Holiday Weekend in the Country II

Another late start on Sunday, but so what? We know how to relax. Well, Rob and I do. Kota doesn't, he wailed incessantly because he wasn't allowed outside but Rob was constantly patient and set up lots of viewing spots by the house windows for Kota to look outside. I did notice that Kota Kat was developing a relationship with Rob, almost like a hero worship. I'd never seen this before and although it was very cute to observe, I have to admit a little jealousy. Kota would follow him and talk to him in ways he didn't with me. I'm putting it down to a guy thing. I'll get over it.
We doused ourselves with Deet and headed to the railway track to lay pennies on the lines and take photos. Rob had come up with the idea of us laying down on the tracks for photos and I thought this an excellent plan. 

 We walked to the tracks and took photos of each other which I then played around with in Photoshop. I'm posting these images of us but want to retake the photos and spend more time on the images as I'm not actually happy with these results. I hadn't thought this through properly but now I have a better idea of how I want the images to look. So below are 'prototypes'.

We waited for ages for a train to pass through and the heat was sweltering. The sun burned and three turkey vultures floated above us as though waiting for us to expire.

 Rob fooling around which I found quite impressive as he stood in the full sun on the tracks the whole time whilst I wilted in the shade on the side. After about an hour, we had to admit defeat and decided to head back. I was thirsty and Rob insisted I finish the last couple of mouthfuls in our water bottle. What a hero.

We got back to Rob's neighbors' yard and checked each other for ticks. Oh yeah, we were infested. Mimicking monkeys at the zoo, we cleaned each other up without actually digesting any of the predators and then walked across the yard so Rob could introduce me to his neigbors, Jim and Jessie, who were wonderful people. 

 Jessie and I immediately hit it off and she showed me her mulberry tree which was laden with fruit. We promptly started picking and chomping whilst chatting and after some time we came full circle and stood back to observe our harvesting of the tree. We had pretty much cleared it of all ripened fruit and I was stuffed to the gills. We'd had a wonderful conversation about nothing in particular which us girls excel in, and I look forward to the next. 

Rob then carried on fixing the mower he'd got and of course had it running perfectly in no time. 

 Obviously, another test for me was due so on to the mower I hopped and listened diligently to my instructions. A few turns around the back yard and that test was passed. I trundled up the drive and back, grabbing a few more mulberries on route, and backed it without mishap into the garage.

A beautiful sunset from Rob's house.

 Not sure if he knows these are out on the front porch but they made a wonderful photo.

The fleet. Without the lawnmowers and well, where does one stop? Should the bikes be there too? I've driven everything now and passed, I think, except for the mountain bike incident. But I'll retake that one, stunt included once my wounds have healed.

On Monday, we went back to the railway tracks to look for our pennies but couldn't find even one. We'd put about 5 pennies on the tracks but none could be found. So, another visit to the track is definitely necessary, for pennies and for photos.

On Tuesday morning, I left the house, walked to the car, preparing to head back to Centreville, and was greeted by two cows standing and staring at me in the driveway while chewing the cud. We all stood looking at each other for a few minutes. I scratched my head and they shook theirs, so we stood and looked at each other some more. I then proceeded to Jim & Jessie's house but got no answer when I knocked on their door, so I had no choice execpt to herd them through a gate into a field and shut them in. They weren't the least bit perturbed and I even managed to stroke and pat them whilst saying goodbye.

Kota watched the whole scenario with his nose pressed into the gap of the slightly lowered window. I got back into the car and we headed back to northern Virginia, experiencing the same strange fantasy merging with reality feeling that I'd felt while reading Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Holiday Weekend in the Country I

On Friday evening Kota and I packed up and headed to Rob's for the weekend. Along with most of Virginia I think as it took us over 2 hours, but I did take a wrong turn while on the phone to Myra. (It's OK Myra, the drive was really pretty and I saw some photo ops that need to be revisited). 

 

My boys in the window. Aaww..

On Saturday, we drove out to get spark plugs for a mower Rob had acquired which needed some work done on the engine. We went in his truck and on the way back, I had to drive. My man has a check list of abilities that he is testing me on, and being able to drive all of his vehicles seems to be one of them. Was I bovvered? Was mine a face of concern? Duh, no. 

 

I swung into that cab and drove it like a champ. Reckoned I could have eaten a cheeseburger and done the Sunday crossword at the same time but didn't want to appear too confident. After all, I am a female. I'm sure later on, he'll have me hauling stuff on the trailer and changing tires, but wait, don't want to give him ideas!

So the first thing Rob had to do was change the tractor oil and filters and other things I've forgotten the names of, but it was cool to watch and pass the odd tool or part.I actually love playing around with engines and grease and tools and things so I was very happy to sit and observe, occasionally taking a contented deep sniff of the diesel and oil fumes. 

I printed off this sign for Rob so we got a frame and stuck it in the garage. Who needs Victoria Secret's Heavenly Angels perfume when you've got diesel?

 

 

The logo on the tractor and a cool iron wheel I found outside and am gradually sneaking into the garage coz I want to keep it.

