Week 48 Nov. 25 - Dec. 1st

 

 Recently I had to travel to Lexington, VA to visit Washington and Lee University to take pictures of building for a potential project we may be doing there.  While there, I found that Washington & Lee is right next to the Virginia Military Institute.  Established in 1839, VMI is regarded as the West Point of the south.  Although this is a four year military university, like other military academies, VMI graduates are not required to serve in the military upon graduation, although they can choose to accept a commission in any of the US military braches.  Women can also attend VMI, since 1997.

Although severly important military and government figures are among the VMI alumni, the notable name that stuck out to me was Bobby Ross, former (thank god) head coach of the Detroit Lions.  Most of the high ranking leaders of the Confederate States of America Army were VMI graduates and some historical scholars debate that the commanders of the CSA were vastly superior and skilled as military leaders than the Union counterparts and that the ultimate victory of the Union in the Civil War was that of the pure vastness of the natural resources and industry of the norhern state.

The campus is situated on a large hill in Lexington, with sharp, crisp buildings.  There are reminents of history throughout the campus, with a large statue of Stonewall Jackson in the main Parade Ground.  Stonewall Jackson was an instructor here at VMI prior to the war.  In fact, VMI Cadets were called into active Military Service 14 times for the CSA during the Civil War.

To me, this seem an impressive and prestigious military academy.  What was striking to me though, was the connection to Washington & Lee University.  Washington and Lee was originally Washington Academy, created from an endowment from George Washington.  After the Civil War, Robert E. Lee was offered and accepted a position as president of the university in 1865.  He remained president unit his death in 1870.  During his tenure, he transformed the college into an expanding university, creating a diverse program and expanding the university.  In recognition of his work, they renamed the University, Washington & Lee University.  That said, understand that W&L is literally right next to VMI.  I find it ironic that one of the greatest military commanders in history and leader of the Army of the CSA, took a position at a small college right smack dab next to the "West Point of the South".  In fact the Superintendent of VMI at the time served UNDER Lee in the war.  To me this would be like being the high school football coach for Joe Montana's son!

Week 47 Nov. 18-24

Appalachia

So I was conflicted a little bit about counting a trip through Appalachia as a new thing for this week, but it was Thanksgiving Week, and we made a trip back to Stanton/Sheridan for the holiday, so not a lot of opportunity for "Brand New Things", but the most striking thing for me about this week was the route we took to Michigan and the vastness of the Appalachian region.

This was our first trip back to Michigan from Virginia.  On our way here, we took the northern route through Pennsylvania and to Richmond from DC.  With two cars, one with a trailer, 3 kids, a dog, and a cat it was truely a pioneering experience then and took 15 hours.  So, when we were planning our trip home for Thanksgiving, in the Pioneering Spirit, we sought a better route.

Growing up in Michigan, I never really thought much about the mountains of the eastern United States.  When I thought of mountains, my first thought would be of the Rocky's, but the Appalachian Mountain Range is quite impressive in itself. 

Everyone learns in early history classes about expansion in the United States, and how the first settlers stayed primarily on the east coast.  We learned that the Appalachian Mountains were a reason most people stayed east, but upon discovery of various routes, including the Cumberland Gap, pioneers could get their wagons accross the range and settle farther west.  Without much thought, I would assume that this was because they had only horses and wagons, yet today, in 2012, our travels and migrations are still affected in the same way the early pioneers were.

We took 64 east from Richmond through Charlottesville.  Charlottesville is the start of the mountains coming from Richmond.  Just past there, we hit 81 to the south for a while to connect again with 64 west out of Virginia into West Virginia.  From there, it was due west until we connected to 77, which took us north into Ohio.  Just past Athens Ohio, the land gets flat again.

This is the route we took, for the most part, both there and back, as it is mostly interstate highway.  It was on the way back, that we really got to experience the mountains.  Looking to improve upon the route, we thought we would take a "shortcut" in West Virginia to cut a corner from 77 south to 64 east.  US 60 is a two lane instate, sort of like M66 in Michigan.  In fact, US 60 is the Midlothian Turnpike about a mile from our house in Midlothian, a main road from the west into Richmond.  It crosses 77 in West Virginia, so we thought it would be fine to take to "save some time".  This proved to be an adventure in itself.

