05.22.08 Part 2: Yorktown, Virginia

Thursday, 22 May 2008 - Part 1 (10:30 am - 2 pm)
Yorktown, Virginia

From The Historical Park, I set off to explore the town. Not as big or exciting as I expected, but I did enjoy my time at the beach!

Old Yorktown, Virginia * http://www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism/

Yorktown, Virginia

Yorktown was named after England’s York and was established as a port for shipping tobacco to Europe. It is the 3rd part of Virginia’s infamous “Historic Triangle” that connects it with Jamestown and Williamsburg. Yorktown is a small village of roughly 203 citizens (2000 census) and is considered a “Census-designated place” in York County, Virginia. It is also York County’s county seat and is one of the eight original shires that formed in colonial Virginia in 1634. Yorktown is most famous for the surrender of General Cornwallis of the English army to General George Washington of the newly forming United States of America in 1781. It was this surrender that effectively ended the American Revolutionary War even though the war continued for another year. It was here as well that another American war - the American Civil War (1861-1865) prominently figurred as a placehold in being a major port that supplied northern and southern towns thereby placing it into being a battlefield a second time. There are only 9 buildings that survive from the Colonial period as well as many of the earthworks dug by the besieging American and French forces. There is also a memorial to the French war dead of the battle. Its a small quaint town. Nothing like Jamestown or Williamsburg and holds an attraction of its own. While I was visiting, most of the museums of historic buildings were closed and there were no activities. It does have a nice public white-sand beach great for summer activities and a little bit of shopping. Its a nice exit to the excitement of Jamestown and Williamsburg. Rating 3.5 stars out of 5. Visited 5/22/2008.

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Yorktown National Historic Cemetery (Virginia)

Yorktown National Cemetery * Yorktown National Historical Site * Yorktown, Virginia. I Passed the Union Soldier’s Burial Ground … laid out in avenues and enclosed with a Virginia rail fence .. each grave having a headboard neatly marked telling the hero’s name, his company, and regiment … In this lonely resting place, on the plains of Yorktown, sleeps many a noble boy, far from his home and kindred, with no kind friend to drop a tear, or sing a funeral requiem. ~ Bartholemew S. DeForest, 1862.

In the spring of 1862, war again scarred Yorktown’s landscape, as a Union army prepared to besiege Confederate forces holding the town. On the night of May 3-4, 1862 - in the face of Union siege artillery, Confederate forces withdrew from the area. Yorktown then became a Union garrison for most of the Civil War, and provided hospital service to wounded and sick soldiers. By war’s end, the remains of approximately 600 Union soldiers had been buried in the area between the 1781 Allied Siege Lines. In 1866, the cemetery was designated a national cemetery, and Union dead from over 50 field burial sites within 50 miles of Yorktown were re-interred here. Of the 2,183 burials, two-thirds of the remains are unknown. Only 747 are identified.

Jamestown Island, Jamestown, Virginia

Jamestown Island / Jamestown National Park (Jamestown, Virginia)

first views of settling America
waterways of Colonial Jamestown Island, Virginia

Upon exiting Jamestown Historical Site visitors are presented with an option to explore the remainder of the island, and to take the 3 or 5 mile driving tour around the loop following the higher ground of the island. Planted every 1/4-1/2 mile usually is a marker telling the tale of the island outside of the Jamestown settlement. You’ll pass the site of a Confederate fort, through the Pitch and Tar Swamp, At the point of the island is a small hiking trail that leads to the Black Point that hosts white sand, marsh, pine trees, swamps, and beautiful views. The island formed many thousands of years ago, from a series of shoals along the James River. The Colonists arrived in 1607 to find an isthmus that connected the island to the mainland as well as a “paradise” of virgin hardwoods suitable for building their settlement. Unfortunately in the 1800’s, the isthmus eroded away and the forests cleared for farming. After Jamestown moved to Williamsburg, the island became a plantation run by the Ambler and Travis families. During the Civil War, confederate forts guarded the river channel. Today its in the hands of the National Park service where it has been healed and is regenerating. I quite enjoyed the peaceful drive and walk about the area. Rating: 3 stars out of 5. Visited 5/21/08.

