Chintocoteague to Williamsburg via the Bay Bridge Tunnel

The view from our hotel room this morning

Fascinating day today! Clear blue skies, 80 degrees when we started out at 8:30 and nice roads most of the day. 

Loading up, ready to roll.

This was a longer driving day, about 175 miles, down the peninsula from Chincoteague to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, one of the seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World, built without tax money but by bonds supported by the tolls.  The bridge and tunnel opened in April 1964 after 42 months of construction.  It now consists of two parallel two lane bridges and two tunnels, where traffic merges into a single lane in each direction.  We were told a second set of tunnels, to make it two lanes in both directions is in the final planning and contracts is expected to be awarded very soon.  From shore to shore the bridges, tunnels and supporting highways measure 17.6 miles in length.

Crusin' down Rt13 toward the Bay Bridge Tunnel

The vast Chesapeake Bay

Entering the first (north) tunnel.

Even though we are only doing 45mph everything seems to be a blur

A very sharp right turn after the second tunnel is to a viewing area and gift shop

with food service and a fishing pier. 

This is looking north from the southern end of the second tunnel

showing the man-made island and large ship passageway.

Rick and Sam Frazee enjoying the fresh sea air and the view

Along the bridge are light poles on which gulls perch and do their business on

the cars passing below.  We made a good target for one.  Clean up took some time

in the restaurant parking lot.

Our dining experience for lunch today--at the end

of the pier.  Fish sandwiches and French fries. 

After lunch, our leader Bob (on left) briefed us on the remaining miles

to Williamsburg and the highly congested bridge tunnel over and under the

James River.

Then into Williamsburg---

Williamsburg, capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780, is known for the significant role it played in the American Revolution. In the state’s southeast, it forms what's called the Historic Triangle together with Jamestown and Yorktown. Its heart is Colonial Williamsburg, a historic district and living-history museum where actors in period costume depict day-to-day Colonial life in the streets, restored stores and workshops.

Williamsburg is perhaps best known for its tourist and historical points of interest, the centerpiece of which is Colonial Williamsburg, which is essentially a living history museum, depicting the lifestyles and culture of the 18th century colonial period in American history. Major points of interest in this historic district include the Virginia's first capitol building, the Governor's Palace, Bruton Parish Church (the oldest continually operating church in the United States), the Peyton Randolph House (home of Peyton Randolph, the first President of Continental Congress and rumored to be haunted) and The College of William & Mary. 

We have today and all day tomorrow to explore the area and get caught up on laundry.

One of the cars failed today when it overheated in the traffic jam along I-64. John and Debbie Stanley from Florida were stranded.  The solution was to call AAA and haul the car to the hotel where our ready gang of skilled Morgan enthusiasts would affect a repair. 

John and Debbie Stanley with a broken car, just before the

Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, receiving aid from

the authorities.

Here it comes.

Interesting towing arrangement.

The enthusiasts pounce on it.

John sits patiently

With surgical precision Reg Hahn and Rick Frazee diagnose a

failed thermostat, and remove the culprit.

A new thermostat was available but no new gasket, so

Reg cut a new one from gasket maker stock.  This fellow is clever!

Added new anti-freeze coolant and a test was being undertaken at

press time for this blog.

Tomorrow is a free day to spend in Williamsburg.