We left the interstate just south of Charleston, WV and followed, for a while the Kanawha River.  The road followed the river as much as possible, which is in a narrow valley.  There were many points when we would have to climb to the top of various mountains to the next mountain following narrow switchback roadways.  As we got higher, the roads got narrower, to the point where we were only traveling about 35 miles per hour. 

It was a beautiful ride, however it was terribly slow for a group who was trying to get home.  For me, it provided an appreciation for the early settlers who made their way accross this region.  It also provided an understanding about the remoteness of the people who live here.  It is just too damn tiring to travel very far.  Plus, it is so beautiful, I can see why people would think the midwest doesn't have much to offer in the way of scenery. 

From central Michigan, you can be in West Virginia in about 6-7 hours.  I would highly recommend, if you are looking for a small vacation destination, that you consider checking out the Appalachian Region.  It is vastly differnt than what it's like anywhere in Michigan or the coastal plains of Virginia.

Week 46 Nov. 11-17

Obama Care

I went to a seminar the other day about the affects of the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA) on Hospital Facilities.  I basically heard from differnt Health Systems that the ACA is going to increase the requirements on healthcare facilities for customer satisfaction, increased building system requirements, and at the same time require them to take a greater volume of patients for less money.  To me, it seems it is basically turning the healthcare industry into to a government run industry.  So basically, your hospitals are going to be run like the airline industry, or the utility industry.  Quality of care can not go anywhere but down and prices rise all as a result of forcing the healthcare industry to provide service without pay.  Their only recourse will be to raise prices on the patients who do pay....or their health insurance companies that do pay.

I think a contributing factor in the state of healthcare cost is the Health Insurance industry itself.  Why do we need health insurance anyway?  It should be for major emergencies, but it weasled its way into the system as being the primary source people pay for all health care.  It was a benefit from employers that people payed, but did see as a cost off their check.  Someone just paid the Dr. Office visit.  It really didn't matter what it cost.  Now that HC insurance is too expensive to provide for a lot of employers, it does matter what it costs to people and the cost is rediculous to begin with. 

So this week, got to experience my first taste of what Obama Care will do for the Train Family.  Drew visited the ER in October.  We thought she broker her wrist.  The visit was 45 minutes.  We got the bill.....$3,700.  Oh, but we only have to pay $1,900...  If nobody gets has to visit the doctor, or gets hurt in my family of 5, I will pay $7,200 a year just for HC.  Total cost per year out of pocket will not exceed $13,200/year. 

The average employer pays about $5,000/year per employee for their portion of health insurance.  Providing this is required by law for full time employees.  The penalty for not providing it????...$2,000.  What do you think is going to happen in the next few years.

Can't wait for Homecare.  That will be when we all pay in $500/ month and the government maintains the upkeep on our home. 

Week 45 - Nov. 4-10

Finally.....The Mountains!

One of the things that attracted us to Richmond was the proximity of both the ocean and the mountains.  Charrlottesville is only about an hour away, and the start of the mountainous terrain in Virginia, coming from the east.  The Appalachian Mountain run the entire western part of the state. 



Trump Winery, near Carter' Mtn.

Apple Trees on Carter's Mountain

Sunday, we took the day to head to the Mountains and see what they were all about.  So off to Charlottesville we went.  On the way, we thought we ought to stop by Carter's Mountain.  Lots of people told us this was a great place to get apples and pumkins, but we didn't make it there before Holloween. 

Carter's Mountain Orchard is on the top of Carter's Mountain.  The views are awesome.  To the east, you see the flat plains of coastal Virginia.  To the west....mountains.  There is a farmers market here with fresh apples, other fruit, and homemade doughnuts.


Farmers Market at Carter's Mountain

Eager to move on, we only spent a little time here, and we were off again.  Just past Charrlottesville on 64, it is the start of two National Forests.  The George Washington Nation Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway head to the south, and the Shenandoah National Forest and Skyline Drive head north.  Seeing, what we thougth was snow from Carter's Mountain to the north, we opted for the North. 



