Hail to the Redskins!

I've been a crimson and gold fan for as long as I can remember football. Born in Ohio, I had a couple pro teams right next door (Bengals and Browns). But I was drawn to the colors and logo of the Washington Redskins. The recent controversy around the native american emblem has at times made it a little uncomfortable to proudly be part of the Redskins Nation.

I can understand the owners reluctance to change a symbol that's been part of the organization and fans man caves for decades. I am trying to understand how the history of this team (which has it's roots deeply entrenched in native american culture) could suggest anything other than pride and respect. From what I read, it comes down to the term "redskin" and it's representing something derogatory. (when I think about it, I don't think I've ever been repulsed by the term "whiteman")

Anyway, it's a debate that will go on every season until the team changes it's name. I personally think it's only a matter of time before being "politically correct" forces that to happen.

FedEx field holds the most fans of any professional football stadium at just under 100,000 seats. I've watched on TV for the better part of 40 years. I've never been to a Redskins home game.

Knowing this would probably be our only visit, we were willing to spend a little more for as good an experience as we could afford. Which meant a couple of "club level" seats, second row from the railing. Fantastic views from here. The club level is plush, enclosed and caters only to those ticket holders. This makes for a very comfortable pre-game experience as well as shorter wait times for concessions during the game. They even host a post game party. Total cost: roughly $700. Ouch.

 My "skins" had a dreadful season - winning just 3 games - which resulted in an entire coaching staff change (finally!) The upside to the season? We won this home game in thrilling last minute style. It was a high scoring, back-and-forth battle that ended with a Redskins touchdown and only seconds left on the clock. It's almost like it was scripted just for this fan... and his once-in-a-lifetime visit.


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 We chose Fredricksberg, Virginia for our hub of activity while in the "DC" area.
We usually avoid KOA's because they traditionally cost more and cater to crowded, louder family gatherings. On the plus side, they are more often wooded, well kept and have full amenities.

This particular KOA was perfect. We were backed into a private area of the wooded campground that was perfect for letting Rufus run off-leash most of the time.

The football game was just one of the many activities we had planned for this part of our east coast trip. Months in advance we made contact with Washington State's, Kathy McMorris office and reserved some private tours of the Capitol and surrounding area. (thank you goes out to Sonya for giving us the contact info and direction).

Of course the same government shutdown that kept us out of Arcadia park in Maine, initially canceled all our tours as well. We again looked for other things in this historic area to venture out to.

Downtown Fredricksberg was one of our daytrips.

We toured the home of George Washington in Mt. Vernon. I will say, I learned a lot here. I gained respect for a leader in war and politics. It's really amazing how much history I missed as a child, how little appreciation I had for what it took to build and grow this country.
The freedoms that were fought for then...and continue today.

We learned about his sister Betty Kenmore and visited her home. They told us of what she sacrificed for her country and family. Sacrifices many might take for granted today I think.

We caught a glimpse of Mary Washington's house from the outside as tours were closing when we finally arrived there.

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The shameful examples being shown by the Democrats and Republicans at the time were overshadowed this day by a phone call from the offices of McMorris. I must say we were treated extremely well. We were constantly updated by phone and email and they worked very hard to get us into a couple of last minute tours in D.C.

Our attempt to navigate the constant barricades, armed police, stagnant traffic and overbearing drivers made for a less than enthusiastic arrival in our nation's capital, and forced us to miss one of the 2 rescheduled tours. We finally found our way to Union Station and our first stop at the Martini bar for lunch. Needless to say, we were stressed.

The Capital tour was excellent. Sheila and I were personally guided for the afternoon by one of the McMorris office personal. With our "special hall pass" and personal narrator, we were able to move around freely and avoid the large tour groups...

 ... our narrator was also our personal photographer : )

We enjoyed the tour very much,
and as we waited in 4 hours of traffic to get home, decided never to try it again : )




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Our last excursion was perfect after the previously stressful day in D.C.

We've been to some of the best amusement parks all over the country, but we've never tried the Halloween version that's popping up everywhere. This was King's Dominion, part of the King's Island amusement park chain in Ohio.

 We arrived in the light of late afternoon and watched with childlike giddiness as the well-decorated park changed into something very dark and scary! Sheila!?

The major rides were decorated as well as over a dozen special haunted mazes with different themes. Zombies were everywhere, but my favorite had to be the Cornstalkers maze.
Very cool and well done!

As the creatures of the night wander off into the fog, I'll close this entry with one last photo.

Hail to the Redskins!

Thanks for reading!