This was my first major trip after retiring, in May 2015. I travelled out on 11th of May, flying home on the 21st of May. I spent three nights in Washington DC before starting a road trip around western parts of Virginia. During that, I spent two nights in Front Royal; two nights in Staunton; and the final two nights of the trip in Richmond. The aim was first to see the sights of Washington, and I did that. Then I wanted to see some of rural USA. Among my specific aims were the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park – a 100-mile drive along the mountain ridge, with views over the Shenandoah valley; a visit to a Civil War battlefield (I picked Manassas, for the Battle of Bull Run); and a visit to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home. Other days between doing these things were planned as rest days and opportunities just to see what turned up. I hired a car for the road trip and that worked well.
As a first major trip after retirement, it was great. Here’s what I said shortly after coming home:
“Now that I’ve been home for a few days, what can I say about that holiday? – well, actually it was awesome. I saw some iconic sights, visited some great places, and above all met lots of great people.
Of the sights, I would have to say that Washington delivered in full. The walk along the National Mall, even in 90º heat, was extraordinary. The Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial were both memorable and moving in different ways, as was the WWII memorial which I hadn’t mentioned before. The visit to the Capitol was the same. In fact, just walking around Washington was an experience. Of the locations, the best were the Manassas battlefield site – both memorable and sobering – and the Skyline Drive, including the two hikes off the Drive itself.
But the best and most memorable experiences were the people I met. They all seemed very happy to talk and I had some wonderful conversations. I deliberately booked accommodation in bed & breakfasts rather than hotels on the basis that this would make it more likely that I would meet people, and this worked out well – nowhere disappointed. But what also struck me was the friendliness of other people I met – waitresses, people in shops, and just fellow travellers on the road. I’ve come home very enthusiastic about America, and I hope to return.”
Here’s a link to the archive for the whole trip.