“Away we go,” Ron said when we pulled out of the driveway, embarking on the long-awaited trip to Edenton. When we learned at Christmas of the reading of the Declaration of Independence, we made our reservations, wanting to get our favorite site, one next to the par-three golf course.
After setting up, we had a beer and fed the dogs before heading to the Salomons. Catching up around the kitchen island, we headed to Herringbones for dinner, afterwards stopping at Greybeard’s for after-dinner drinks. By 9:30, we headed home for an early night.
Farm life: Six roosters, many chickens, ducks, and mallard eggs nestled in the grass. The horses nibbled on the grass in the pasture, all content as life moved slowly by them.
Fourth of July started late, not getting up until 8:00 a.m. After cooking breakfast, we picked up the Salomons and went to town for the festivities. The annual reading of the Declaration marked the start of our day, and a large crowd gathered to hear this year’s reader remind us of what led to the founding of this country. Afterwards, we moseyed through town, shopping and chatting with friends.
Lunch at the Diner filled our bellies, and a Hop Water from Surf, Wind and Fire topped off the meal, the blood orange carbonated drink refreshing. Vendors filled the riverfront, food trucks preparing for the afternoon activities: watermelon contests and fireworks.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Around 2:30, the crew dropped off and went to the camper for naps. Watching Wimbledon, we rested for a few hours before going to the Solomons for a cookout. Hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, and baked beans filled us up. Lisa’s pound cake made for the perfect dessert.
On the way home, the sun had dropped behind the horizon, creating a beautiful array of colors over the pond, a wonderful ending to a great day.
Saturday morning, we had a 9:40 tee time at Albemarle Plantation. Rising early, I spent my quiet time indoors because of the slight chill in the air. The three musketeers kept me company until Ron got up. He cooked us breakfast, and then we made the short drive to pick up our friends.
Golf at Albemarle Plantation proved fun. Perfect weather in the 80s, with a slight overcast, made it pleasant. The picturesque course, with its challenging holes and fantastic water views, caused us all frustration at one point or another. Dave and I played best ball against Ron, who gave us a five-stroke advantage.
At the end of the day, we arrived at 18 tied. Dave and I landed on the green with his third shot, Ron making it in regulation but leaving himself a long birdie putt. My chip shot landed within feet of the hole, and I felt sure we would tie it. Ron, with patience and precision, handled the pressure well, sinking his putt and winning the day by one stroke. We parred the hole.
“I always get the gobbler,” Lisa said when we got to Farmer’s Market, known for its gourmet sandwiches and silky milkshakes. We filled our bellies with boar head meat sandwiches. I enjoyed a brownie batter shake that lived up to its reputation.
“Watch the snake,” I said, grabbing Ron’s arm and stopping him in his tracks that would have stepped on the coiled brown and black mound in his path.
Playing the par 3 course offered by the campground, we saw the snake walking to hole four. Leary for the last six holes, I kept a sharp eye for more, but saw none, thank God!
With a tropical storm approaching, we left early Sunday morning to avoid the rain. After enjoying a lovely dinner with our friends, we sat outside the Atlas enjoying the last rays of sunshine before turning in for the night. Another wonderful weekend in Edenton.
