Washington D.C. and City Segway Tours

I started my day by hitting the train station in Fredericksburg. First off, parking was a royal pain! I really suggest researching the parking anywhere before having to use it. I think I rounded the block twice before I just decided to use a parking garage two blocks away. And, lesson learned!

Then, I went over to the train station. Here, I realized that I had no idea which track to approach. Stairs to the left or stairs to the right. So I, being me, stopped a complete stranger to ask questions. She was so kind and helped me out, but she was carrying such heavy bags. I offered to help several times, but she declined every time. Finally, we ended up sitting together on the train to D.C. Dana was very kind and helpful, especially after I found I had purchased the wrong ticket. Or, more specifically, I did not purchase a part of the ticket that I needed. What the heck is a step-up ticket?? So, once again, always do plenty of research before buying tickets. I discovered that some of the trains are VRE (Virginia Rail) and some are Amtrak. So when you buy a VRE but plan to use Amtrak, you have to buy a step-up ticket in addition to the VRE ticket because you are "stepping up" to Amtrak, so to speak. So, because we both had horrible cell service, she and I were both fighting for an actual human person from Amtrak. Finally, she got an actual human first, so I was able to take care of the ticket issues. Dana is one of those rare souls that are willing to step in and help. She's a garrulous, kind-hearted, helpful soul that needs to be acknowledged for her caring! Thank you, Dana!

Finally, we got to DC and parted ways with a quick hug. I really hope to continue communication with her in the future. I felt the beginning tugs of friendship. But, she had to work and  I had a tour to catch. So we went our separate ways.

Now, I've taken many tours in my life: bus tours, trolley tours, walking tours, boat tours, etc. But the best by far is the City Segway Tour!

Segways are really a lot easier to manipulate than you really expect. I was a little tentative at first, but by the time we had been 30 minutes into the tour, I felt like a pro! I'd also like to mention that Spencer, our tour guide, was obviously very experienced and extremely knowledgable! The best part? We all had radios on our Segways so he could tell us humorous anecdotes while scooting along. So while walking tourists are getting all hot and sweaty, we were zooming along with a beautiful cool breeze! Plus, we saw more in 3 hours than most people ever could in that time frame. It was fun and it was informative. Spencer shared anecdotes and stories about the locations that you just never get while playing solo tourist. But on a Segway? Oh, my. I will never take a normal tour again!

We saw all of the normal DC sights, but Spencer's informative anecdotes really helped us to understand some of what we were seeing and added humorous flavor to the history we've all learned. I had no idea Hoover hated the FBI Building and never wanted his name on it. Nixon, for spite, named the building the minute Hoover was no longer in office! We also learned that Andrew Jackson was a huge partier. He would through huge gatherings, serving whiskey and punch. The government finally stepped in and told him not to have those parties in the White House! Which was where we started our tour, then we moved up Pennsylvania Ave to the Capitol. We then we scooted all the way up the mall, stopping at various sights of interest, and ended at the Lincoln Memorial. I've been to D.C. several times, but I never managed to get there before. Unless you have been, you just can't comprehend the majesty and beauty of the scene. Nor can you comprehend the immensity of Lincoln sitting on his chair. According to our tour guide, the seated Lincoln is 19 feet tall. If he had been depicted standing, he would have been 28 feet tall! And, he is forever gazing at the Washington Monument, beautifully rising to the clouds.

With that final image, our tour ended and we had to return our wonderful Segways. I've already started making plans to find another!

Then, I got to fight the trains! I had to take the Metro back to Union Station. At rush hour. During one stretch, I was the salami in a human sandwich. It was funnier than it was uncomfortable, but it was tight in there!

Finally, yes, I ended up doing the whole 'sprint to get on the train" thing. That was also a memorable first. I really felt that I acquired a quintessential train memory during that sprint. But I did it. And, I made it.

I had a wonderful time in Washington. I suggest that anyone who only has a short time to spend and wants to fit as much as possible in their trip should call City Segway Tours. It's fun and it's memorable! It helps you fly comfortably through the sights. I loved it!! And I will definitely do it again!

Washington D.C. and City Segway Tours

I started my day by hitting the train station in Fredericksburg. First off, parking was a royal pain! I really suggest researching the parking anywhere before having to use it. I think I rounded the block twice before I just decided to use a parking garage two blocks away. And, lesson learned!

