Let the History Lessons Begin

Today we rode from Suffolk VA to Williamsburg VA.  Quite a bit of water coming out of Suffolk.

And some cyclists taking pictures of themselves in front of water.......

Still riding through lots of agricultural lands - corn, grains, tobacco, cotton, and apparently peanuts (although I don't know what they look like).  Suffolk is the home of Planters Peanuts and Mr. Peanut himself!  Along with lots of sheds housing all manner of farming equipment, these silos are a common sight.  

We've seen quite a few horses in the fields, with white fencing reminiscent of Kentucky.  Also some cows and goats.  Very peaceful riding on remarkably well-surfaced country roads for the most part.  We saw a few more hills today than we are used to.  Perhaps a hint of more to come?  

After chatting with some local riders while cruising crisply along with a nice tailwind, I stopped in to Chippokes State Park - a working plantation right on the James River, and very pretty.  

Shortly after the park came yet another ferry ride.  The biggest one yet - it holds about 75 cars, and it was very busy.  Cars lined up having to wait for several ferries which run about every half hour.  Thankfully bikes go to the front of the line and don't have to wait at all.  Talked to a few motorcyclists on the ferry who were a tad in awe of what we were up to.  

Immediately upon exiting the ferry we came to the Jamestown Living History Museum.  They've really done a terrific job with their museum - both inside and outside exhibits.  Jamestown was the first permanent English colony in the US - originally settled in 1607.  One of the three ships that sailed in 1607 to Virginia was the Susan Constant.  Nice name.  

Some other exhibits.......

Indian village above.  Fort below.

And then a nice (but bumpy) ride the last few miles into Williamsburg.

We have a day off tomorrow to fully explore Williamsburg.  We did a quick walk into town tonight for a fife & drum "tattoo" - about 10 different marching bands of all ages dressed in period costumes.  A great way to start our visit here.......

Stats for the day:

96 km from Suffolk VA to Williamsburg VA.  That makes 2259 km for the trip so far.  Apparently we passed the official halfway point sometime yesterday.  A few more little hills today - we climbed just over 1500 feet.  Day off the bikes tomorrow!  We're staying in a very nice hotel and lots to explore.  Not sure it will be a "rest" day!