Why Not Just Queue Up Another Disney Trip? Link to New TR 6/24 p136!

[Roxychica7]

I was a biology major and they had JUST opened the new Henson science school when I started in 2002. It was amazing at the time because all the equipment was brand new!! I lived in Choptank my freshman year, St. Martins for Sophomore and then University Park my junior and senior. I live in St. Michaels now and work in Easton, so we get to drive down every once in a while to visit and stop for brunch! I haven't seen the new university square, but I saw a picture of it in my alumni book and HOLY CRAP! The campus was so small when I was there, plus they have that parking garage and teachers school now. Frank Perdue was always a big supporter of Salisbury, but when he died a few years ago, he left a HUGE grant to the school for business, I haven't been in it since it opened, but it sounds amazing!

The Bistro is part of the Commons, its the inside part thats only open for lunch and dinner, so they have "fancier" food like ribs and bbq chicken and hand scooped ice cream sundaes that I must admit I had several nights a week ...if they still do Lobster night on campus, tell him to definitely do that! But Saferide is a great way to meet people, they have a bowling league, some of the school clubs for each major are great, and like I said..the movie nights, the comedians, they did orioles games plus trips to Boston, NYC, the Inner Harbor...all at really cheap prices. Just tell him to keep his eyes peeled..ah, getting excited about SU all over again!! And man oh man, I know how you feel. When I had to take a class at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, I had just moved from maryland and lived in Virginia for 6 months, but they didn't consider it virginia residency yet, so they still charged me the out of state tutition which was 3 times the amount! Ridiculous! But I hope he has a great rest of the semester, it really is a great school!

I must go read your post now! Sorry for the rant!

[MEK]

Continued.......





Hampton U







Approaching open water



Our cruise director told us that most of the big vessels and subs had gone out to sea during the hurricane. He really wasn't sure how many would be back at the naval base. This was the first time they had been out since the hurricane.



As it turns out, there were very few boats back in dock. The ones that were left were probably boats that were under maintenance.











Cool stuff in the air



While the docks at the naval base were pretty bare, we did have the opportunity to watch the air craft carrier, the Enterprise, come back in from sea.

Here she comes







We spent a long time just watching her come in to dock and pass us. We were actually required to be 500 feet away from her and the shipping canal at all time. this is a requirement that was implemented after 9/11.

As you can see, the coast guards bringing her in meant business. Check out the machine gun at the front of the boat.



I, personally, found that a little unnerving!

When she got right beside us I had to photograph her in sections







shudder....





As she passed us I decided to go for the artsy shot







Continued......

[MEK]

Continued.....

Check out the size of her anchor



We saw pleasure boats out as well





Our Next stop was here, Fort Wool:








We circled around and were hoping to get off and tour the fort



A few of the fort's inhabitants





Notice the small tear in the flag



We tied up to this



.....but our captain and crew went out to inspect things, then told us that there had been some structural damage from the hurricane and they could not allow us to get off. Bummer.

I took a few more pics







The water here had gotten suddenly choppy. I had to put my camera away for a bit. I did take a picture of this boat. Check out the buoys on the side



Next we pass Fort Monroe. This was actually actually still an operational area until recently. It allows visitors to tour for free.









Not sure what this place is





This unbelievable cool building is the Chamberline Hotel. After 9/11 it had to close to occupants because it is within 500 feet of Fort Monroe. It remained unoccupied for a while, but is now being used as a retirement home.





Well, that's all for tonight folks. The cruise is about to come to an end, but the rest of my pictures aren't on photobucket yet.

All in all, I thought it was a fabulously informative cruise. Where can you get a 2 1/2 cruise with a live narrator for $18. You can't. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend it. One family that was on the cruise made reservations to go back at the end of the week so they could actually see more boats at the naval base.

Up Next......

Yorktown and......no electricity means no ghost tour!

