We took our time (sort of) easing out of Williamsburg. The big decision was whether or not to spend some big bucks and go to their version of the Strand during Mardi Gras. A chance encounter with a lady in the elevator kind of sealed the deal. She indicated rather loudly, albeit nonverbally, that she was not at all impressed. We took the hint and headed instead for another battlefield in Richmond.
We actually hit two battlefields with one stone. Both were part of the Civil War Battle of Richmond. Cold Harbor (which was nowhere near water) and Gaines Mill. We hiked a short one at Cold Harbor - just a mile. At Gaines Mill Nathan called to wish Chris a happy birthday. And while we were chatting (in the car), a park ranger pulled up and parked. He was decked out in full gear - bulletproof vest and two sidearms. We watched him march off onto one of the trails in search of … who knows what. Nathan strongly advised a rapid departure. We stayed until the Ranger was covered by the trees. I’m pretty sure he was OK. I don’t think I heard any gunshots.
Our next attempt was George Washington’s birthplace. I say “attempt” because the address that came up on the GPS was not only wildly convoluted with multiple twists and turns, it was also wrong. Led us right to … somebody’s house.
Chris wouldn’t let me knock and introduce myself, so we went with plan B. We did some searching and lo and behold, we found a totally different address. Fortunately it was just five or so miles further down the road.
Once we got to the right place, we checked in at the visitor center and got Chris’ book stamped. And then … we hiked. Now, this time it wasn’t so much about how far we went or about how rugged the terrain was. Nope. This time the difficulty came in the form of … it was just hot. We plowed through the miles, though, so we can honestly say we have been to George’s birthplace. After the hike, we even drove about a mile and a half down the road to the family cemetery. That was what Chris wanted to see. And just a bit down from that was a tiny little pocket beach access point to the Potomac River. We didn’t jump in (there was no place to park), but I had to at least look at it. Yep. It was full of water, all right.
Our stop for the night was in Fredericksburg, about an hour away. By the time we arrived, we needed some gas. There just happened to be a gas station right in front of the hotel, and it just happened to be attached to a 7-11, which are quite numerous over here.
So. Imagine my surprise when I went inside to get the receipt for the gas, and right there staring at me when the door opened was … a Joyride candy display. And not just any Joyride. There was a pack of the very one I have been looking for. It’s Chris’ favorite, and I wanted some to give her on her birthday.
When we got to the hotel, I hid the pack in my pocket. I tried to hastily arrange for a candle with the desk clerk, but none were available. We got moved in and ate our Cracker Barrel leftovers. Then for dessert, I melodiously serenaded her with a top-quality rendition of “Happy Birthday to You.” And I pulled out the pack of Cherry Ropes. Perfect shape. Almost a candle.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says, Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.
Father, thank you again and again and again for my wife. She’s amazing. You really done good there. Amen.
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