Then, I went over to the train station. Here, I realized that I had no idea which track to approach. Stairs to the left or stairs to the right. So I, being me, stopped a complete stranger to ask questions. She was so kind and helped me out, but she was carrying such heavy bags. I offered to help several times, but she declined every time. Finally, we ended up sitting together on the train to D.C. Dana was very kind and helpful, especially after I found I had purchased the wrong ticket. Or, more specifically, I did not purchase a part of the ticket that I needed. What the heck is a step-up ticket?? So, once again, always do plenty of research before buying tickets. I discovered that some of the trains are VRE (Virginia Rail) and some are Amtrak. So when you buy a VRE but plan to use Amtrak, you have to buy a step-up ticket in addition to the VRE ticket because you are "stepping up" to Amtrak, so to speak. So, because we both had horrible cell service, she and I were both fighting for an actual human person from Amtrak. Finally, she got an actual human first, so I was able to take care of the ticket issues. Dana is one of those rare souls that are willing to step in and help. She's a garrulous, kind-hearted, helpful soul that needs to be acknowledged for her caring! Thank you, Dana!

Finally, we got to DC and parted ways with a quick hug. I really hope to continue communication with her in the future. I felt the beginning tugs of friendship. But, she had to work and  I had a tour to catch. So we went our separate ways.

Now, I've taken many tours in my life: bus tours, trolley tours, walking tours, boat tours, etc. But the best by far is the City Segway Tour!

Segways are really a lot easier to manipulate than you really expect. I was a little tentative at first, but by the time we had been 30 minutes into the tour, I felt like a pro! I'd also like to mention that Spencer, our tour guide, was obviously very experienced and extremely knowledgable! The best part? We all had radios on our Segways so he could tell us humorous anecdotes while scooting along. So while walking tourists are getting all hot and sweaty, we were zooming along with a beautiful cool breeze! Plus, we saw more in 3 hours than most people ever could in that time frame. It was fun and it was informative. Spencer shared anecdotes and stories about the locations that you just never get while playing solo tourist. But on a Segway? Oh, my. I will never take a normal tour again!

We saw all of the normal DC sights, but Spencer's informative anecdotes really helped us to understand some of what we were seeing and added humorous flavor to the history we've all learned. I had no idea Hoover hated the FBI Building and never wanted his name on it. Nixon, for spite, named the building the minute Hoover was no longer in office! We also learned that Andrew Jackson was a huge partier. He would through huge gatherings, serving whiskey and punch. The government finally stepped in and told him not to have those parties in the White House! Which was where we started our tour, then we moved up Pennsylvania Ave to the Capitol. We then we scooted all the way up the mall, stopping at various sights of interest, and ended at the Lincoln Memorial. I've been to D.C. several times, but I never managed to get there before. Unless you have been, you just can't comprehend the majesty and beauty of the scene. Nor can you comprehend the immensity of Lincoln sitting on his chair. According to our tour guide, the seated Lincoln is 19 feet tall. If he had been depicted standing, he would have been 28 feet tall! And, he is forever gazing at the Washington Monument, beautifully rising to the clouds.

With that final image, our tour ended and we had to return our wonderful Segways. I've already started making plans to find another!

Then, I got to fight the trains! I had to take the Metro back to Union Station. At rush hour. During one stretch, I was the salami in a human sandwich. It was funnier than it was uncomfortable, but it was tight in there!

Finally, yes, I ended up doing the whole 'sprint to get on the train" thing. That was also a memorable first. I really felt that I acquired a quintessential train memory during that sprint. But I did it. And, I made it.

I had a wonderful time in Washington. I suggest that anyone who only has a short time to spend and wants to fit as much as possible in their trip should call City Segway Tours. It's fun and it's memorable! It helps you fly comfortably through the sights. I loved it!! And I will definitely do it again!

Quick Review of KOA Fredericksburg in Virginia

Located off of Jeffereson Davis Highway, the KOA-Fredericksburg lies at the end of a two and a half mile windy road (Guinea Station Rd) with many twists and turns. But, given that trees cover the road much of the way, the route is beautiful! Large RVs would need to be fairly careful, but I think the route is safe enough. It may be a little harrowing at night, though!

Guinea Station Road

KOA-Fredericksburg Holiday Park Entrance

The park itself is quite lovely! They have space for all forms of camping, from the largest of RVs, to trailer campers, to tents. They even have some really cute cabins for rent.

Just a few of the cabins available.

The pond from my campsite, with a few of some of the larger unit spaces.

Full laundry facilities available 24/7 in the building on the right. The pool is to the left.

A view of my campsite, with a few other sites visible.

The amenites include all services, though the wifi can occasionally become spotty but it's usually quite acceptable. The channel selections are fairly limited. But I have to say, it's so much better than several places I've stayed! At least they have cable!

I've had a wonderful time, here. They have a lovely pond with geese; many trees interspersed among the sites, very large sites with firepits, activities on the weekends for the children, a swimming pool and *mining* operation for children, and even bikes and paddle boats.

The pool area with a lovely gazebo.

The main building contains a shop, full restroom and shower facilities, and a Pizza Wagon to the left. Notice the rental bikes in the foreground.