[MEK]

Disclaimer: I promise to get to replies tomorrow and I know that so many people have updated their TR's recently. I promise to catch up on all of them. Just a little behind right now and I HAVE to practice the guitar for my lesson tomorrow!

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

The boat tour looks like it was a lot of fun! It's too bad there was structural damage and you couldn't get off at the island. Hopefully the hurricane didn't impact too much more of your trip!

I love your pics of the buildings, they're all so pretty and historic-looking!

[dawnbu40]

The boat tour sounds great and what a bargain

Of course all your pictures are wonderful but I love the ones of the flag

[littlezar]

Originally Posted by MEK

Welcome again littlezar!
So you are originally for Jersey and live in Vero Beach now? Did I read that right? If so - lucky you!

VB = Virginia Beach
CBBT = Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

We've been here since June '08 and my husband's been deployed for most of the time, to include currently being gone since March on the USS Bataan. Even with my nothing special Panasonic Lumix, I was able to take a couple of neat pics when the ship left. I went to the beach on the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and took pics of the ship crossing the CBBT. Also got one fantastic pic of my 5 year old standing on the beach with the ship in the background. Wish I would've thought to just pay the $12 to go on the CBBT and take pics from the pier! Of course, they don't compare to your pics! I just LOVE looking at all your pictures!!

[Captain_Oblivious]

Any condo with a hot tub is a good condo!

The boat tour looks like you got to see quite a bit, and seems like a really good deal. I'm going to have to write that one down. I think it must have been really cool to see an aircraft carrier actually coming in from sea! I don't think I've ever seen one that wasn't docked.

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow, Mary Ellen. Williamsburg is very pretty. Loved the resort you stayed at. I would have loved the naval boat tour. My whole family loves historical things so that would have been great.

Okay, your adventure getting there sounds a lot like one we took years ago. We stopped off in Myrtle Beach for a few nights on the way to a work conference for me in Charleston, SC. The last night we were in MB, Tropical Storm Gaston blew in. We never lost power at the resort but we would look out the balcony and instantly trees would just fall over. It was scary! Late Sunday morning, they cleared for people to be out and about. It was a long drive to Charleston to get there and find that there was no power. We had to drive a long way to get dinner. The hotel was running on generator. Several rooms were closed off as the winds had actually blown out the glass in windows. It got better as the week went on.

So glad your son got to college okay. Too funny about checking on him at 6:30 in the morning. That would be me!!!

Can't wait to read more!

[MEK]

Originally Posted by manntra

Sorry I am late but I am here now

Welcome Tracy!!!! So glad you made it with only days to go before your next adventure!

Originally Posted by Pinkocto

I am in awe of the park ticket! Of course it is savings! The 1% on the Disney Visa isn't much, but it does add up which is nice. I'm constantly checking SWA to see if the prices drop. So glad you were able to switch to a lower price, they are so easy. So awesome about staying in the treehouse, that is on our bucket list.

Yeah - Denny was less than thrilled with the 1%, but they were offering a $100 gift card to DVC members after the first $50 purchase. I am hoping to have that gift card in hand for December. I figure I will only use the Visa for certain purchases like Walmarts and BJ's. They are usually $100 - $200 bills so it should add up by next June. I tried to explain to Denny I can only use so many AAA rebates. I want some Disney money!

I used to be a huge SWA stalker, but I've short of backed off. So glad I found that price drop.

I am really looking forward to the treehouse - one big advantage to being an SSR owner.

[MEK]

Originally Posted by podsnel

There are soooo many fantastic restaurants on HHI- Two inexpensive ones are Roastfish & Cornbread (this was really, really good- the chef used to work at the Seashack) and Dye's Gullah Fixin's (which Miss Dye is a character, but I don't know if she still has arestaurant or opened more of a take-out place). Her food is like going to your Southern Grandma's house for dinner. Those two are probably my favorites, because they are so unique.

Hudson's is very good, they have really great hushpuppies- what is nice for you is that it won't be crowded while you're there, so you won't have to wait too long. We waited almost 2 hours, I think, in August one year!

