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3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
#268044
11/06/2021 08:06 AM
11/06/2021 08:06 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,439 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,439
Virginia wishing STJ
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![[Linked Image]](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgkrsIzQ3dU/YYU4X0j_r6I/AAAAAAAAHhU/TwdJwr7tCxklf0v-gIJGUHrzaAGBeNpkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1123/retreatcover1300.jpg) A totally relaxing journey to the mountains of Virginia. We met some great people, had some good food, and enjoyed some wonderful wine. What more could you ask for? Link: Retreat to the MountainsAs I post this trip report, we are two weeks from our next big adventure. A Transatlantic Cruise from Rome to New York, with multiple stops along the way. A bucket list item for me has been to cross the ocean, and it now comes true!
Last edited by TomB; 11/06/2021 08:58 AM.
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: BEERMAN]
#268180
11/07/2021 09:31 AM
11/07/2021 09:31 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,049 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Central Florida!
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thanks for the report, Tom!! I know you are so looking forward to that ocean crossing. And we are all looking forward to hearing all about it! Gentlemen, those leaves are certainly lovely, but I surely DON'T miss having to clean them all up in the fall!! Living in Florida has some advantages! (...including no snow!!  )
Carol Hill
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: TomB]
#268202
11/07/2021 12:00 PM
11/07/2021 12:00 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,439 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
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Virginia wishing STJ
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Beerman check it out.... Carol called us Gentleman!  So jealous of your cabin in the mountains. It would be hard to blow me out of a place like that this time of year. Carol not a political statement, but.... If I had to choose between snow and the current leadership in FL... I would have to break out in the old Sammy Cahn song Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!  We are so ready to go abroad - just three more covid test and we will be able to get on the ship. 
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: TomB]
#268286
11/08/2021 09:18 AM
11/08/2021 09:18 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,439 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
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Carol - my statement is easily said in November... It may be a little harder to stand behind in February  when the Ice and Snow arrives. Beerman - It is not to late to join in  There is nothing more crazy that an unplanned last minute getaway. We did that a few years ago to Vienna. Trip booked and we departed 7 days later.
Last edited by TomB; 11/08/2021 09:19 AM.
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: TomB]
#268291
11/08/2021 09:56 AM
11/08/2021 09:56 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,049 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Tom--you are much more of an adventurer than I am. No way I could make a big trip like that, just off the cuff.
Carol Hill
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: TomB]
#268299
11/08/2021 10:48 AM
11/08/2021 10:48 AM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,278 Virginia Beach, VA
SarahJane
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,278
Virginia Beach, VA
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Tom, Beautiful pictures. I have spent some time at The Homestead Resort. I want to ask you, were the pool and hot tub open for guests to use? I wasn't aware they were heated for guest use after Labor Day! !!!
Sarah
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: TomB]
#268306
11/08/2021 11:18 AM
11/08/2021 11:18 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,439 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
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SarahJane,
There was no one swimming in the pool, albeit if we were guest my wife would have been going back in forth for sure. There was a lady enjoying the hot tub connected to the pool, and she was a very happy camper. We chatted briefly but we did not want to disturb her bliss.
The beautiful indoor pool, which I remember from our honeymoon, was under renovation. The pool was empty and they were redoing the ornate plaster around the room and ceiling. It was fun to watch the craftsman at work.
Highly recommend you give Fort Lewis a try. Very relaxing on a smaller scale.
Or maybe do a split week at both. It would be like the week Rock Resorts offered in the 70s where it went from simple to over the top. Both places very special in their own way back then. The vacation package had a catchy name which of course I forget, but it included: 4 days at Caneel Bay in STJ and then they transferred you to Little Dix on Virgin Gorda for 3 days.
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#268461
11/09/2021 10:28 AM
11/09/2021 10:28 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,439 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
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Tom--you are much more of an adventurer than I am. No way I could make a big trip like that, just off the cuff. Oh I missed this yesterday - Sorry Sometimes spontaneous is the best way to travel. You just fall into things and magic happens. When we plan trips, as we have this one, the expectations and excitement can rise to level where all it leaves room for is disappointment. I am hopeful that will not be the case, albeit I am nervous that Janet will be pacing the ship on the at sea days. However with the amount of things to do and see on the ship we may find (I hope) that boredom does not plague her.
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: TomB]
#268462
11/09/2021 10:31 AM
11/09/2021 10:31 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,049 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 81,049
Central Florida!
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Like I said, I'm too much of a "planner". We have never done an ocean crossing, but I think I would love it--EXCEPT for like this time of year, when I think the weather would be less than ideal..  Too cold and stormy for me! Hopefully your weather is better than I expect it will be!
Carol Hill
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: TomB]
#268683
11/10/2021 06:25 PM
11/10/2021 06:25 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,439 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
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Not sure in these days and times how much planning one can really do. Any trip or what is open and the what the requirements to do it or see it are in flux. For this trip, I have put together a book of everything we want to see and do, walking maps from the ship to the closest wine stores, ship schedules, and plan of the day for our group since we are all doing different things, holidays or special events in port, etc... and then you have things like this impacting overseas travels - - Trip Cancelled because of the germ - US requires ships to go under more inspections so trip get cuts a day to arrive a day early and sit onboard in the port - Ports get cancelled - France has change entry requirements for USA citizens 4 times since October 20th - Ship stuck in Panama Canal - Greek dock work strikes We still have another week, so what else can happen But it does not matter - right now I am like this lady in the video! Link: I will not cancel!
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: TomB]
#268689
11/10/2021 06:44 PM
11/10/2021 06:44 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,049 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
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Posts: 81,049
Central Florida!
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Tom--I have seen that commercial several times and laughed my a$$ off every time!! I really get ya!!
Carol Hill
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: TomB]
#268816
11/11/2021 08:54 PM
11/11/2021 08:54 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,439 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
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We still have another week, so what else can happen Well something did happen.... Knock Knock Knock... good evening Sheriff can I help you... Is Mrs TomB home Yes Sir I have a subpoena for her to show up for Grand Jury on 30 November But we will be in the middle of the Atlantic on cruise... That is your problem not mine... Have a good evening! So tomorrow we sort out the subpoena
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: TomB]
#268819
11/11/2021 09:13 PM
11/11/2021 09:13 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,049 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 81,049
Central Florida!
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YIKES!!! Oh man, let us know how it turns out!!!!!
Carol Hill
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Re: 3 Day Getaway to the VA Mountains – Trip Report
[Re: TomB]
#268880
11/12/2021 01:30 PM
11/12/2021 01:30 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,439 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
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Update: Now in possession of a letter from the Clerk of the Court of our county relieving Mrs. TomB from Grand Jury Duty on November 30. The process was not bad, but a visit to the courthouse was required. Sure glad we went to high school with the clerk or the court  Will be in Italy this time next week.... So we still have 6 days for something else... the clock is ticking
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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