The children's "mining" area and only one of several playgrounds.

The owners of this property include their entire family. They are all very involved, conscientious, and very helpful and kind! They have a wonderful little shop of necessities and tchotchkes, really cute stuff! Tuesday through Sunday, they even have a cute little pizza truck that they manage on the property.

Overall, it's a lovely little park close to all of the historical sites in Fredericksburg. It's a little on the higher price range, but it's definitely worth it.

Meeting Mr. Sunshine

Sometimes, you meet a person that just completely changes your outlook on the day.

When you are traveling, meeting these people are the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. You know you will see more rainbows. And, you know that more pots of gold lay at the base of every one you will see. Part of the fun of traveling is hunting for that gold. But for the moment, you are still happy at this one, at this time. For now, this is the one you want to remember.

Today, I met Mr. Sunshine.

I don't really know his name and I don't really need to know. But, I know that he was today's pot of gold.

Let me back up just a bit. I spent the day in a fairly relaxing manner. I slept in, then spent some time doing small chores around the camper. Even a small setup like mine needs regular upkeep! Then, I ambled down to historic Fredericksburg and went to Roxbury Farm and Garden Center. I discovered during my short jaunt there on Saturday that they carry craft beer and wine supplies! So, I happily gathered up the materials I'll need to start my first batch of mead! Finally, I was able to meet up with my daughter. My poor baby wasn't feeling well today. My first instinct is to hover and take care of her, but she's the independent sort of young lady that doesn't want to be doted on. She likes to take care of herself. My poor little mothering heart couldn't take it, so I left her to drowse and headed back "home," with instructions that she should call me instantly if she had any need at all.

So, feeling a little down and at loose ends, I departed. And then, I met Mr. Sunshine.

I stopped in at Rite Aid to do some basic supply shopping and an older African-American fellow wearing a very dapper brown suit, forest green vest, tie, and pork pie hat stopped me to say "hello!"

I replied in kind and he went on. "I'm the Sunshine Spreader! I'm here to make the world a happier, healthier, and nicer place!"

His smile was addictive and his enthusiasm was infectious. He told me that he loves to meet people and that he's been to five states all around Virginia, spreading sunshine on people who need it! He shared stories and tales about the people he meets an the happiness he shares. He was a treasure!

So I said, "well, you can add Texas to that list!"

He actually started doing a little jig in the aisle right there at Rite Aid! He announced that he had to go "get his book" and he boogied his way out the door.

I smiled to myself, thinking that he was a sweet, odd little fellow, and I continued perusing the electronics section. But I didn't peruse for long.

Mr. Sunshine was back, proudly displaying a book in his hand. He turned pages for me, showing me signatures and short messages from all walks of people, all over the place. People left many messages telling him that they appreciated his happiness and thanking him for sharing his joy!

You could tell that this book meant the world to this happy, dancing man. Sure enough, he turned to the first page and showed me that this was book number 20! He pulled #19 out of his prodigious jacket pocket and showed me a special message he had marked from a lady who had just turned 100.

Mr. Sunshine had found his joy in life. He shared his happiness and he draws his own happiness from others. I very happily left my own message toward the back of book #20, adding that I'm from Victoria, Texas. :)

He shook my hand and gave me a very nice hug. I do regret that I didn't get a picture of this unique man.

I departed the store smiling and laughing. :)

I had met Mr. Sunshine.

Traveling in My Little Gypsy Wagon

I'm on the road again. This time, I'm not traveling by car and staying in motels. This time? I'm hauling my little hotel behind me. My daughter calls my little camper a Gypsy Wagon. I rather appreciate the name. Names provide a form of self-identity. Calling my camper a Gypsy Wagon makes me think of adventures and escapades. It makes me imagine a merry wanderer exploring the world and experiencing new shenanigans. I like it! I have adopted it as an homage and I vow to live up to the high expectations.

This is my little wagon, all set up and ready for fun!

This is the map I use to keep track of my travels. The yellow route is the trip I took in Summer 2014. The blue shows the route I'm currently taking.

And this is why she calls it a Gypsy Wagon. I have a thing for zebra print. I enjoy the wild connotations of the print. It makes me feel untamed!

But, traveling by camper really changes the adventure. Before? If I saw a sign for something interesting, I could consult myself and decide whether or not to turn. I didn't have anything but myself and my little car to consider. But with a camper, those decisions take a lot more consideration and examination.

Now, I have to figure out whether my car and camper can take the detour. I have to think about the roads, the size of the roads and the layout, whether the roads have bridges under 11'7" (because my camper is 11'6" with the roof mounted A/C unit), and whether I have the opportunity to turn around. And, if I do, where? How? I can really turn around in small spaces, but not nearly as small as with a car alone.

I learned all of this the hard way.