The Studio was very good, very high-end. The Black Marlin was nice to eat outside and reasonable. OO Factory I have been told serves frozen seafood- I would double-check going there with some locals. We did try Wiseguys for cocktails and small plates (Dottie & I) and I REALLY enjoyed it and would want to goi back for more. The Old Fort Pub is very nice, but I liked the food at these other places more- we both felt like it was over-rated (but it is in a gorgeous setting).

We did enjoy Redfish. Not crazy about Bistro 17. I have heard the Ritas are good at San Miguels just over the bridge, but we never made it there- we were always busy with our kids. Ocean Grille was good, but $$.

OMG, there are SOOOO many great restaurants down there- ask Dottie in the mercantile which ones she likes lately- she has excellent taste, and you are going to ADORE her- she is a former DISser, who stopped DISing when she became a CM at HHI- please give her a HUGE hug from me, I really do miss her!!

Ellen - Thank you so much for all these wonderful suggestions. I think there might be a gift card on restaurant.com for the Studio. I am going to check that out and put all the others on our list. I figure we will probably have 3 dinners there because one day we will be in Savannah and the other night we will have arrived after driving all day. Probably will just want to get in and settled.

I will definitely say Hi to Dottie. I am sure she will know exactly who you are, too! That's awesome. Can't wait!

Originally Posted by podsnel

Oh! And great choice on the kayaking and nature walk- you are going to go NUTS taking photos of all the wildlife, it's SPECTACULAR!!!! I am so jealous!!!

I know. I know. I can't wait. I am going to crash my hard drive for sure. I have to clear out some memory cards and back up my computer again. I really can't wait to see this place. As much as I wanted to go to F&W I am definitely psyched to be seeing HHI for the first time. I know I will want to be a regular!!!!!

Thanks for your help!

[Pinkocto]

What lovely pictures of your resort! Even your phone takes really good pictures. And that boat tour looked like so much fun! Too bad you couldn't explore the fort, I love to do that sort of thing, thankfully you got to see tons of other cool stuff. That air craft carrier must have been even more impressive being right next to it.

No Ghost Tour that sounds like it would be super fun too!

[MEK]

Originally Posted by Roxychica7

I was a biology major and they had JUST opened the new Henson science school when I started in 2002. It was amazing at the time because all the equipment was brand new!! I lived in Choptank my freshman year, St. Martins for Sophomore and then University Park my junior and senior. I live in St. Michaels now and work in Easton, so we get to drive down every once in a while to visit and stop for brunch! I haven't seen the new university square, but I saw a picture of it in my alumni book and HOLY CRAP! The campus was so small when I was there, plus they have that parking garage and teachers school now. Frank Perdue was always a big supporter of Salisbury, but when he died a few years ago, he left a HUGE grant to the school for business, I haven't been in it since it opened, but it sounds amazing!

Brian lives in Severn. I know they are really pushing University Park and Seagull Square for next year.

The Perdue building is UNBELIEVABLE! Even the chairs/desks are super modern and cool. They also have all these little study rooms with a big table that seats 6 people and a big monitor that you can attach your computer to. There is a giant stock ticker in the entrance way. They actually have one room for the finance course where the student manage a real portfolio. The computers are actually dual computers. Even the regular computer lab is stunning and anyone can use it. They also have framed posters with Frank Perdue's motto (Ethical Will) hanging all over the place. I took a cell picture of it. I'll upload and post it. It's really well written and inspriring.

They have outside corperations that are now holding conferences in the building - the auditorium is THAT nice with its two giant 100ft flat screen monitors.

