Fort McHenry and Baltimore

Dale & Di toured Fort McHenry and Baltimore (Tom & Anita had been to Baltimore before and stayed behind to wait for a refrigerator repair guy. It was a lovely sunny 67°F day and perfect for exploring Fort Mchenry which is like a museum. It was during the bombardment of this fort that Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."

We also enjoyed walking around Baltimore's Inner Harbor and Harborplace Mall and then drove to historic Fells Point past John Hopkins Hospital. Before leaving we visited the newly restored Baltimore Cathedral , the first Roman Catholic cathedral built in the United States.

Washington DC

We spent this day of bright sunshine but very cold wind touring Washington, D.C. We got off the Metro near the Washington Monument (and got free tickets for the 4P tour) and then visited all the Memorials. Next we found our way to Pennsylvania Ave for lunch – which was very near the White House (and which of course we could not tour). Next we headed for the Capitol and looped back to the Washington Monument.

Photo one is of Anita and Diane at National World War II Memorial.

Photo two is of Dale, near the Capitol with Gen Grant in background.

Photo three is of Di, Tom & Anita resting. It is almost 2 miles from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol but our walking tour was not direct and we easily walked 6 miles in total. There is lots we didn’t see in D.C; we will have to go back.

Air and Space Museum

Today is a cold windy day in northeast Virginia. It is a perfect day for Dale & me to join Deckers and tour the new Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum near Dulles Airport. We got there in time for a 90 minute (more like 2-hour) tour led by docent, Steve Moore, who as an Air Force pilot for 15 years knew a lot about aviation. With great skill he took us from early aviation history to the latest military strike fighter; the F-35. Of special interest was the amazing reconnaissance aircraft, SR-71A Blackbird (in photo)

Last Day in Virginia Beach

Today is our last day in Virginia Beach. Luke left early this morning for Fallon, NV. Dale & I did one more morning bike ride along the boardwalk. We stopped to take a photo of me by King Neptune and Dale by the tourist Fishing Pier and the locals fishing pier. We had a joyful reunion with Tom & Anita in the afternoon; they drove down from Williamsburg for the day and we went to a sports bar to watch football.

Today is our last day with Luke; he leaves for Fallon tomorrow. But we might hang out here in Virginia Beach for awhile longer – especially if Deckers join us. They are seriously thinking about it. Today they are in Colonial Williamsburg which Dale & I toured last week.

Today is the most of Luke we have seen since last weekend. Last night we met his girlfriend, Cassie. For some reason he chose her instead of us as his guest for the squadron Hail & Bail Party. (Hail & Bail party combines a farewell and welcome to new arrivals in one party). Anyway, here is a photo of Luke & Cassie ready to go to the party.

Virginia Beach

We are enjoying our relaxing week with Luke in Virginia Beach very much. I have attached a couple photos: view from Luke's apartment, Luke & Mom, LTJG Luke off to work.

We got to Luke’s Friday (17th) and I now have the luxury of high speed wireless internet. Since doing email with my dialup is unreliable I am attempting to set up a blog site that I will hopefully add posts to periodically.

We will be leaving here same day as Luke; Luke will take the military airlift to Fallon, NV about 11A on Saturday. He will be gone for four weeks (until Nov 22) for Air Wing training. We will head north to Washington, D.C. I think - or may be home.

It is great for Dale & me to now have a visual of Luke’s place and neighborhood; we look forward to coming back again to Virginia Beach during the next couple years Luke will be stationed here.