When I last left you the military police were arresting me at Norfolk Naval Station for peeping into the backyards of the beautiful housing known as Admiral’s Row. Sailing, Sailing Over the Deep Blue Sea.
Just kidding. Almost. From there we went to see the Navy’s oldest continually running hospital in Portsmouth.
Sailing, Sailing Over the Deep Blue Sea
Meandering around Portsmouth we came upon a floating lighthouse. I had never heard of such a thing and thought it was incredibly cool.
We pretty much had the boardwalk to ourselves. Mr. Decor savored the moment.
Of course, I spotted a sign that beckoned me like a moth to a flame.
A grand dame decked out in her patriotic best.
A large plant was growing in one of the yards that I had never seen before. It reminded me of lily of the valley on steroids. Someone, tell me what this is, please.
Beautiful Portsmouth
I absolutely loved the color of this home.
This is a close up of the hydrangea’s growing in the side yard. Magnificent!
Lush hanging ferns on a beautiful porch. Just paint the ceiling haint blue and I would move right in.
Then, of course, I couldn’t stand it and had to peek in a few backyards. The owner caught me admiring her lawn and I sweetly smiled and said: “Keep up the fabulous work!”
Virginia Beach
The next morning we got up extra early determined to beat the crowds to Virginia Beach. As Sweet Boy strolled along the boardwalk I couldn’t help but sing this song:
“Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk,
I’m a woman’s man: no time to talk.”
He couldn’t get over the number of deep-fried foods one vendor offered but kept walking.
He was on a mission to find King Neptune.
His current obsession is Greek Mythology and we spent a good 10 minutes at this 34-foot tall bronze sculpture.
Sculptor Paul DiPasquale creation was so wonderful that Mr. Decor wanted to eat a calamari eyeball.
We then admired a sand sculptor and his creation in progress.
No trip to a beach is complete without a dip in the water. Even if it’s just a toe.
The gardens of the beachfront resorts were gorgeous.
Ladies I just want to go on record that I DO NOT support the male “socks with sandals” look. It’s like they’re born with the ability to create this fashion don’t.
I do however support people watching. We were entertained, to say the least.
Cape Henry Lighthouse
All too soon the beach was overrun with tourists and sun worshippers so we moved on to the Cape Henry lighthouse on Fort Story.
The base housing was pretty good here too.
Searching for a bit of tranquility we turned down a long road that said “Military beach access”. We parked and began to walk towards the trees.
Still walking we finally spied our prize.
A beautiful beach all to ourselves.
Chesapeake Bay
After a few hours, we headed back to Hampton Roads harbor and enjoyed a cruise around the Chesapeake Bay. Passing by several warships we spied the “Comfort” from the previous day.
Our tour included a stop to Fort Wool which is accessible only by boat.
The only residents living there now are nesting seagulls.
A few kids thought it was fun to poke sticks at her. (I nicely asked them to hand over the stick and was promptly scolded by their parents. Insert confused head scratching here. I thought to myself “Don’t call me when they’re in jail.”) Ever the boy scout, Sweet Boy appointed himself as her champion, took up his post and guarded her until the tour was over.
Three cheers for Sweet Boy!
We then finished the harbor tour admiring other lighthouses and homes.
Hampton, Virginia
Upon our return, we walked around Hampton a bit.
Then it was on to the Surf Rider restaurant for dinner. We walked the docks as there was a bit of a wait to be seated. The view was quite nice.
Out of all the yachts and boats docked I could see myself in this Cleopatra inspired gem. How about you?
Next stop, D.C.
Laura
Laura what a magnificent trip and a special time with your son and husband. Your photos would spur anyone to visit Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth and take in all the sites that you did. Continue to have a wonderful time. Looking forward to your D.C. photos. Safe travels!
Loving your continued tour, Laura. That bloom, without seeing the foliage, almost appears to be a hosta's bloom, but I can't tell for certain.
If Sweet Boy goes to the National Scout camp in the future, you'll have to let me know if you bring him…2013 is its inaugural year here in WV, about an hour away from me.
Have fun in DC – so much to do there! I suggest Old Towne Alexandria – you can hop a tour boat that goes back & forth between Georgetown & Alexandria. Alexandria is a great walking town – great shopping (antiques & retail), architecture (courtyards & gates, oh my!).
Rita
Can't believe the parents scolded you… and we wonder what is happening to our society … ugh!! I loveeeeeee the photos!! Looks like an amazing trip!!
thanks for taking us along on this beautiful tour. I too love the blue grey tone of that brick building..
I wonder if my home would look good in that color:)
Laura your trip shows us all what beautiful destinations there are right here in the USA. I am guilty of not seeing more of our nation, having traveled abroad quite a bit in the past.
Of course this widow needs to marry a Military Guy to see many of these gorgeous venues!
xoxo
Karena
2013 Artists Series!
You are the best tour guide. I havn't been there so I am loving every picture and description. Can't wait to see more. Hugs, Marty
Wow, what a great vacation! Your pictures are gorgeous and I appreciate you taking us along with you on this trip. I wish we had these kinds of sights in Phoenix… oh well.
Looks like a fabulous trip! Those houses..oh my goodness…swoon!! The beach and flowers..all lovely!!
I don't get the male socks and sandals thing either but it seems to be the in thing! 😉
Feel like I was there, feeling the fresh breeze off the pier. Thanks for giving this landlocked Missouri girl a fun time!
What a beautiful place to be and how wonderful to share it with people you love.
The only problem with visiting places that lovely is leaving them and not knowing if you will ever get back to enjoy them again. ~sigh~
Thank you for sharing your vacation with all of us! 🙂
It all looks so wonderful!
Perhaps that is indeed what they are, Lilly of the Valley . . on steroids?:) They sure look like Lilly of the Valley to me anyway!
What fun and joy to the eye, Laura. Looks like your time has been fun and relaxing. I can't get over how much Sweet Boy is growing up and looking more like his dad. Glad he is protecting the seagull and showing a good example. Seems like those kids' parents were the ones who should have been taking away the sticks, not jumping on you! I think that's the first time I have seen a seagull on a nest. Keep enjoying. Ann
Looks like a great trip! Thanks for taking us along!
Loving the picture tour of your vacation. Thanks for sharing.
I have worked with delinquent juveniles for 13 1/2 yrs and unfortunately I can already tell those kids will be in the system some day soon if not already and the parents will never get a clue. I am very proud of your son for protecting that seagull. You both have raised a wonderful boy. He is setting an excellent example to others. I see him going far in this world.
I look forward to the next picture post of your vacation 🙂