Virginia Beach

We finally made it to the Atlantic Ocean!

On Friday, February 13, we jumped in the car as soon as Kevin got home and drove down the always jammed I-95 to VA Beach, Virginia.  We knew that this was not the time of the year to really enjoy the beach, but it is the time to see whales.  It is also the time of year to avoid the huge beach crowds...

We're all for that!

Valentines Day started with this great view from the hotel. 

We all had fun watching our first Atlantic coast sunrise.

Whale watching was first on the itinerary.  

The forecast was sunny but cold. We came prepared with coats, hats, gloves and blankets.

We were able to see a Humpback whale right at the beginning. 

It was fantastic boat ride!  

Cape Henry

This was a really fun stop.

Cape Henry is the first actual landing place of the English colonists in April 1607.

In 1781, Americans could watch from these same sand dunes the largest naval battle of the Revolutionary War.  Our French Allies defeated a British fleet just off this shore to set the stage for General George Washington's victory at Yorktown.

This national park is located on Fort Story, a military base.  This is one of those times when being military comes in handy! Going through the gate we had a car ahead of us.  They were taking quite a bit of time talking to the soldier...he had his weapon. I must add, from my own experience, that can be intimidating. They had to park for an inspection of their car.  We, on the other hand, drove up to the soldier.  Kevin gave him his military ID.  Kevin was quickly saluted and we were let in.

Cape Henry Lighthouses

This is the first lighthouse built in the US and the only one of the two you can explore.

The other is still being used.

Even the cold windy weather couldn't keep my kids out of the water.

They quickly had their feet wet, shoes and all.

Sunday the weather was so windy and cold we decided to head home.  We took the scenic route along the Rappahannock River. I love taking the little highways in this state...

Virginia is so beautiful everywhere you go!

~ February 14, 2015 ~