The last time I took a detour, in Lousianna, I ended up almost getting creamed by a house! I'm not kidding!

As I was driving jauntily down I-10, I saw a sign. It read "Hold a baby gator!"

I didn't think. I didn't re-think. I just turned. I wanted to hold a baby gator!

Oops.

The baby gator place was closed with a gate across the driveway entrance. So, slightly disappointed but undetered, I kept going. And going. And going.

I saw side roads into homes and farms, but they were very narrow and I didn't know any of these people. I couldn't exactly just pull in, say "hello," and then turn around, right?

So, I kept going.

As I cautiously rounded a very narrow turn, noticing the complete lack of shoulder area and realizing that the road was narrow, a large semi came barreling around the curve hauling an oversized house!

Oh, my!!

I slowed as safely as possible in the few seconds I had left, tried to ease as far right as I possibly could, but this road had no shoulder! The truck driver looked shocked and tried to slow and correct to his right, but again, no shoulder!

As he passed with a look of horror on his face, I'm looking ahead and at my side mirror. I swear, the porch on that house came within mere centimeters of my precious Gypsy Wagon!

Imagining all of the horror at losing my precious camper and a possible survival while lacking a few limbs, I continued down the road breathing heavily and shaking quite a bit, I kept looking for a place to pull over. Berating myself for my overactive imagination, I took an additional five miles to find a gas station.

Needless to say, I gratefully pulled in and sat for quite a while drinking water and wishing I had re-thought my side trip.

I know that everything ended up just fine, but it really made me think about the necessity of considering all of my options before taking side jaunts and adventures.

My care-free Gypsy Wagon adventures may appear to be quite full of shenanigans and adventures, but I learned my lesson.

I consider all of my options now. I think of every problem in advance and I make sure to keep myself and my little wagon safe.

Now, I'm sitting in Fredericksburg, VA, safely parked at the KOA. I'm having a wonderful time and I've got many more adventures to go before I head back home.

But, those are adventures for another day. :)

I love you. I'll never leave you. You are all mine! With plenty of milk and sugar

My personal love affair with coffee began when I was very young. I used to watch my parents begin their days with multiple cups of this "coffee" substance. It always seem to make them happier and less tired. I wondered just what this magical elixir could possibly be! I remember thinking that I would do so much better in school if only I could start my day like theirs. If it worked for them, it would work for me, right?

My curiosity new no bounds or limitations. I tried getting Mom to provide this amazing cure for fatigue and instant energy in a cup, but she cruelly said "no." She also said that "coffee stunts your growth!" But, I loved to watch Mighty Mouse, so I knew that being small would not be a problem for me. I would have bet every penny in my pig that Mighty Mouse started his day with coffee. I had to get in on the fun! But my Mom kept denying me the opportunity. But, why?

I thought she just wanted to keep it all to herself. That had to be it! What a horrid person to hoard all of this magical substance known as coffee! She just wanted it all for herself! I just knew it.

So, I thought long and hard about my dilemma. Eventually, running on all of the little cylinders my under-aged body could muster, I developed a plan. This was a surefire gambit that I just KNEW would work!

Grandmas never say "no!"

Sure enough, the very next time I went to visit, I posed my question. And Grandma said "yes!"

I was over the moon with joy! I was finally going to experience this amazing drink for myself! I could barely contain my excitement.

Telling me that I must NEVER tell my mom, she fixed me my very first mug of magical elixir, sunshine in a cup . . . coffee. She used a LOT more milk in it than I remembered my Mom using. And she put more sugar in it, too! But, I didn't care. I had the magic juice.

And it was perfect. It was sweet and silky and oh! so yummy!

That began years of enjoying coffee with my Grandma, while thinking I could never tell my Mom. It was our secret, after all.

Many years later and a long time down the road, I still love my first cup of coffee made exactly the way my Grandma made it, with lots of milk and sugar. Though I appreciate other coffees and though I can drink it differently, I love the feel of that first cup made the way I remember from childhood.

I recently asked my friends on Facebook who likes coffee, how they like to drink it, and why. I got some truly amusing answers, from "Coffee is Love, Coffee is life" to "I love my coffee black and hot, like my soul!"

Very few of my friends state that coffee is not a part of their days. All I can conclude is that humanity's love affair with coffee is widespread and few people are immune.

Do they all drink it for the same reason? No. I heard a lot about energy and waking up, but I still think that the reason most people drink coffee is because of the connectedness is creates with the rest of humanity. We may not all have the same beliefs, social mores, or views, but almost everyone out there can appreciate the joy of a cup of coffee. It's the great social connector to each other and to the past.

And, it still helps us start our days a little happier and with a little more pep in our steps.

Well, what do you know? Maybe, it is magical.

So, tell me, how do you take your coffee?