driving map route of Historic Jamestowne Island, Virginia

Black Point, Jamestowne Island, Virginia

pathway to Black Point

Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg, Virginia
What a quaint little history rich town. It has been quite a long time since I visited this village. In fact, not since i was a child. My parents took me here a few times and its probably one of the key influences on formulating my strong interest in history. Well at least the Colonial living history part of Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is of course the key attraction to the area next to the infamous college of William and Mary (1693 - the 2nd oldest university in the United States). Also home to the first known mental hospital in the United States (Eastern State Hospital 1770) This small 12,000 populated city (2000 census) is located on the Virginia Peninsula in the the Hampton Roads region in southeastern Virginia and forms a pivotal entry point to Historic Triangle where it borders James City County (Jamestown) and York County (Yorktown) connected by the National Park Service’s 23 mile long bucolic Colonial Parkway. It was originally known as Middle Plantation that was founded in 1632 that became a fortified settlement on high grounds between the James and York Rivers where it was defensible. In 1698 it became the capital of the Virginia Colony and renamed “Williamsburg”. In 1722 it became a royal charter and was the founding block for the political events that led to the American Revolution.
Weather in the area is very temperate and seasonal with hot and humid summers and cool evenings. The mean annual temperature is 60 °F (15 °C), with an average annual snowfall of 6 inches and an average annual rainfall of 47 inches. The highest recorded temperature was 104.0°F (40.0°C) on June 26, 1952 and August 22, 1983. The lowest recorded temperature was -7.0°F (-21.6°C) on January 21, 1985. Elevation: 82 ft (15 m). Website: http://www.williamsburgva.gov/ and more information can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williamsburg%2C_Virginia.

Historic Williamsburg, Virginia

random shopkeepers
Historic Williamsburg, Virginia

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The National Mall, Washington, D.C.

The National Mall * Washington, D.C. * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Mall
In the heart of D.C. connecting the Capital building, Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial is a green open-are National Park and recreational strip called “The National Mall”. It was originally conceived by Peter Charles L’Enfant during the construction of Washington D.C. in 1791. Because of its size and width, open expanse - its often the site for many protests and rallies. Most popular rallies in the area were the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedoms, a massive rally for African-American civil rights, at which Martin Luther King Jr gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. In 1969 it was home to the largest officially recorded rally known as the Vietnam War Moratorium. In 2004 the Nation of Islam leader Min Louis Farrakhan was the Million Man March. In 2007 tens of thousands of Iraq War protesters converged here as well. This green strip also serves as a popular spot for picnics, walks, jogs, and kite flying. Each year several events are held here including 4th of July celebrations. In July and August there are annual Screen on the Green movie festivals. Rating: 5 stars out of 5. Visited 2007 and 2008.

National Monument viewed from the National Mall on 5/20/2008

Day 2 of 10: Vancouver, B.C. & Jericho Beach

Vancouver, British Columbia: Day 2: Part 1 - Enjoying Jericho Beach
Home to the X-files and many other supernatural thrillers and television shows such as Dark Angel, The Outer Limits, The New Addams Family, and Stargate … Vancouver is a multimedia and digital entertainment hot spot in North America. Many digital producers, special effects, sick and twisted animationists, foreign film festival highlights, and top movies are produced and Created in Vancouver. Rated the 16th most beautiful city in the world, Vancouver has just about everything for anyone. Street coined “the Amsterdam of North America” or the “San Francisco of Canada”, Vancouver has a miriad of interests for the tourist. A unique nightlife awaits the night owl. Tons of plays and theatrical performances, music fests, concerts, and other cultural festivities. Home to the World’s Fair in 1986, the city has landmarks celebrating that event. In what other city can you stroll in a rainforest, swim in the ocean/lounging at the beach, rollerblade the beach walks, and go skiing in one day? 10 minutes to Grouse Mountain ski resort, 20 minutes to Cypress Mountain, and 45 minutes to Whistler/Blackcomb. Vancouver is a skiers/snowboarder’s paradise. Also known for it’s Asian culture … Vancouver is one of North America’s most famous Asian cities.

I’m on day 2 of a 10 day trip to Vancouver, as I came a few days early before my work conference … to say hello to friends and family since I used to live here in early 2000-2002. As I remember all of the places I used to hang out, and all the venues I used to visit, heart-felt warm memories encompassed my soul as I realized I was home. Home in a different way than where i was raised, because I am an American, and I was raised in New York and New Mexico. Its hard to explain the feeling I feel about Vancouver, because its very much a feeling of place and a feeling of connectedness, and for some reason, it centers in the area of Vancouver that I am staying in today, house sitting for a friend in Jericho Beach.

