Cross Country Vacation Sept./Oct. 2025-Post 7

Yorktown Part 1

While with our daughter and her fam, we visited the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The museum ‘tells the story of the nation’s founding, from the twilight of the colonial period to the dawn of the Constitution and beyond. Exciting indoor galleries feature period artifacts, immersive environments and films, including “The Siege of Yorktown,” with a 180-degree surround screen and dramatic special effects.’

The Yorktown Battlefield, Virginia, is where, between September 28 and October 19, 1781, General George Washington and the American and French army troops surrounded and besieged General Charles Lord Cornwallis‘s British, German, and American loyalist forces. After 8 days of bombardment, on October 17, Lord Cornwallis called for a cease-fire to discuss surrender terms. On October 19, his army marched out, stacked their weapons and became prisoners of war. 2 years after the final Yorktown battle and the war ended, in 1783, Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, officially recognizing the independence of the United States.

One of the first things that caught my eye was the impressive Yorktown Victory Monument.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

*Clicking on a photo will give you a closer look!

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

The museum is large and informative. There is also a very nice gift shop. I bought a container of Whiskey Rebellion Tea.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

One of George Washington’s tents is on display, along with too many artifacts, reproductions, original paintings and educational signs to share here. If you click on the museum link above, you will see lots of items on display.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

In the next post, I will share some of what you can experience outside of the Yorktown museum.

See the world around you!

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Beach Bag Connecting Threads

I guess October/November doesn’t sound like beach weather, especially on the west coast, but I never seem to make projects ‘in season’.

Beach Bag Connecting Threads

Anyway, these nice large beach bags can be used for books or the market, too. These sturdy bags are about 17″ x 14″ and can contain quite a bit.

Beach Bag Connecting Threads

There are no interior pockets, but you could certainly add them.

There is a water bottle ‘pocket’. It has no bottom; it is a casing to hold the bottle.

Beach Bag Connecting Threads

The Beach Bag pattern is a free download from Connecting Threads.

Beach Bag Connecting Threads

All of these bags are gifted.

They are easy to make, so maybe some more are in my future.

Beach Bag Connecting Threads

Beach Bag Connecting Threads

Have fun and carry on!

Cross Country Vacation Sept./Oct. 2025-Post 6

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia

Our son-in-law recommended that we check out New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

I am so glad that he did!

New River Gorge Bridge

*Clicking on a photo will give you a closer look!

New River Gorge Bridge

We drove across New River Gorge Bridge and turned into the park. The Canyon Rim Visitors Center is very nice and helpful to orient you to the history and points of interest in the park. Guided tours are offered, including a tour to walk across the bridge. One doesn’t walk on the highway, but there is a catwalk under it. It is not open to the public, and one must purchase a guided tour to walk there. If you choose to take this tour, never fear, you will be harnessed to the bridge!

New River Gorge Bridge

The bridge was designed by the Michael Baker Company and the final cost of construction was $37 million (equivalent to $149 million in 2024 dollars). It was approximately $4 million, or $16 million in 2024 dollars, over bid.

From the website linked above:

Height: 876 feet / 267 meters
Length: 3,030 feet / 923.6 meters
Arch Length: 1,700 feet / 518.1 meters
Weight: 88,000,000 pounds / 39,916,129 kilograms

New River Gorge Bridge

Two Statues of Liberty and one Washington Monument can fit under the arch with 20 feet to spare!

When completed in October 1977, it was the world’s highest bridge carrying a regular roadway until the 2001 opening of the Liuguanghe Bridge in China.

The New River Gorge Bridge is the longest steel span in the western hemisphere. It removed the need to navigate down narrow mountain roads across an ancient river and provides a much quicker and easier route through the Appalachian Mountains.

New River Gorge Bridge

New River Gorge Bridge

The stairs leading to the overlook are wide and have several landings where you can stop and catch your breath if needed.

New River Gorge Bridge

In 2006, the U.S. Mint chose the bridge to represent West Virginia on the state commemorative quarter.

New River Gorge Bridge

The New River is one of North America’s oldest waterways and has carved out the longest and deepest gorge in the Appalachian Mountains. Besides the scenic drives and photographic opportunities, one can hike, bike, picnic, rock climb, raft, kayak and fish.

New River Gorge Bridge

New River Gorge Bridge

The autumn colors were beautiful, as was the scenic drive through the park!

New River Gorge Bridge

I imagine the Sandstone Falls are much more exciting in the spring! Nevertheless, the view is still pretty!

New River Gorge Bridge

See the world around you!

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