I am writing this blog on the deck of an oceanfront bungalow on the Outer Banks. That in itself is awesome since A. 24 hours ago I was in Pennsylvania, and B. I have never been at the Outer Banks in anything other than summer. So yeehaw for this little trio. The weather is wonderful, mid 60's. We all wore flip flops to dinner. We are relaxed and happy to be on vacation.
The roadtrip was typical for us. Lots of back roads, lots of laughing and a ton of snacks. We were cruising along and then we did have one stop in Richmond, VA on Belle Isle. There was this beautiful state park. It lined the James River. It was rocky and wet and sunny and warm and offered us exactly what we needed since we had been in the car for so long. There were walking bridges, awesome views and then...an abandoned power plant. Yep, right there, at the end of the foot bridge, which was once a railroad bridge. There were two amazingly crafted, well preserved,highly vandalized, buildings. Each housed old equipment from a bygone era. The pump was functioning in the 1900's to the 60's and then closed. We climbed, ran, jumped and crouched our way through these buildings. It was so much fun.
As we ventured through "tunnels" and up the oldest wooden steps I have seen, I could not help but be mesmerized by the tall walls, the steel gated doors and the way the James River flowed by seemingly unaware of the history and beauty right beside it. Others walked, ran, biked the trails. No one really gave a hoot about the powerplant but us. Many wondered in nature's beauty. We did too, but we were equally as starstruck in the abandoned beauty.
The walk back led us right into the James. Wet feet and pants only made the day more eventful. We did have to back track to get back to the car, but we met some very nice people, got an extra couple views of the river and the plant and a very awesome wall that looked like it had seen better days.
Upon leaving, we drive through Richmond. What a stark contrast in topographies these two places had. Green, lush, flowing waters, grand rocks and nature compared to the high rise buildings and urban development of the city. That made the discovery even better.
Alas, after a few more hours of great music, small towns, and 80's hair band music, we crossed over the Currituck Sound and onto the Outer Banks. Our week will be filled with sand, cold surf , lots of seafood and maybe one or two abandoned/odd/interesting finds. Stay tuned. But, until then think about this tidbit of information... , John Smith first explored Belle Isle, now the Feldy's...I think she has sufficiently fulfilled her quota of awesome visitors. Unless you plan on going...
The roadtrip was typical for us. Lots of back roads, lots of laughing and a ton of snacks. We were cruising along and then we did have one stop in Richmond, VA on Belle Isle. There was this beautiful state park. It lined the James River. It was rocky and wet and sunny and warm and offered us exactly what we needed since we had been in the car for so long. There were walking bridges, awesome views and then...an abandoned power plant. Yep, right there, at the end of the foot bridge, which was once a railroad bridge. There were two amazingly crafted, well preserved,highly vandalized, buildings. Each housed old equipment from a bygone era. The pump was functioning in the 1900's to the 60's and then closed. We climbed, ran, jumped and crouched our way through these buildings. It was so much fun.
As we ventured through "tunnels" and up the oldest wooden steps I have seen, I could not help but be mesmerized by the tall walls, the steel gated doors and the way the James River flowed by seemingly unaware of the history and beauty right beside it. Others walked, ran, biked the trails. No one really gave a hoot about the powerplant but us. Many wondered in nature's beauty. We did too, but we were equally as starstruck in the abandoned beauty.
The walk back led us right into the James. Wet feet and pants only made the day more eventful. We did have to back track to get back to the car, but we met some very nice people, got an extra couple views of the river and the plant and a very awesome wall that looked like it had seen better days.
Upon leaving, we drive through Richmond. What a stark contrast in topographies these two places had. Green, lush, flowing waters, grand rocks and nature compared to the high rise buildings and urban development of the city. That made the discovery even better.
Alas, after a few more hours of great music, small towns, and 80's hair band music, we crossed over the Currituck Sound and onto the Outer Banks. Our week will be filled with sand, cold surf , lots of seafood and maybe one or two abandoned/odd/interesting finds. Stay tuned. But, until then think about this tidbit of information... , John Smith first explored Belle Isle, now the Feldy's...I think she has sufficiently fulfilled her quota of awesome visitors. Unless you plan on going...