Us just before heading off. We had our pillows, snacks, and backpacks full of audio books, books, coloring pictures, and pens. And of course, I had my camera fully charged and ready to take pictures.
We had been at Pake and Beppe's most of the day and she had fed us supper so Mom could pack peacefully without us. So she was sitting there. From the look on her face I think she was praying for us - she was worried about us going all that way. But she waved and off we went.
I am a traveling person. I love the idea of traveling (especially at night), and I truthfully don't mind being the van for long periods of time, since I don't get car sick easily. But we were off - in an hour we would be in the States.
Driving in Canada on the 401
In the US
Cassia. By this time we were on the Interstate, in Michigan.
So we drove on, occasionally stopping for gas and bathroom breaks.
Gas Break #1
We drove all the way until 2, then stopped at a truck stop in Maryland to sleep. Mom and a few kids slept in the trailer, while Dad, Cassia, and I slept in the van. I don't think anyone slept real well. During the first hours in Maryland, it was a lot of fun driving and going through tunnels. I think everyone had their sleeping situations set up perfectly to enable as much rest as possible for everyone on each bench. For Alicia and I, we switched so that if we wanted to, we could switch spots to sleep.
The park at the truck stop where we spent some of the night. In the morning we enjoyed breakfast and an amazing view.
The view from the park. Our van, trailer, against the mountains.
The Interstate heading towards Virginia, which we would head down after breakfast.
A view of the mountains in Maryland.
Traveling along the highway. We went through Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington D.C, and Virginia.
Traffic in Washington D.C. It was so busy there that it took 3 hours just to get though it all, giving us a 15 hour trip instead of a 12 hour trip.
While driving, we played some road games. Alicia and I played "Spot the License Plate." Basically, you have to find as many different license plates as you can. Easy, right? It was, and a lot of fun. I think (if I remember correctly) I spotted license plates from New Jersey, Georgia, Virginia, D.C, Alberta, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Ontario, New York, Maine, and Florida, and more which I cannot recall. From the moment I saw the Virginia license plate I thought "I have to get a picture of that plate!" So I tried and tried and tried. And finally I got it.
If you read the fine print, it will say.... Virginia is for lovers.
Anyways, we drove and drove and drove, reaching our campsite at two Saturday afternoon. We set up and went swimming. In Virginia, we were literally in the middle of nowhere. There were Watch Out for Bears! signs, and I loved it. I love being out in the middle of nowhere, I really do. It is so much fun.
Our campsite. Very nice and private, and behind us was a trail leading into the bush which we had fun exploring.
Saturday we swam, then had a fire and went to bed. On Sunday we went to a Baptist church close by. That evening we went to the James River with some of the people from the church and enjoyed getting to know one another. That church was one of the friendliest churches I have ever been too. It was really nice to be there, and it was a good inspiration to be friendly to people coming to our church, especially young people my age.
On the bus at Williamsburg. It was the handiest thing ever - we didn't have to walk a lot then.
The gardens at the Governor's Palace, our first stop and my personal favorite.
The maze at the back of the Palace. It was slightly challenging, but a lot of fun. I think we did it wrong though, since we never reached the middle.
Colorful Carpet
The Capital building. This was on Tuesday during one of our programs.
Our ferry, the Pocahontas. Waiting on Tuesday to go back to our campsite.
The shoreline along the James River on our return trip.
The sun on the River. One of my favorite pictures, even though it was taken by accident.
More shoreline.....:)
The outside of the Capitol building while waiting for our last program on Wednesday.
An older kitchen in a 1940's house
For anyone who likes a piano.... here is an old one. (Selina, Alicia, I am thinking of you right now.)
After Wednesday we wrapped up our Williamsburg tour. We all really enjoyed it and maybe one day we will go back. We really onyl had Thursday to enjoy the campground since we left on Friday. However, before we left on Friday, we took the opportunity to visit Chippokes Plantation, the plantation close to our campsite.
Cassia, Ellia, and Moriah sitting on the sign for the Plantation.
And we are back on the road. We were headed home. Sad to leave Virginia, but I think we were all ready to go home. We had cousins to play with on Sunday. One of the fun parts about going home was that we were able to enjoy the mountains much more. Which leads me to post some mountain pictures....
Many mountain pictures!
We headed home, driving and driving. We stopped for gas three times, and nearly ran out twice. Lesson learned: Gas stations are sparce in the mountains. As time went on, we fell asleep one by one. I know I might have slept for 2 hours? Maybe? Whatever amount of time it was, it certainly wasn't very much. As we snaked our way through Ohio, Dad grew more tired and Mom grew more talkative. She knew that if she wanted to keep him awake she would have to talk a lot. By 5 we were at the border. In about half an hour we were in Canada. After getting gas, we drove home. By this time I was tired but wide awake.
At seven Saturday morning we arrive at home. We called Beppe to let her know that we had made it safely, and she in return invited us for breakfast which we eagerly accepted. We had a delicious breakfast of Froot Loops and our cousins were there too. So it was a perfect reunion! Once coming back home we unpacked. Dad slept all day until at least 3, and the rest of us layed around. By 6 pm, most of the little kids were asleep in different places in the house, and Mom, Alicia, Moriah, and I listened of Adventures in Odyssey and ate Cesar salad for supper. That night everyone who wasn't already sleeping went to bed on time, in order to be rested for Sunday.
So even though we had to leave on Friday, it turned out to be good so we could have a restful Saturday. Otherwise Sunday would not have been very fun for anyone.
Sounds like fun!
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