Ten Years Ago (Part 4)

Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware

(part 3, etc.) so by this time, it was already october and starting to get cool.  we put our plans for new england on the back burner (for the next year!) and decided there was enough to see in the virginia area to keep us busy before heading south.

Lewes, Delaware

 we did take a side trip to cape henlopen in delaware for my birthday.  fabulous!!  seeing as it was “off season” lots of the parks were practically empty, especially during the week.  nothing like having a state park all to yourself!!

Cape Henlopen

Delaware, Rehoboth Beach, I think

back through maryland, across the chesapeake bay bridge and into virginia beach.  all told, we spent a whole month in the virginia area before heading into north carolina.

Pokomoke River, Maryland

Chesapeake Bay bridge, Virginia

 sadly, i was not taking very many photos at this time and didn’t keep some of the ones that i did take. i know, hard to believe, but it wasn’t until i got well into reading the artist’s way that i started to flex my creative muscles.

some of the ups and downs:

10-13-01          Oakridge Campground, Prince William Forest National Park, VA

Some of my favorite moments have been on solo hikes.  I’m reminded of this because I’m on one now.  My thoughts just work in a different vein.  This particular spot is on a boulder in the Quantico Creek in Prince William Forest Park near Mannassas.  The colors are brilliant and my feet are in the water.  The only sounds are the wind, the leaves falling, the insects and birds.  I think I’ll have my lunch now. Oh, for more moments like these!  I see quite a few more on the horizon.  All I need is myself and a beautiful spot and no one else around.  It’s not expensive!  By myself, I can finally start to realize the tremendous relief of completing all I had to do this summer to get to this place.  The relief has been coming in small doses. 

Virginia, Newport News Park

 10-21-01          Newport News Park, Newport News, Virginia

I’m reading “The Gift of a Year” – I discovered it only after my year was already in motion and started reading it only after my year had already begun.  I’m finding it very reinforcing that I am doing the right thing (I’ve honestly had no second thoughts).  I can’t believe how little stress I have right now.  I think my year (or more) will lead to other causes and ideas.  I’m certainly open to that, but I had to free myself of commitments to see what those might be.

This constant connection to nature feeds my soul!

Virginia Beach, water-view campsite

 10-25-01          Richmond, VA

This is the second day spent here in the RV shop in Richmond in record breaking heat waiting for the installation of the inverter and extra batteries.  We just got the bill and I’m not a happy camper!  But tomorrow we hope to be back on the Blue Ridge Parkway....

Williamsburg, Virginia

 Be Prepared 

So you want to live in a motorhome?

Pick up some glue at the store –

Everything you thought was tight  

Will end up on the floor.

While you're at it get some tablets

To write your problems down.

And make a list of necessities

Should you ever get to a town.

Pack a little vacuum –

Your floor will be a mess.

You’ll track in dirt and sand and leaves,

More than you could guess!

And don’t forget the quarters

You’ll need to wash and dry,

You can’t do laundry cheaply

Even if you try.

You’d better learn to read a map-

Many mistakes can be found.

You’ll travel twenty miles

Before you can turn around.

I hope you like your spouse a lot-

Set up a cozy nest.

Confined together 24/7

Can put you to the test.

Is it worth it you say

To put up with this stuff?

I had no idea

It would all be so rough.

Once you see all that’s out there

You’ll have to agree –

The joys of the journey

Will set your soul free!