Fireworks on the Fourth in that OTHER Washington

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July 12th 2006

Published: July 12th 2006

June 23 - July 7, 2006 Marshall, N.C. - Washington, D.C. 12,339 miles to date 1,483 miles this leg Because we could, we routed our trip to Washington, D.C., for the Fourth of July. This was Jeff’s first visit to the nation’s capital; I had made many trips there while in college, but hadn’t visited since 1998. Our first encounter with the city core was after dark on the third of July; ou... Read Full Entry

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Shelly & Jeff Randall

Waltzing Matilda

We are a writer/photographer and a land-use planner from Port Townsend, Wash., who quit our jobs to take a year-long "sabbatical" for the 12 months of 2006. Our travel vehicle was a Volkswagen Westfalia camper-van named Matilda, after the Australian phrase (and song) "Waltzing Matilda" -- meaning to hit the road with your possessions slung in a bag over your shoulder. We were glad not to be wandering on foot like those Aussie swagmen! We had a memorable trip waltzing around the U.S. and Canada, learning as much as we could about this vast and diverse continent we call home. So glad we di... full info

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Biofuels Truck

Near Chapel Hill, N.C., we made a detour to visit the Piedmont Biofuels biodiesel co-op. This is their cheery delivery truck.

Biodiesel in a Jar

At the co-op, we joined in the weekly membership biodiesel manufacturing session. David was the volunteer who led us through the process. This is our test batch of fuel.

Biodiesel Batch

A completed batch of biodiesel, about 100 gallons worth. The small-scale reactor at right is made from a brewery tank.

Biodiesel Fuel-Up

A co-op member fuels up his new diesel VW Jetta at the biodiesel pump.

Bill & Ann off the AT

Met Shelly's parents for the second time on their 3-month trek where the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses the Appalachian Trail near Lynchburg, Va.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Shelly's dad Bill gazing out on the Blue Ridge Mountains that he and Ann are hiking through on the Appalachian Trail.

Appomattox Court House

The (replica) inn at the village of Appomattox Court House in Virginia where Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant at the end of the Civil War. (No, the ceremony didn't take place in the actual court house!)

Petersburg Tunnel

Jeff touring the Petersburg battlefield by bike, and the entrance to the tunnel that Union troops dug to place explosives under a Confederate battery.

Nauticus

The battleship Wisconsin is moored alongside Nauticus: The National Maritime Museum in Norfolk, Va.

Triplet Family

Near Annapolis, Md., we visited a family with 1-1/2 year old triplets. Mom Janet and dad Matt juggle (from left to right) Paul, Lauren and Amelia. Janet is the first cousin of our good friend Sierra...

Triplets in Pool

...and Sierra and her mom Alice were visiting from Seattle the weekend we arrived! In grandma's pool, here's Sierra with Lauren, Alice with Amelia, and Alice's sister Mary with her grandson Paul.

Triplets Highchair

The "triplet experience," as I call this portion of our trip, involved learning about triple highchairs and such. This was purchased from a going-out-of-business daycare! (Can you now tell who is who?)

Twins Closet

Janet was lucky enough to know a mother with twin girls just a bit older than hers, so Lauren and Amelia have all the latest matching hand-me-downs.

Triplets Playroom

The triplets were fascinated by Jeff's stringed instruments, and he performed several times just for the fun of watching them freeze what they were doing, congregate around his chair, then start to wriggle their bodies in adorable toddler dances!

Noreen & Henry

Had the pleasure of meeting Sierra's uncle (her dad's brother) Henry, and his wife Noreen. They drove up for dinner and a music jam -- Henry is an amazing guitarist and songwriter.

Sierra & Lauren

Sierra with her goddaughter Lauren.

17th July 2006

Carol Sword
non-member comment

roadrunners
Shelly and Jeff, just want you to know that I have been travelling with you vicariously by enjoying your blog. It's inspiring that you are spreading your good cheer and trust in friendship across our troubled country. THAT's patriotism !! Love from Carol

18th July 2006

Kathy Bynum
non-member comment

That "other" Washington
Enjoyed the pictures, especially of Angela and David, and your comments. Glad you got to be together. How fun!

21st July 2006

Sarah Boggan
non-member comment

Enjoying the ride
Hi Shelly and Jeff! Hope you guys are staying cool in the summer heat. Enjoying the blogs as always! Take care.

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Fireworks on the Fourth in that OTHER Washington

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