Tons done in two days

Serendipity! We're docked right outside
a local brewery.

Having a car is handy. On Tuesday, while the weather was still nice and warm, we ran a bunch of errands and did chores. We took all the bulk bedding (comforter, mattress pad, and sheets) to a local laundromat. From there we did a Costco run -- first time since Sarasota. That afternoon we sat on the deck and redid the anchor marks on our chain. We gave up on the little inserts and went back to our old way of adding little ties at the 25, 50, 75, and 100 lengths. Russ had confidence issues about how much scope we had out, which is not something you want when anchoring.

Working on the anchor chain

Wednesday the temps dropped as predicted. We didn't get the brunt of the storms that passed -- a little rain and wind -- but it got much cooler. We decided to play tourist and go visit the Virginia Triangle of History: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.

First Jamestown, the start of it all. Turns out that while everyone knew it was there it had to be rediscovered. The first settlers (all men) came in 1607 and built a fort. Women and children didn't come until that had been established. But the area was almost cursed for these poor people. Between harsh winters and drought summers fresh water was a constant problem. It was the original seat of the state's capital. But by 1699 that honor was moved to Williamsburg so most folks left, saving the two plantations that were there. Those continued to plant and grow and eventually covered any town remnants over the next 200 years until, in 1895, they too were abandoned. It wasn't rediscovered until nearly one hundred years later.

Most of Jamestown looks like this. 
Buildings marked by small brick foundations
that were recreated.

Given this building lasted until the late 1800s 
it's in decent shape. It was the house on a plantation.

Excavation continues in a number of places on the site.

Small replica of the fort, the first buildings put here.

The Virginia Company, that which founded the creation
of Jamestown, wanted a settlement about 100 miles
from the bay. Jamestown is about 55. But given issues
with fresh water, then maybe should've explored a bit more?

Next came Williamsburg, which was a stark contrast to Jamestown. Still the home of William and Mary, a prestigious university made infamous by Steely Dan's My Old School -- which has been stuck in my head since visiting -- the historical town is nearly completely intact and maintained. You can stroll the main road, Duke of Gloucester, without paying, but you'll get to go inside nearly all the buildings for a fee. The DoG is wide and closed to car traffic, so the walk is wonderful. We're not in the tourist season yet but folks in period dress were everywhere to answer questions and help tourists. I imagine come June the place is packed. That said, it is worth the visit.

Quaint street in Merchant's Square

Duke of Gloucester.

The road is wide, and the structures are amazing.

Rant: THIS is an armory, where all the guns were kept.
You know... for that "well regulated militia."
'Nuff said.

The Capitol building at the end of DoG.

At one end of the DoG is Merchant's Square. Since it's near the school it's filled with eateries and stores. We had lunch there.

Quick pic from the Colonia Parkway.
The road IS a Nation Park.

Leaving Williamsburg we headed by the Colonial Parkway to Yorktown. That is the best driving to be done in the area. The road is a park. It reminded us of the Natchez Trace, another park that connects Natchez to Nashville. Both are worth driving... although the Trace is a lot longer.

We wandered the small waterfront of Yorktown which had a marina. It wasn't well sheltered for the winds we knew were coming, so we didn't use it. It too had a well maintained downtown, though smaller than Williamsburg. It's best known for the battlefield that ended the Revolutionary War. However, we'd been out and about since 8:30 in the morning, and by 3 pm we were too tired to visit. We saw Hamilton, so we get the gist.