Norfolk is a massive commercial port, sort of on/in the Chesapeake Bay, and has the biggest Navy Base in the world … these are just some of well over 50 naval vessels we saw lying about as we came into port …

We met up with Ann and Bettie, new friends from the first sector of this cruise. They live hereabouts. Our mission (impossible!) was to see the historic towns of Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg in a few hours.

First Yorktown, where we went first to a brand new museum (with the flags of the 13 colonies) …

… complete with an excellent replica early settler’s village/farm …

… and a statue of George W … no, not him … Washington!

… then into the delightful little town of Yorktown, where we saw lots of houses like this. The tree is Crepe Myrtle. We saw hundreds of them … everywhere.

… through the National Park for miles along this Parkway to Jamestown.

Jamestown is claimed by Virginians to be the first settlement, by Europeans, of America in 1607. We went to another splendid Museum here to see …

… a replica Indian village of the time.

… replicas of the 3 ships the first 107 settlers arrived in.

… and a replica of their Fort …

This chap was demonstrating old muskets.

No doubt about it, the Americans do this show and tell stuff brilliantly.

And so on to Williamsburg. What a knockout! The whole town beautifully restored and maintained. The images speak for themselves.

Queen Elizabeth has stayed at this magnificent old country hotel! (So have Ann and Bettie …)

And of course, Jan introduced herself to some of the locals.

Finally Ann whisked us through the Mariners Museum. (Her late husband was a great supporter and benefactor.) 20 minutes doesn’t do justice to a place like this, set in spectacular grounds and housing exhibits like these models, one would need hours to properly enjoy Mariners.

For a great day, we can’t thank Ann and Bettie enough!