View of Vancouver from Jericho Beach

Jericho Beach Vancouver, British Columbia
Between North ends of Wallace and Discovery Streets * Vancouver, BC V6R4K5 Canada
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/rec/beaches/jericho.htm
One of Vancouver’s famous beaches, festive as well as serene locations, its popular during the summer for festivals, concerts, events, and summer sun bathing and beach fun. During the winters, serene moments and quiet beaches for walking, and absorbing the beautiful bay. Late at night, a great romantic get-away. Before the arrival of European settlers this area was home to a native village called Ee’yullmough. Later in the 1860s a logging camp under the auspices of Jeremiah Rogers took hold here. Known as “Jerry’s Cove”, the name evolved into the now familiar “Jericho”. This once was the site of Vancouver’s first golf course but was commandeered by the National Department of Defence in the late 1930s for a seaplane base with numerous hangars lining the shoreline. Turned over to the Park Board in the early 1970s, all but a handful of the buildings were demolished as the park took shape. The eastern section of the beach caters to swimmers and the west to sailboats and windsurfers under the auspices of the popular Jericho Sailing Association.
This long and sandy stretch gives panoramic views of the city, the mountains, and the bay. Very popular for sunbathing, dog walking, and family picnics … my visit the morning of 3/23/08 was welcoming the joyful frolick of kids scrambling for hidden eggs during their Easter egg hunts. For the traveller, the Jericho Beach Hostel is right upon it, and one of the best hostels in the city of Vancouver. Nestled between Kitslano and UBC, Pacific Spirit Park, and not far from Spanish Banks and Wreck Beach … this series of natural locations are a must visit in Vancouver. Popular location for boating - kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing as there are docking yards nearby. Concession stands and bathrooms are located conveniently here. This is also the home to the infamous annual Vancouver Folk Festival. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

Jericho Beach

03.21.08, Day 1 Part 4: Vancouver, B.C.: Vegan goodies at the Naam, Fire & Spinning down at Wreck Beach

Friday, 21 March 2008 - Day 1, Part 4 * Vancouver, British Columbia
It’s definitely really nice to be back in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver, British Columbia … nonetheless. While still chilly, far cry warmer than Colorado … and a nice break from the snow. My friend Lori called me to meet her at the Naam, an incredible Vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Kitslano, a neighbourhood in Vancouver, where alot of artsy, health-conscious folk live. Kitslano is a little more pricey than the rest of Vancouver, but laid back and not as crowded as other areas of the city. Its also surrounded by beach, neighboured by Jericho Beach, Pacific Spirit Park, and the University of British Columbia. I walked down 4th from Jericho Beach, enjoying the night air, and folks heading off to happy hour and found my way to a very busy and crowded restaurant. A fifteen minute wait and I soon had a table for me and my friends who were soon to arrive.

The Naam
2724 4th Avenue West * Vancouver, BC V6K 1R1, Canada * (604) 738-7151 * In Kitsilano near the beach
I remember the Naam vividly from when I used to live in Vancouver, and from every trip I’ve made to this gorgeous city ever since. After all, where else could you find a full service Vegetarian restaurant open 24 hours and 7 days a week but in Kitslano? It is and was always a popular venue for after clubbing fare as well. Always crowded and servicing the most excellent food, it’s worth the wait. It’s been around forever it seems, and is the city’s oldest natural foods restaurant. “Funky” decor with wooden tables and a wooden floor with a garden patio for summertime seating. Every night from 7-10 they boast live music such as blues, folk, and jazz. Everything on the menu is fabulous, and if memory serves me my favorite dishes are the Thai and Naam Dragon Bowls, Thai Noodles, Buddha’s Feast, and Crying Tiger Stir Fry. The Naam Burrito Wrap is also fabulous. On this particular re-visit I had the Buddha’s Feast, topped with cashews and was in palatable heaven. Top that off with a Chai shake, and I was good as gold. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

After dinner, even though it was close to midnight, we were headset on going to Wreck Beach. No liquor stores were open or available, so it was energy drinks and chips to take down with us. Wreck Beach is technically closed at dark, but that doesn’t stop half of the population of beach-goers from going at night, even during winter, to head down to one of North America’s largest clothing optional beaches for a campfire and/or beach party. Parking is convenient in the garages at UBC and its a short jolt down a very steep several hundred staired climb to the beach. Don’t park along the road however after 11 pm, as you’ll be towed, as they figure you are down at the beach when you’re not supposed to be.

Wreck Beach Vancouver, British Columbia
One of the world’s most famous ‘clothing optional’ beaches is one of my most favorite natural locations in all of my worldly travels. Especially during the day and summer, my memories are a whirl-wind of fun from the days I’ve lived here and the times I visited. Of course, during the winter months, and evenings, like today’s visit, there is no absence of clothing. But during the warm days, 95% of the population is stripped down, and you definitely can get sun, surf, and full body tan taken care of in one. Plus a moderate temperature ocean experience where you can actually go swimming. Sure during the winter months, crazy Vancouverites who are members of the Polar Bear club will take a frisky naked dip, especially to ring in the New Year. During the day, vendors galore from legal merchants selling freshly prepared Vegetarian and/or wild game grub (like Venison, Buffalo, Elk burgers), Sarongs, and beach stuff … there are the ‘illegal’ vendors who sell chocolate covered mushrooms, pot, margarita’s, beer, and mixed drinks. Of course, this kind of vending is illegal and not tolerated, apparently often cracked down on, even though to access Wreck Beach, is a long, panting climb down a series of several hundred stops - so most law enforcement don’t have the lungs to keep running up and down the staircase. Lots of activities and community fun always takes place at Wreck Beach, and sometimes even night time bonfires, fire spinning, and beach parties take place. If you’re a naturalist, this is definitely a place not to miss. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

