Week 30 - July 22-28th

GOOCHLAND (& the Gooches)

What an awesome name.  Are people from Goochland called "Gooches"?  I was afraid to ask.  I guess that's the term I will use.  Goochland is a county that boarders Richmond to the northwest.  Pretty much just north of the James river from Midlothian.  It is about a 10 minute drive from our house to cross the river and be there.

White Hawk Music Cafe

Jenny and I, itching to explore the countryside on our bikes, decided to take an evening ride and check out Goochland.  We took a short jaunt on 288 north over the James River and quickly got off the expressway on our way west. 

It was a beautiful evening, sunny and hot.  So hot, that the wind blowing accross you didn't cool you down.  It was like riding in warm water.  The scenery was great.  Rolling hills, lots of grassy fields as well as trees.  We had hoped to be closer to the river, but being unfamiliar with the area, we stuck to the main road. 

Once in Goochland, we looked for a place to grab a bite to eat.  I use Yelp to find these sort of places.  We came accross the White Hawk Music Cafe and proceeded there for a burger or something.

When we got there, we were hesitent to go in because the back of the cafe was full of people having some sort of jam session and we thought it might be a private event, but the person behind the counter welcomed us in, so we were commited.  This was a neat place.  Adorned with string instruments, they have a paninni style sandwiches, soups, coffees and thankfully some a small selection of longnecks.

As we sat, the musicians played on.  They were just sitting around picking bluegrass.  They took turns picking a song to play.  One person would play the tune for a while, then others would watch and pick up on it and join in.  It seemed that they would be in full swing after the first verse and corus.

The highlight was a little girl, probably 8-10, who what playing the fiddle.  For the most part, she would pick along with the rythem, but took a turn playing "Amazing Grace". 

Jen and I were very happy to find this place and enjoy a sandwich while we listened.  Being on a schedule to get home before dark, we only stayed about 30-40 minutes, but I could have listened for hours.  Pickers came and went as they all seemed to be friends and welcomed and helped each other.  It was a really neat experience.

We headed back south of the James, to the middle class subdivision we call home.  Although we sort of stick out riding rumbling Harleys through the docile neighborhood.  We will definatley visit the Gooches again!