And they're off... finally
Your heroes finally departed Melrose, no thanks to Justin and his exceptional organizational skills. Bidding adieu to 384 Grove (right, top), we left a scant 7 hours later than scheduled. Jeanine wanted to drive with the door open (right, bottom), but thankfully was convinced otherwise.
So, safely, soundly, but very slowly, we made our way across Massachusetts, through Connecticut, over the GW (with a short detour through the Bronx to visit a hoppin' street fair), down the scenic Jersey Turnpike, across the Delaware Memorial Bridge, past Baltimore, then finally (ca. 1:30 AM) into Gaithersburg and Chez Tom and Michelle McCraw.
Tomorrow, Pandas will be viewed, Freddie will be called, Ray Bourque will be admired, and Wild Goose will be drunk, that is, if we're not overtaken with exhaustion. Only time will tell...
The National Zoo and Fred
After some much needed sleep and a wonderful breakfast - Are we having pancakes tomorrow morning, Michelle? - we headed off to the National Zoo, to, for God's sake, see the damn Pandas.
Following the necessary coaxing and honey-luring, Mei-Tsing (bottom left) and Tiang-Tiang - Did I get it right, Jeanine? - decided to make an appearance. Once again, Jeanine was amazed at nature, as well she should be. Tom and Michelle were extremely patient as we saw not only pandas, but also lions, tigers and a Spectacled Bear - which looked like a plain ole Brown Bear to Justin. The cheetahs,
elephants, and rhino butts (bottom (no pun intended) right) were also cool.
When the zoo no longer held our attention, we went across Connecticut Ave. to the Zoo Bar, for some liquid refreshment and to meet Fred Lawrence. Unfortunately, Freddie couldn't hang out with us to watch Patrick Roy give Game Four to the New Jersey Satans because he had a date with a belly dancer. When asked what she looked like, Fred graciously did his best impression of her (top left). We hope it was a good date, Freddie. After we watched said Avalanche debacle and made a new friend in
Alfonso (not pictured) at the Glory Days Grill, it was time to get back to Gaithersburg to hit the hay.
Tomorrow, we're visiting Jeanine's Uncle Bill (and family) near Baltimore, then we'll wave good bye (top right - pictured, from left, Fred, Justin, Michelle, and Tom) to the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area and make our way down to Virginia Beach. Look out roller coasters, here we come.
Already Backtracking
After morning services at church - the same church where Tom and Michelle were married almost two years ago - a hearty brunch at Perkins, and a quick stop at Galyan's - a super cool sporting goods store - the McCraws quickly tired of Jeanine and Justin's freeloading. Citing irreconceivable differences, Tom had this to say, for the record, "Jeanine's fine, but, braugh, Justin stinks, his mother dresses him funny, and he's Gilmartin-cheap."
Sensing trouble brewing, Jeanine and Justin took leave of the McCraws, Neely the dog, and their lovely - and amazingly clean - home (right, top) Sunday afternoon. Seriously, Tom and
Michelle's hospitality was great; we'd recommend crashing there anytime.
With a lack of planning that could only be a sign of what's to come, Jeanine and Justin headed NORTH to Bel Air, Maryland to see Jeanine's Uncle Bill and Aunt MaryAnne Tate. Though it was only a short visit, we had a wonderful time hanging out with the entire family (right, bottom - from left: Aunt MaryAnne, Uncle Bill,
Joe, Bill, Jeanine, Rusty, Justin, & Dan), listening to a short piano recital by Joe, and eating homemade pizza and apple pie. Definitely being the sort to eat and run, J&J left Bel Air headed SOUTH toward Williamsburg, Virginia and arrived there just before midnight. Tomorrow, we'll set up camp near Williamsburg and visit Colonial Williamsburg. It will be a relaxing day, though, in preparation for Busch Gardens on Tuesday...