop 2:  Mount Vernon 

We had lunch at Mount Vernon followed by a tour of the house and plantation.

Another busy day!

Washington DC - Day 3

  First Stop: International Spy Museum

This is a very hands on Museum.  Everyone resisters and reives a code name. THen throughout the museum there are cases to solve.  This museum has the largest collection of espionage artifacts ever displayed.

Next Stop: The White House

Just a quick stop for photo ops.  

 

And a small demonstration against the administration

Last stop of the day:   The Library of Congress

What a beautiful building!

Then it was home and rest up for another day!

Washington DC - Day 2

Day 2:  Fort McHenry

We were on the bus by 7:30AM for our trip to Baltimore to visit the fort.  They fly a flag every day and every night.  We were there to see them take down the night flag and up a new on.  The size of the flag is determined by the wind.  The raising of the flag is assisted by the visitors. One goes up a s one comes down.  We were there when school children were visiting and they helped.

Next Stop:  The Naval Academy 

The Lunch Parade by the Cadets

We had a great lunch in the Officer's club, followed by a tour of the campus.

The Chapel

We returned to the campground by 6 that night.