Day 103, Nov 3.Richmond to Petersburg, VA.

Richmond is an interesting and quirky city. The city itself is quite Liberal and Democratic, but they have a boulevard called Monument Avenue which has statue after giant statue glorifying the Confederacy. Going away from town, the first statue is "LEE" No need to inquire which one. Next is Jefferson Davis The inscription reads, "EXPONENT OF CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES. DEFENDER OF THE RIGHTS OF STATES."  Then comes Stonewall Jackson, then Maury. He perfected the naval mine for the CSA, which was credited by the Secretary of the Navy "to have cost the Union more vessels than all other causes combined." The last statue is of Arthur Ashe. Which one of these is not like the others?

 
Me and Mr. Davis

Much as we didn't want to do it, we left Richmond today. Most of Margaret's family live in the area, and there is never enough time to spend with them all. We took the Nickel Bridge (old price; now $0.35 for cars, bikes still free.) over the James River, and headed out on VA 161.

 
Crossing the Nickel Bridge.


View from the Nickel Bridge.

After 5 miles, we turned right onto VA 10 for twelve miles. This road eventually became a 55 mph, three lane divided highway with no shoulder. Nervous time. We were really happy when we got off that road.

We are staying tonight in an Air B&B in Petersburg. This is our first experience with Air B&B, and so far we are loving it. The town itself is both charming, and a bit run down. The old historic section has lots of nice restaurants. The surrounding city has some vacant factories.

Tomorrow we ride 60 miles to La Crosse and our last night in Virginia.