One can't pass the evening by without a glass of red, and a couple of sanding disks made superb coasters. You know, since I'm slipping easily into redneck mode, I think I'll be coming up with some really cool decoration ideas come Christmas. Watch this space!

The tractor was finished before dark and rumbled happily with its new lubricant when started. A couple of photos of us in the disappearing light finished the evening and we headed into the house to chill out with Kota.

Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon

After a hearty breakfast late Sunday morning cooked by the main man, we headed out to the barn for my tractor driving lesson. I didn't let on but I was extremely nervous about this, having never driven one before and knowing what an important part of Rob's family heritage this vehicle was. I was actually petrified but being me I stuck my chin out and and strode forth.
Rob took control and I felt at ease under his command; he was firm but not intimidating and slowly I found myself relaxing and trusting his teaching skills. We poodled out of the garage and trundled up the drive to the road. We were going onto the road! Yee Ha! In for a penny, in for a pound, and going through the gears we motored at a sedate pace down the hill with Rob perched behind me.

 I was enjoying this and my confidence was growing so much that I started imagining how cool it would be to have a blinged out tractor with a metallic paint job, chromed light rims, diamond and alloy wheels plus a Coach or Guess compartment behind the seat to hold shopping bags. Hmmm.

 Rob and me blasting down the road.

Oh Oh, there's that big scary truck behind me.
We turned around and headed back to the cottage where I had to reverse the tractor back into the garage. I managed that without incident and was extremely stoked that my tractor lesson had gone so well. 

 After mooching around for a bit, we headed into town and Rob took me past the house that a private plane crashed into and obliterated the residence. It was the first time I'd seen crime scene tape in real life. 
I was then very excited when Rob took me to an abandoned mill he'd found previously when out cruising around on his motorbike.Was he a potential urbexer? We arrived at the mill and I was frustrated that I didn't have a tripod with me but Rob mentioned how beautiful the place would be with fall colors so I guessed that a trip later in the year would be an excellent idea.

The footbridge leading inside the mill was definitely hazardous so we had to enter from below.

Inside, it was dry and filled with old machinery, casks, sacking and a few old tools. The floors were treacherous with many holes and wobbly floorboards but I managed to navigate my way across to the stairs and headed upwards, finding more casks and machinery upstairs.

I caught Rob examining some pieces of paper but we couldn't find any business documentation. This page was the only information I could find online about the mill but it looks very much the same as it did in 1936.

We ascertained that as well as a grinding mill, the building probably doubled as a saw mill judging by the wood and machinery on the side of the building. On our way out, we bumped into a guy called Jo who stopped and chatted. He was staying at a local commune and was heading towards another a few miles away.

I loved his old bike which belonged to the commune and was obviously free for all members to use. I'm not sure that I could have completed my previous day's mileage on it, and Rob's also looking pretty sceptical as he ponders over the lack of gears.

 After a long chat with Jo and an exchange of info, we drove back to the cottage passing this tumbling down house perched up on a hill. We pumped up the tires on Rob's mountain bike and had a quick ride up and down the lane. Swapping bikes, I decided to attempt a BMX stunt and was feeling pretty chuffed when I executed a jump over a tree root and landed successfully. Unfortunately, I thought a broadside skid would be pretty cool too but this didn't work as well especially when I locked the front brake instead of the back.

So I ended up with an awesome boo boo on my left leg which bled copiously and a dented ego. Whatever. My English teacher once said, 'you have all your life to grow up.' Not quite sure that I'll ever get there though...

In the Boondocks with a Bicycle

On Saturday morning, I slept in for a bit after Rob left for work but couldn't stay in bed for long as I was so excited about exploring on my bike. I was soon heading out of the door and passed these old vehicles which belong to a neighbor.
Once on the 'main' road I headed towards town loving the absence of other vehicles and people.

 I was abruptly jolted out of my dreamy mood when I saw this truck. It had to be one of the scariest trucks I'd ever seen and brought to mind the movie, Duel, in which a truck stalks Dennis Weaver. I was fascinated by it and had to look it over. I think I would have dropped dead on the spot though if the engine had suddenly fired up.
Getting back on my bike I attempted to reclaim my previous mood and after a couple of bends in the lane was feeling dandy again.

I then saw this chair near the edge of the road. I later noticed that there was an abundance of seats, benches and other posterior props in peoples' yards, evidence that the folks here like to sit and watch the world go by.

 And who can blame them when they have such wonderful scenery such as the view above outside Rob's cottage.

I soon reached Gordonsville and found a very quaint old town that built up on the railway line in the 1840's by being the trade center for the local farms and plantations.

There was also an area of abandoned garden ornaments at the back of a building. They were mostly leaning over, some had broken and nearly all had been outside for some time judging by their weathered appearance. I couldn't find anyone around to ask so another trip to town will be in the future. There were some excellent craft and antique shops also but I refused to venture through any doorways since purchases would have been impossible to get back to the cottage on my bike.

 I crossed the road to the railway track and found some old wooden buildings which had once been a farm service store and an emporium. I walked all around determined to come back and explore inside at a later date. While round the back, I was reading this sign when the telephone started ringing. Bells clattered above my head for about 3 minutes, long enough to freak me out and send me scuttling back to my bike.

