Here we are in February 2016. Where did the time go?
We haven’t updated the blog in quite a while, so here are the highlights to wrap up 2015.
Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and more…
When last we wrote, we had just left Martha’s Vineyard headed to Connecticut. we spent a couple days in Groton, CT where we visited the Submarine Force Museum. What an awesome place. We toured the first nuclear powered submarine, and read a ton of history – including finding information about the three subs that Cathy’s dad served on during World War II.
One of the subs Cathy’s dad served aboard.
The fall colors were in full force in Connecticut. It was beautiful.
New York
We headed back into New York and settled into our campground in Gardiner. Our friends Jan and Carl Coleman flew in from California to join us on our adventure for a week.
We toured the FDR Presidential Library and Museum.
We always love our political history, and this museum did not disappoint. Here are several pics. Many more in the gallery.
We also visited the historic Huguenot Street. In 1678, a group of Huguenot families (French Protestants) established a community in the Hudson Valley of New York in the hope of creating a home where they could worship as they chose. In 1894, their descendants formed what is now Historic Huguenot Street to protect their legacy in the buildings, objects, and stories they left behind. It was quite interesting to see the preserved architecture and artifacts. We had a very informative tour guide.
Rhode Island
Newport Rhode Island is home of the Breakers, a mansion built by the Vanderbilts as a summer “cottage” and a symbol of their social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. We strolled along the coast line to view the mansions.
We also toured Providence, RI where Cathy’s dad was born. The capitol building was open and we spent some time there as well.
Massachusetts
There’s a very interesting exhibit on the border of Massachusetts called Battleship Cove. We spotted it as we were traveling by and had to check it out.
Battleship Cove is a nonprofit maritime museum and war memorial in Fall River, Massachusetts. Featuring the world’s largest collection of World War II naval vessels including the highly decorated battleship USS Massachusetts.
Also on display are the USS Lionfish, a World War II-era attack submarine; USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., a Gearing-class destroyer; PT boat PT-796 and PT-617, the only pair of restored PT boats on display in the world. PT-617 is the only remaining Elco PT boat on display similar to that of John F. Kennedy’s PT-109. There were other vessels on display as well.
The best part of this exhibit is that nearly everything is open. We were able to freely walk through each of the ships (other than the PT boats). Very interesting.
New Jersey
Our stay in New Jersey was very brief – just a quick overnight and then a hunt to find Cathy’s grandfather’s grave. Little is known about her grandfather, Samuel Salvador Simonetti, but with the help of ancestry.com (and some sleuthing from our friend Jan) we were able to find the cemetery and grave.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city and is notable for its rich history. We visited the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall – where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed.
In West Chester, PA we had an interesting and fun tour of the TV studios for QVC – one of the nation’s premier home shopping channels.
In Lancaster, PA we toured an Amish home and farm and learned quite a bit. For instance, did you know that you cannot become Amish (convert)? You must be born into the Amish community.
Also in Lancaster, Jeff reconnected with his best friend from school, George Ioannidis. We had a great dinner catching up and reminiscing.
Gettysburgh
Gettysburgh, PA is a very sobering place. We toured the Gettysburgh museum. How incredibly disheartening to see up close and personal the history of Americans fighting Americans.
Delaware, Maryland and Virginia
We had brief stays in Delaware and Maryland on our way to visit cousins in Virginia Beach.
Cathy with Beth, Karen and Gordie.
Cathy and Nancy
North Carolina
As we continued our trek south for the winter, we visited the Billy Graham Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you’re in the area, it’s worth the trip. Billy Graham’s ministry was truly blessed. He touched so many thousands of lives – from the rich, famous and powerful, to the ordinary Janes and Joes. We really enjoyed spending the day here.
South Carolina
Two relaxing days at the Ocean Lakes campground in Myrtle Beach was nice. Right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, this large campground is one we’re sure we’ll visit again.
Charleston, SC
Video below was taken on a horse drawn tour of the city. We enjoyed Charleston, but didn’t get many pics.
Georgia
Spent a day in Savannah, Georgia and absolutely loved it. Great historic city!
After our stay in Savannah, we headed to the small town of Blackshear to see more cousins!
Tammy, Julie and Cathy
Florida
As planned, we arrived in Florida in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with family in Lakeland then we headed over to the coast for a couple weeks before flying back to California for Christmas.
First stop was a huge resort in Titusville. We really enjoyed it – lots to do and see.
Karaoke Night!
Games and Activities
Daytona Beach
We also visited Daytona Beach. The weather was cool and breezy, but fun nonetheless.
Ponce de Leon Lighthouse
Just south of Daytona is the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse. We climbed the stairs to the top to see the view. It was pretty cool.
Most interesting was an exhibit of rafts from Cubans trying to get to freedom here. Most of the rafts washed up on shore without any occupants. Obviously the Cubans fleeing communism were desperate to trust their lives to these makeshift rafts.
Wrapping Up the Year
We flew back to California for two weeks to spend Christmas with family. It really was wonderful to see everyone again, and we had a great time.
It’s been an incredible nine months on the road. We’ve truly enjoyed exploring the country. There is so much to see and do. And we really look forward to the adventure that still lies before us…
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