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Published: January 23rd 2009
U.S. Marine Corps Museum
Exhibits such as this fighter jet were a hit with Nathanael. Well, for those of you wondering whether or not the Widdifield's have fallen off the face of the earth, we're back to tell you we made it to our first destination, ..... Port Orange, Florida. It took us three days of travel to get there after we left Manassas, Virginia.
Before leaving Manassas, Lynnette Hupman took Nathanael and me to visit the Quantico Military Cemetery and the United States Marine Corps Museum. The museum portrayed a wonderful history of this American military branch's contribution to its country over the years. There were many photographs and much memorabilia in the form of planes, weapons, uniforms, jeeps, etc. There were even movies and actual footage from World War II and Korea. Nathanael loved it, of course.
Tuesday, January 13, we hit the road again by 9:00 a.m. We drove through rain, which can be problematic when your windshield leaks. We arrived at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and spent the night there. This congregation is about 90% military, with families coming and going, and members being posted overseas. It is a challenging ministry. Pastor Paul Ziemer told us about his work in Fayetteville and at the various
Pastor Ziemer and Nathanael
We are grateful for the hospitality we received. fronts where American soldiers are serving. He has travelled to the Middle East on several occasions. The church itself is a special type of building, which is a quickly constructed, somewhat pre-fab structure, ideally suited to small, new congregations. It is situated on a sizeable property and it just pleased Nathanael immensely that there were chives growing in the lawn! (In North Carolina they call them 'wild' onions and hardly anyone uses them. They are considered weeds.) Nathe spent the evening chomping on the herbs, much to his mother's chagrin. His 'good-night' kiss was very odourous! Overnight we could hear the sound of howitzer shells and machine gun fire from the exercises taking place at Fort Bragg.
On Wednesday, January 14, we were trying to make it to Savannah, Georgia, but fatigue and the lagging motor home made it necessary to stop at 'New Green Acres RV Park' in South Carolina. It was a great camp ground with a really quaint office building and a little, fenced-in 'doggy play ground' where you could take your dog off the leash and let it run around safely while you sat on benches. There were tunnels, jumping hoops and play toys all
Palm Trees
Nathanael was excited to actually 'touch' a palm tree. One of many firsts we hope this trip will provide. over. Both Nathanael and I thought it was a neat idea. There were palm trees interspersed with pines and Nathe went around picking up giant pine cones. He also got to ride his bicycle a bit. The weather was balmy.
Thursday, January 15 was our last day of driving before reaching our final destination. Both of us got up early and we were checked out of the camp ground by 8:00 a.m. We travelled through Georgia quite easily, albeit slowly, following I-95 all the way down. It was just past the travel information centre at Fort Sumpter that Nathanael saw palm trees for the very first time in his life. They were growing in the median between the north and south bound lanes. Such a little thing, but very exciting for him. And we both found it a sure sign that we were moving into a different climate zone when we started seeing patches of marsh and water, when the undergrowth in the forests along the road side turned to palm fronds and .... ugh.... the road kill changed from raccoons to opossums.
We crossed into Florida quite unexpectedly and when Nathanael and I saw the 'Welcome to
Florida! At Last!
Screams of joy echoed inside the camper when we crossed the state line into Florida! Florida' sign, we both screamed for joy! Of course we stopped at the first Information Centre to pick up a state map and we were each treated to a free glass of Florida orange juice. We felt like jumping up and down. It was only a couple hours later, 4:30 p.m., when we arrived at the home of Pastor Donn and Beth Dobberstein and their four children. We were so happy to have made the trip safely. It was wonderful to be embraced with open arms and a big hug from Beth.
Our time in Port Orange has been busy and I will fill everyone in on that news the next time I log on. Bye for now. Keep well.
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Jennifer
non-member comment
Diana, I'm glad to hear your trip is going well and you've made it to Florida! And good to hear you say hi today on the phone too! It sounded like there was quite the lunch-party going on there; I wish I were there! I hope it's warm enough for Nathanael to do his "swim every day," and that you see alligators only from a distance. Take care! Jennifer