Thursday, August 15, 2013

James

Americans who remember their history know the story of Jamestown, the first permanent settlement of the British Empire on the new continent of North America on the James River.  But before the British, the native American Powhatans used this river to fish for sturgeon and other freshwater fish and used the flooded banks of this river for their agriculture.  Once settlement was started by the white man some beautiful plantations were constructed up and down the river with most labor (forced) provided by the black man.  The first windmill of the new world was built along the James River shores at the fairy-tale named Flowerdew Hundred Plantation.  This river is one of the longest rivers in the United States.  Its history is filled with death and harsh industrial growth and war that conflicts with its gentle flow that on most days turns like the soft skirts of a plantation lady's gown.

This river is magical and magnetic and I think also one of the most lovely.  I spent some time recently in a tiny town that sits back from the flood banks of the river and one evening my husband and I took a slow, peaceful walk across the grasses.  Come along and I will push you on the tire swing for a while and also bring some bread to feed the geese later.  Click on the photos if you are not afraid of getting your feet a little wet.






12 comments:

  1. Makes me want to throw a line into that stream!

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  2. smiles....cool...been to jamestown quite a few times...nearly in my backyard...

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  3. Lots of nice places to just sit and think a while. Or just sit.

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  4. Magical, even with wet feet!

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  5. Peaceful, calm and serene. Yet my first thought is always if there is good cell service there. Isn't that a bummer?

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  6. It looks such a peaceful river and then you read its history. Like al things, it is not as it seems.

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  7. I've had the good fortune to spend some time on the James above Richmond. It's a wild lovely river where it cuts through the mountains. Great pics.

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  8. Hi There, We loved our visit to Jamestown --and are headed back to that area this Fall. I have some Family History in that area --so want to learn more.

    The James River is so pretty--and your photos are great... Wouldn't it be fun to swing from that old tire swing?????

    My weight loss took me over a year (and it wasn't the first time I had lost about 100 pounds)... Each time before I gained it all back plus some... GADS!!!!

    This time I started at Weight Watchers Online and then went to a nutritionist. This time I added exercise --which I had never done much before.

    AND--once I lost my weight (a year ago)--I decided that maintenance was as important or more important as the losing it had been. SO--to this day, I write down everything I eat --and I try to stay within 1500-1800 calories a day. I also increased my fiber and make sure I get enough protein. I also drink about 100 oz of water/fluid per day. It's working for me --and for the first time, I am keeping the weight off. Hooray!!!!! BUT--it's darn hard--as you can imagine... Takes hard work!

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  9. P.S. I still walk alot and get good exercise --even for a 71 yr. older!!!!!!!

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  10. Your photos are gorgeous! What a beautiful place. It's hard to imagine the unhappy history there.

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  11. Beautiful scenery Tabor.

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Glad to hear from you once again. I really like these visits. Come sit on this log and tell me what you are thinking.