Originally Posted by Roxychica7

The Bistro is part of the Commons, its the inside part thats only open for lunch and dinner, so they have "fancier" food like ribs and bbq chicken and hand scooped ice cream sundaes that I must admit I had several nights a week ...if they still do Lobster night on campus, tell him to definitely do that! But Saferide is a great way to meet people, they have a bowling league, some of the school clubs for each major are great, and like I said..the movie nights, the comedians, they did orioles games plus trips to Boston, NYC, the Inner Harbor...all at really cheap prices. Just tell him to keep his eyes peeled..ah, getting excited about SU all over again!! And man oh man, I know how you feel. When I had to take a class at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, I had just moved from maryland and lived in Virginia for 6 months, but they didn't consider it virginia residency yet, so they still charged me the out of state tutition which was 3 times the amount! Ridiculous! But I hope he has a great rest of the semester, it really is a great school!

I must go read your post now! Sorry for the rant!

Thanks for all the information. I hope that Brian is getting involved in more than just intramurals. But Brian is a different bird. He is not a super involved, self motivated type of kid. He needs a lot of prompting. But he does realize he was very lucky to be accepted there. and I have heard nothing but good about that school.

Don't worry about ranting. I want to hear everything you can tell me.

Originally Posted by Stringbean&Wingnut

The boat tour looks like it was a lot of fun! It's too bad there was structural damage and you couldn't get off at the island. Hopefully the hurricane didn't impact too much more of your trip!

I love your pics of the buildings, they're all so pretty and historic-looking!

The boat tour was really fun and even though we couldn't get off the boat, it really didn't detract from the tour. Our tour director was so full on information that he easily filled the extra time with questions and answers.

The main building on the property was so pretty. I'm so glad they didn't tear it down when they build the resort. It really was eye catching.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

The boat tour sounds great and what a bargain

They boat tour was SO worth the money and watching the Enterprise come back to dock was truly a sight. According to our cruise director, we really lucked out. It was very cool.

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

Of course all your pictures are wonderful but I love the ones of the flag

I have a thing for flags, especially the American flag. I never tire of taking its picture! And I think because we traveled several weeks before the 9/11 anniversary I couldn't help but notice every flag around me!

[MEK]

Originally Posted by littlezar

VB = Virginia Beach
CBBT = Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

Doh!!!! forgive me for being a little slow. Well then Va Beach girl, I may have been right near your house on our way back because we actually stopped at the beach! It was lovely. Nice set up.

Originally Posted by littlezar

We've been here since June '08 and my husband's been deployed for most of the time, to include currently being gone since March on the USS Bataan. Even with my nothing special Panasonic Lumix, I was able to take a couple of neat pics when the ship left. I went to the beach on the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and took pics of the ship crossing the CBBT. Also got one fantastic pic of my 5 year old standing on the beach with the ship in the background. Wish I would've thought to just pay the $12 to go on the CBBT and take pics from the pier! Of course, they don't compare to your pics! I just LOVE looking at all your pictures!!

Wow - that must be hard having him gone so much and so long. However, how wonderful that you were able to take pictures of the boat leaving and to be able to include your son. That is very cool!

I really did want to stop at the Pier. I've stopped on it once. But because we were running so late heading down (and then heading back), we decided to skip it. Next time for sure!

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Any condo with a hot tub is a good condo!

That hot tub was such a bonus. I knew some of the condos had a hot tub, but I didn't know we would be lucky enough to get one. Definite bonus!

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

The boat tour looks like you got to see quite a bit, and seems like a really good deal. I'm going to have to write that one down. I think it must have been really cool to see an aircraft carrier actually coming in from sea! I don't think I've ever seen one that wasn't docked.

It was awesome seeing the Enterprise come in. Apparently it is quite uncommon, so it was our lucky day. Our tour guide was very enthusiastic about it. But seeing those coast guards with the machine guns. WOW! Definitely a big deal!

If you ever visit, I highly recommend the tour and your kids would love the Air & Space Museum which is a block away.

[TanzUnited99]

Love the photos of the condo - it looks nice and relaxing!

What a shame about the fish place having no power but am glad you decided to return after taking the scenic route of Williamsburg!

I like the look of your steak and shrimp fajitas.

I'm glad you were still able to do the cruise. The pictures from that look amazing - wow at the machine gun!