It was a bit of an exhausting climb down the stairs, especially since I’m out of shape, but my asthmatic lungs at least handled the climb better than when I lived here, because I’m used to higher altitudes and more struggling breathing. Warm sand beneath my feet, campfires off in the distance, each attached to their own little beach party. We wandered to a few in hopes of finding someone we knew, but alas, such was not the case. So we started our own little fire and Bonefinder entertained us with some fire spinning staff and poi till 4 o’clock in the morning. Good times were had by all.

Bonefinder spinning her stuff
photo by Technogypsie.com (c) 2008

Grandview State Park (West Virginia)

Grandview State Park is located in Raleigh County, only a short distance from Beckley, West Virginia and is appropriately named for the many grand and spectacular views. The scenery is some of the best you’ll ever see!

The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and game courts. There are overlooks, such as Turkey Spur, Main Overlook and North Overlook, which provide breath-taking views of mountains and the New River. A view 1400 feet down, you can see the town of Quinnimont, which holds history of where coal first shipped out of the gorge in the 1800’s.

An array of Rhododendrons, which is the state flower of West Virginia, can be seen blossoming brilliant pink in May and white in the deep woods on the gorge’s rim, in June. Many visitors flock to the park just to see this beauty of nature.

Local farmers mostly used this area for picnics until 1950 when it was developed into the West Virginia Park System. Grandview is also the name of the near-by community.

Cliffside Ampitheatre is located within the park and well-known for its outdoor musical dramas in the summer months, including “The Hatfields and McCoys”.  Another drama is “Honey in the Rock”, which is a picturesque story of the creation of West Virginia during the Civil War.

Grandview State Park has a visitor’s center that is open seasonally, with park rangers available. The park has something for everyone and is a perfect place to find a spot of tranquility or to test your hiking skills along the trails of forests and unique rock formations.

Heritage Park, Historical Village (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)

If you ever find yourself in or around Calgary, Alberta, Canada, it will be worth your time to visit Heritage Park, just on the outskirts of Calgary. It’s a wonderful and very memorable tourist attraction the entire family can enjoy.

You’ll retrace back in time, at the turn of the 20th century. Take a ride on the old, restored steam-powered train that takes you around the entire village. Walking the unpaved streets, complete with wooden sidewalks, gives a sense of what it might have been to live in an old, western town. This includes the daily scheduled, acted-out gun fights just outside of the old saloon, which doubles as a fine family restaurant. There is also a fire station, as well as many other attractions to tantalize the pioneer spirit in you.

There are several old homes that were moved to the park and painstakingly restored to the exact specifications of how they were in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. You are able to tour each and every house with a walk through, viewing the old pump organs that would have been the family’s evening entertainment, the wood stoves where the woman of the house made her fresh homemade bread. The bedrooms are adorned with lovingly made quilts on each wrought iron or wooden bed and chamber pots are tucked beneath just barely out of view. You’ll witness the minutest detail of household items found in days of old. You might even find yourself feeling an unexplained cool breeze waft, as these old houses are said to be haunted.

You can shop for gifts and souvenirs in the general store or buy ice cream at another quaint little shop and sit on the park bench, enjoying the historic-like scenery, or watch children as they enjoy the rides in the old-fashioned amusement park. You can also take a lovely, leisurely ride on the river boat that tours along the riverbank, encompassing much of the park.

Unfortunately, the park only keeps summer-time hours, so check out their site online if you’re making your travel plans during summer months. Their web site can be found at http://www.heritagepark.ca/home.htm

The Bats under the Bridge, Austin, Texas

Congress Bridge * Town Lake - Austin, TexasBats under the Congress Bridge Austin’s Town Lake, Austin, Texas http://www.austincityguide.com/content/congress-bridge-bats-austin.asp
Home of the famous and largest bat colony bridge located in the heart of Austin Texas. The Congress Avenue Bridge spans Town Lake in downtown Austin and is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. The colony is estimated at 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats. Every night beginning in mid-March to roughly November, the bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk to blanket the sky as they head out to forage for food. This is one of Austin’s as well as Texas’ most spectacular tourist attractions. The best time to view them are during the hot dry August nights when columns of bats emerge. When I visited 4/27/07 is was more like a swarm of mosquitos (bats) around a bloody arm (the bridge). 4 stars out of 5.

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