Woke up after a not super restful night of train horns blowing as they sped past the campsite on the tracks that ran along the backside of the campground property across the main drive our site was on. The kids slept through it all, of course, but Jonathan and I were woken up several times through the night. Not horrible though... sounds like these are relatively easy to fall asleep after... it's the creepy black tinted cards parked right up against the rig in Charlottetown parking lots that keep you up at night, haha.
Kiddos had breakfast and did some schoolwork with the promise of a swim in the heated outdoor pool. The pool did not disappoint! Super lovely and warm and had it all to ourselves. The temperature reminded of us of our friends' Maryanna and Steve's pool who live next door to my parents. Lurrrrrrrvley! We enjoyed the pool and then the nice hot showers after.
Après swim we had noodle soup and a cheese/fruit plate for a quick lunch before heading to America's birthplace... Jamestowne, Virginia (about 20min away along Colonial Parkway). We went to the historic site where there were still ongoing archaeological digs happening. We went to the historic site rather than the Jamestown Settlement interpretive centre. In hindsight the second option would probably have been more interesting for the kiddos, but the National Parks site was very neat to see the actual settlement remains and was half price with our NP pass, AND we got to have some cool chats and learn from one of the archaeologists on site.
We were there from 1:15pm to 4:15pm and wandered the old original fort grounds, the red brick chapel, remains of the old mansion, covered up ongoing digs and grounds. We had delicious (and very reasonably priced!) hot apple ciders and home made ginger snaps and shortbread at the friendly little cafe (dad had a beer).
Amelia did attempt to complete some of the Junior Ranger booklet we had for the site, but it was not as clearly laid out as the Shenandoah booklet and she decided not to continue (no badge either and that's a huge drive). We learned about the real Pocahontas who lived nearby and would visit the fort and the vagueness of what actually happened to her in her teen years. And boy, 1609-10 was a lousy year for Jamestown when they ran out of food and supplies and most of the people there died.
Upon leaving Jamestown, we drove a different route back towards Anvil (we had decided to let them know we'd book the second night there, too). This took us through "William and Mary" and the university there. Beautiful brick buildings and lovely campus. Would have been cool to wander around it on another day/time. When I looked it up later, the university was formed in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II and is the second oldest institution of higher education in the USA.
Back to Anvil to our deluxe little pad... full from the pizza that was supposed to stave off the hungry tummies. We hit up the "beach" playground with the fun rope swing spinner, and then the games room for some pingpong and shuffleboard then Jonathan lit a fire in our firepit and we enjoyed the cool, but clear evening (last night was rainy). Brought out the awesome roasting sticks and cooked marshmallows and made some s'mores.
Amelia made beautiful portrait of everyone in our family out of the stones and pine needles beside the patio. Can you recognize everyone? ;)
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