In October 1995, we had an interesting five-day trip to Lexington, VA for our 8th Combat Cargo Group [Squadron] Reunion. We had Doc and Ann E to thank for planning such a wonderful tour to Charlottesville and Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home.
10-14-95 Pensacola – Sweetwater, Tenn.
This is our first leg of our trip to Lexington, Va. for our 8th Combat Cargo Grp [Squadron] reunion.
We took the usual route from Pensacola – Montgomery – Birmingham – Chattanooga – Sweetwater – 457 miles in 9 hr.
Lunch at Cracker Barrel in Birmingham delayed us one hour but the grilled catfish was good.
There was a mix-up on our reservation at the Comfort Inn. We were confirmed for last night but they had a room + hopefully we won’t be charged for two nights.
Since we had a big lunch, Bert got us take-out at McDonalds + we watched the Braves-Reds in the fourth game of the Series. The score was 6-0 – Bbraves. They go to the World Series!! Yeah!!
10-15-95 Sweetwater – Lexington, Va.
We had a continental breakfast + left about 8:45. Patches of fog kept us well within the speed limit as we traveled Rt. 75 to Knoxville.
The fall colors were in their prime + we enjoyed the beautiful rolling hills through Tenn. + Va.
Had lunch at Wendy’s in Wytheville and proceeded on our journey along Rts 81 + 64, arriving in Lexington about 3:30.
Quite a few of the squadron arrived today + we congregated in Room 300 for welcoming everyone.
The Es, Doc + Ann, were the perfect hosts + it looks as though Lexington + its environs will have a lot to offer in the way of sightseeing this week.
Our room at the Inn at Hunters Ridge is quite nice.
10-16-95 Inn at Hunt Ridge – Lexington, Va.
This was a fun day! Weather perfect for sightseeing – cool, crisp fall day so we took advantage of it.
After breakfast we drove into town and first looked up Stonewall Jackson’s tomb, then went to the Presbyterian Church where he was a deacon before his untimely death at the age of 39 during the Civil War.
We’ve always known what a great general + statesman Gen. Geo. C. Marshall was, but after visiting the museum where we viewed the movies + toured all areas, did I realize how noble a character he was.
Our evening meal was a self-serve buffet + a card game afterwards with the girls. I was one of the big winners – came back with 80¢ profit.
10-17-95 Lexington
One thing I forgot to mention yesterday was our interesting trip to the Natural Bridge which is the 7th Natural Wonder + it was purchased for $2.40 by Thos. Jefferson from King Geo. III. It’s higher than the Niagara Falls + quite a spectacular sight.
Today’s activities included a tour of Lexington: VMI, Wash. + Lee College, Stonewall Jackson’s tomb + the Presby. Church where he was a deacon, and a very interesting Marshall Museum.
10-18-95
We boarded the bus early for a tour of Monticello, Thos. Jefferson’s home which he designed from very innovative ideas. He couldn’t live without books, he was continually learning with a zest for knowledge. He founded the U. of Va. In addition to all his other accomplishments: drafted the Declaration of Independence, Gov. of Va., Sectry of State, Vice Pres., + Pres. After the tour, we went to the Michie Tavern where we had a feast of fried chicken, black-eyed peas, stewed tomatoes, cole slaw, pot. salad, green bean salad, beets, cornbread + apple cobbler. I bought a cook book at the general store featuring those recipes.
Our tour ended about 3:30 + again we praised God + the Es – Doc + Ann, for planning such a beautiful tour for us.
Had a nice swim in the indoor pool + played cards with the gals. Again I was the big winner of the pot - $1.05!
Ate dinner in the Hunt Ridge restaurant, then ended the evening by watching the Indians beat the Mariners 4-0 + now our Cleve. guys go to the World Series.
Lexington
Today Jan + Mel C from Santa Barbara joined us for a trip to Staunton to view the historical area.
First we had a tour of Pres. Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace + museum. He was born in the Presbyterian manor as his father was a Princeton educated minister. He lived there with his parents + two sisters in this lovely 12 room home.
From there we visited the Museum of Amer. Frontier + Culture which focused on working farms and traditional cultures brought together from England, Germany, and Northern Ireland. The Amer. farm showed a synthesis of all three cultures.
Of all the areas in the U.S., this Shenandoah Valley ranks #1 in my book!
Our dinner at the Lexington Country Club was lovely. Only glitch – the bus forgot 10 of us – oh well!
10-19-95 Lexington to Gadsden, Ala.
Left the Inn at about 8:30 on Rts 11 + 81 to Roanoke where we exited at 150A + bought a bushel of apples, gallon of cider + two qts of jam + apple butter.
It was a beautiful drive all the way thru Knoxville, Sweetwater, Chattanooga, and on to Gadsden where we spent the night at a new nicely furnished Hampton Inn.
Went across the road to the Gadsden Mall where we had “The Works” at Morrisons.
Watched Seinfeld + then retired early for a good night’s rest.
We drove 510 miles today.
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| Hammy (October 1995) |
