17-7-12

Hi Folks!

Up with the lark - is and off we set on the longest drive of the trip. Washington to Wilmington.

Now for those of you have forgotten - we are doing this without a map. After striking out in the general direction of the Capitol - again - we aim for the river and a bridge across the Potomac River. This was rather more difficult than it may seem. There was a rather large bridge being built which will be fantastic when its finished but the 60 meter gap was something for a challenge for us.

We missed the turning - which was something of a goat track and had a really good look around Bailey's Crossroads until we found signs again for the trusted I95 written in crayon on orange post-its - no kidding.

Then we were off - south.

Now folks I'm not known for my green credentials but I'm having a great deal of trouble in understanding where we can fit more trees into North America on this evidence - it was just a solid wall of wood. Nothing happened we just travelled south on great roads through woods for hundreds of miles with a break for fuel and hamburgers - then more woods - and more - you get the idea.

Then we pitch up in Wilmington - no map straight to the hotel - no problem. The room has amazing views across the river to the USS North Carolina. We stroll into town. This is the first time we had seen some strains of the economic crisis with some empty shop fronts.

Those businesses that were still open appeared to be thriving. We had a great dinner of fresh oysters and local fish which was top draw.

Philip decided he didn't want to join the local quiz night. I stayed and came third - with some help - the full story is for another time but safe to say Virginia has some great school teachers!

Happy and content we turn in - in Wilmington...