Sightseeing in Virginia and North Carolina

Sorry we have been out of pocket these last few days. Shortly after the Inauguration we left DC and made our way to the Chesapeake Bay area for a little sightseeing. The area is beautiful despite the cold and we could just imagine what it must be like in the summer with all the water activities that must go on. We went out by Chincoteague on Assateague Island National Seashore, but didn't expect to see the wild ponies as they do when they have them swim to the mainland for the auction fundraiser that helps care for the herd. As we headed south on Highway 13, we went across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel which is one of the "Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World." The toll is $12! After crossing the parallel bridge we came into Virginia Beach area where we had a delighful lunch with a good friend and NMSU graduate, Kelly Freeburn, who interned with Action for Youth and worked with us and the youth members on events, fundraisers and the best project of all, the Whole Enchilada Parade float!



We made our way down to Cary/Raleigh, NC to visit Rich's Aunt Julia and his cousin Patti and her family. We had a brisk afternoon walk along a beautiful walking path that went for miles around the nearby lake and a great discussion with Pati's neighbor about the future of the Country and our health care programs. We didn't see eye-to eye, but any misconceptions that supporters of the past administration might have about our new President and his plans for the future, we have to win over with successful actions that include imput from all sides. That's exactly what Obama wants to do!



We hope you enjoy all the photos. We couldn't beat the cameras up on the big booms that got such exciting live shots of the crowds on the Mall, Congressional Representatives, past Presidents and the Biden and Obama families. It was great to see and hear another inspiring speech by President Obama, that called all of us not only in the United States, but for those all over the world, to work together for a higher standard of living, peace and prosperity now and for future generations.