Fredericksburg, VA (USA)

I've decided the time has come for me to pursue some civilian aircraft qualifications. Since I got here from Texas, I've been kicking myself that I didn't do it there - but it wasn't necessary for the job hunt. However, I can see a possibility for utilizing some educational assist money to upgrade to the next level of certification - and I know I shouldn't skip that opportunity. Some folks at work said they thought there was a flying club down in Quantico - but the web didn't yield the contact information I'd hoped to find. So, I left Alexandria this morning (0845) to make a site visit. Gas fillup just north of Lorton - and explored the area a bit (seems nice...) - found several VRE stations along the way. Continued down I-95 and got my first glimpse of the "new" Marine Corps Museum (reminds me of the Suribachi flag-raising photo). Had planned to go there today but wanted to find the flying club first. On the way, I stumbled across the little town of Quantico. I didn't realize it was on/near the base - or that the VRE stopped there. Looks like a nice little place... Soon after, I was successful in locating the airfield. Unfortunately, it turned out that the club was apparently disestablished a few years ago - confirmed when I called my cousin, John, who used to live in the area. He suggested several other nearby options, so I changed plans and headed out of the base onto US-1 (Jefferson Davis Highway). My first stop was the Stafford Regional Airport - but they didn't have any flight instructors available. They did, however, have information about flight training opportunities at the Shannon Airport in Fredericksburg. So, I got back on I-95 and drove a little farther south. I'd visited the town before, but have since learned more about its history (and watched the movie "Gods and Generals"). Found the airport and flight school - but no one was available to help today... Went back into the downtown area - it reminds me of Old Town Alexandria - and found a parking place. Ate lunch at Bangkok Cafe and then explored the shops (many closed on Sunday). Back in my car, drove up the hill, hoping to retrace the steps of the Union soldiers who unsuccessfully assaulted them in December 1863. The campus of the University of Mary Washington was at the top of the ridge - pretty. I was near the Battlefield but didn't end up finding a way in to the National Military Park (I realized later that I should have visited when I was at the airport - but I was hungry!). Got back on I-95 and drove north, all the way to US-1. Used that to find a way into the Mason Neck area, which I thoroughly explored (lots to do there - horses, bikepaths, camping, river). One of the more interesting sights was a man skinning a deer that was hanging from a tree near the road... On the way back out of the area, I found the home of George Mason (I'll have to visit that someday!). Back to US-1 and then looked on the fringes of Fort Belvoir (lots of apartments) before driving home. Spent the rest of the evening watching football.