I saw these signs all lined up. So all the action is to the left then?

I found an old abandoned vehicle by the roadside, an International Loadster 1700, built in the mid 70's.

 There were plenty of farm animals on my route and I noticed that as well as fragrant honeysuckle draping over gates and flowing over fences, there were wild roses in many of the hedgerows. It really was very pretty. I wanted to take photos of all the flowers I saw but had to limit myself or I'd be spending more time off the bike than on it.

 This beautiful house was on the way back to the cottage. I got back after about 22 miles glad to have escaped the storm that seemed to be threatening with hanging black clouds. Grabbing my book, I plopped onto the hammock and sprawled out to have a doze. Half an hour later heavy raindrops forced me back indoors where I resumed my nap until Rob came home. Then steak on the barbie for dinner, a movie, and then a trip to the shed where we both sat and looked at the tractor while chatting and drinking wine.

 Cheers!

A Cycling Weekend

Saturday was a wonderful day for a bike ride and although there were a couple of other things I could have gone to, both involved standing around and with my back hurting, I thought a cycle ride would be easier since the weight would be off my lower back. Barb and I need to start training for our 100 mile ride in October so this was an excellent opportunity.
We started off on the W&OD trail in Fairfax and headed towards Arlington. We soon took the Four Mile Run Trail and came across a training ground for American Corps. Stopping to watch a while, we were amazed at how many different things were being done, from vehicle runs, marches, bands, and some awesome drummers who I would've loved to stop and listen to all afternoon.

The drummer dudes with Barb disappearing off into the background.

We then came across a wetland area filled with wild irises, weeds, fish, turtles and huge bullfrogs. We carried on through pretty park areas and alongside a rocky creek. There was a cooling breeze which constantly wafted honeysuckle perfume past our noses and I felt as though I never wanted to stop; I was running on Duracells.

Barb asked me to take a photo of this diner as it has apparently been there forever; well since 1950. It marks the end of the W&OD trail in Arlington and serves some of the best hot dogs around. It also has the Ten Commandments on the side of the building in English and Spanish. Really? 
FYI - Dave Grohl, frontman for the band Foo Fighters, is a DC area native who has recently lived in Alexandria, VA. Weenie Beenie is a song by the Foo Fighters on their first album.

We crossed into Arlington, dodged some traffic and finally got onto the Mt Vernon Trail and back into pretty landscapes again.

I didn't take many photos here as I'd posted a few of this trail back in October 2008
Following the trail to Key Bridge, we crossed into Georgetown and headed up the steep hill to Wisconsin Ave where there were restaurants local to Georgetown University. I had a wonderful egg and sausage sandwich with potatoes cooked in marjoram and parsley washed down with a pint of Guiness. When leaving I was amazed that I didn't feel drowsy and was actually raring to go. 

We took a lazy tour around the campus, watching as students dragged belongings to waiting cars, and we also had a quick nose at a lacrosse game. Afterwards, we headed back to Key Bridge and cycled into Roslyn.

 Over the bridge, a boat shop below was busy renting out kayaks.

 We saw a couple of interesting sights in Roslyn. The first was this church with a gas station underneath.

We also spotted this homeless guy who was singing loudly to something on his laptop with his foot furiously tapping along to the beat, and completely oblivious of spectators such as us. Finding the metro station, we left the bright glare of sunshine and rode the elevator down to the dismal dusty station below.

Waiting on the platform, I quickly snapped this before the train arrived but had to add some color while editing. We emerged back into the sunlight at Falls Church and cycled the last leg back to the car, having covered a respectable 21 miles. We then visited our favorite thrift store and found this rock as Barb parked the car.

I'd love to know how long it had been there.

Sunday was another fabulous day and so the bikes came out again, this time riding out from my place to do a circuit in the Centreville area.

We were going to ride along Rte 7100 but after a mile or so of constant noisy vehicles and sucking in exhaust fumes, I suggested we get off the beaten track. We decided to check all the little side roads on the way back to Centreville and found some wonderfully rural areas.

The noise of traffic died away and all we could hear were birds and insects. I could smell the plants and grasses on the verges and marveled at how quickly we had escaped into tranquility.

This old tractor was down the bottom of a lane and I texted a photo to Rob who told me it was a Farmell H built probably built around 1940 - 1950.

Here's an image of one working.

We puttered up and down the lanes enjoying the solitude when suddenly we stopped in our tracks. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, it was my first ever sighting of a bluebird. It was standing in the road, its blue feathers gleaming. I didn't even bother to reach for my camera despite this being a Kodak moment. For years I'd wanted to see one of these beautiful birds, birds that I'd only read about and seen in fairy stories. I was covered in goosebumps and ecstatic that we'd found a place where bluebirds lived. I shall be back here with my 50D and tripod to get photos in the near future.

Coming back into Centreville, we weaved our way along winding paths through housing communities until we reached..... Dairy Queen! After 15 miles, we felt we deserved a treat and I relished every mouthful of my Reeses Peanut Butter Blizzard.