The falling picture.....

Skyline Drive is about 50 miles of switchbacks and winding roads through the mountain peaks on the eastern ridge of the mountain range.    About every mile or so, there are scenic outlooks, (Bueno Vistas for our spanish speaking friends), or parking areas for hiking trails.  The speed limit is 35, and that's about all you want to do.  It took us almost 2 hours to make this trip including stops along the way.  Our elevation near Charlottesville was around 500ft.  On Skyline Drive, we reached around 2,800 ft.  (Richmond is 200ft and Michigan around 900 ft. above sea level).



Shenandoah Valley

Why did we wait so long to see this?  It's like going to an entirely differnt country.  This trip really brought into perspective how much Virginia has to offer.  We are definately going back to explore a LOT more, and chanses are, if you come to visit us, we'll want to take you there too!













Found Snow....




You HAVE to throw snow!



Snow from Hurrican Sandy!

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Week 44 - Oct. 28 - Nov. 3

Milk & Eggs

The horror that was Hurricane Sandy came this week.  Our first ever hurricane.  It was supposed to hit the Virginia Coast Saturday Evening, then midday Sunday, maybe Sunday night.....oh tracking further north.....

This is how the 24/7 coverage of Frankenstorm went for us.  The entire week before, the local news was prepping us on how to prepare for the storm.  We made sure we had the flashlights.  We made sure we put things away outside.  We were preparing.  It was sort of exciting. 

Saturday - Cloudy all day and some rain started in the evening, right on cue.  We started to get anxious for the destruction.  Electrical linesmen from around the country were showing up in Richmond to be ready when the storm hit.

Sunday - Rain got a little harder, but no wind.  Forcast changed to push it off a little but the cancelled all the local schools, universities, and government buildings for Monday.  Surely it would be bad.

Monday - It was a crappy, fall day.  Not much rain....The hurricane was heading further north, but we still were going to get hit, so they cancelled school again for Tuesday.

Tuesday - Nothing....hardly rain....little wind.  And as you know, Sandy made landfall in New Jersey. 

We hardly got any bad weather here in Richmond.  It was cloudy and rainy, but all in all, just cold, wet, cold fall days.

Oh, and there is now a shortage of milk and eggs here in Richmond.  Apparently, when ever they predict a big storm, people flock to the store to stock up on milk and eggs.  Not sure why?  Both need refrideration which isn't easy when the power goes out.  We stocked up on chips and beer.

I am glad though that it did miss us.  It was sort of exciting to wonder if you were going to experience Mother Nature's fury, but after seeing the coverage of New Jersey, I would not wish that on anyone.

Week 43 - October 21-27

Willis Mountain

This week, Jen and I wanted to get, what we thought/think, may be one last ride for the season.  Already venturing to Goochland and Louisa, we wanted to go further.  We only had the afternoon, so we couldn't go as far west as the mountains, although we did catch our first glimpse of them. 

We picked a small smokehouse call Two J's in Palmyra, VA to head to.  It was located just southeast of Charlottesville, sort of in the near vacinity of Montecello.  We had a great ride there on a long winding road, but when we got there, it was closed for renovations.  So, punt. 

We were north of the James River, so we found a route to take us back south of the mighty James and catch 60 back to Midlo. 

After we got accross the river, we were going to catch up to Route 60 at Ditlwyn, a small town.  Coming into town we saw a mountain in the distance, in the direction we were heading.  Eager to experience the Virginia Mountains, we headed off to find and hopefully drive up the mountain.  We were two up, so I drove and Jen kept here eye on the mountain.  As we got closer, it got smaller.  We drove until we found a road called Mountain View, or something the that affect, surely a road that had to go to our mountain.  Turns out, out Mountain is more of a hill.  A granite mine in fact, called Willis Mountain.  It was definately a stretch to be called mountain, but it was our destination non the less.

I quess, not all adventures can be winners.  So if your ever west of Richmond looking for something to do and sights to see, don't bother with Willis Mountain.  In fact, I bet the locals would look at you funny if you asked for directions.

The good part about the trip, other than it is always fun to ride, is we made it home before the hurricane.