East Coast. Again.

Didn’t we just do this a year ago? Well. Yes. But. Plenty we didn’t see or do. This year we—just Greg, Rory & I— loaded up the tiny slide-in camper, Missi, and headed north. Day 1 was spent exploring Old Salem. I personally prefer the Germanic, Moravian influence of this community versus the English influence of Williamsburg. Same sort of craftsmen/women in period costume bringing history alive. Especially enjoyed the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA). After asking specifically about textiles, discovered that there are 30 more rooms only available with personal docents. One took us through a maze of rooms and unlocked the door to a room containing some of the prettiest, most intricately hand-stitched quilts I’ve ever seen. Lucky me. 

The weather is warm (hot by us!), in the 80s. Dogwoods & redbuds are in full bloom. We drove to Appomattox and settled into a campground just before the skies opened to a fierce thunderstorm that included hail & plenty of lightning. Slept well with the AC blasting. I still love camping because you only have to pack up once, have our own bed & pillows, and can stop wherever you want. No judgement for wanting AC, fridge, running water.

Day 2 started at Appomattox Courthouse which was actually a small township, not just a building. This National Park site is a  historical reminder of a dark time in the American story where good/right ultimately prevailed. The surrender by Lee and the graciousness of Grant resulted in a respect for human decency that I miss. 

On to Monticello, home/plantation, of Thomas Jefferson, who was far from a perfect individual. I like to describe myself as an imperfect person who loves imperfect people imperfectly. Hopefully, the action outweighs the imperfection. Perhaps the same grace can be applied to this forefather of our country who authored the Declaration of Independence and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and founded the University of Virginia.

Lovely spring day as we meandered through the countryside avoiding interstates whenever possible/practical. Spent some time on the Journey Through Hallowed Ground By-Way. Slept in a wooded campground near Mount Vernon. No need for AC, temps dipped into the 50s. Perfect.

Awoke ready to explore the grounds/home of our first president. If you only have a choice between Monticello and Mount Vernon, pick the latter. Much more to see, do, experience. Overall feel was that Washington was much more a person of the people…and his home reflected a generosity/hospitality that Jefferson’s lacked.

Left midday and headed to Madison, NJ to spend Easter weekend with my second cousin, Linda. What a delightful visit! Linda is now in her eighties and has asked me to be her executrix so we spent some time going over logistics and wishes. But we also toured Jockey Hollow, site of the Continental Army’s winter encampment 1779-1780, where we picnicked and enjoyed another beautiful spring day. Shared meals & stories rounded out the visit.

Monday we were on the road again. Our traveling turtle and poor GPS instructions made for some harried moments getting around NYC. Pretty sure we will have numerous toll-by-mail charges when we arrive home. We were headed to Yale’s Peabody Museum in New Haven, CT. Oops. Closed on Monday.

Today’s history wandering included Lexington Battle Green (threw the ball for Rory), Minuteman National Historic Park (we hiked), drive bys (The Old Manse which housed Ralph Waldo Emerson & Nathaniel Hawthorne; The Orchard House where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women; and Walden Pond of Henry David Thoreau’s simple living fame.)

True confession. We forgot. Even though we just did this a year ago. Campgrounds this far north are still closed for the season. So. Tonight we will be sleeping in a Boston suburb COSTCO parking lot! Greg says they have new ice cream treat that is his new favorite: vanilla caramel churro.

Pics here.