Circus Xtreme Hampton, VA - Some Good Memories

The train began to move a little before 6am. And by "move" I mean slam back and forth for a bit as all five pieces were reassembled. Whee! Not sure if I will miss that sensation!

We got moving for real right on time, around 8am. Jameson sent me a text...he was getting ready for his first day at his new job! I could imagine how excited and nervous he must have been, and wished I could have been there to encourage him in person. But I did the best I could over the phone. Go get 'em Professor Boyce!!!

I hadn't slept much, but at that point was pretty well awake so got up and ate breakfast and looked out the window. Since there was still internet I did a little bit of research for some resumes that I'm helping to write. Working on the resumes killed a solid 3-4 hours, after which I ate a simple lunch, then gathered and prepared some documents for my apartment hunt in Kansas City. I've narrowed it down to four places within my price range...we'll see which one fits the bill.

The weather was nice for this train run, but I didn't go outside. Since there are no rails leading over or under the water from Norfolk to Hampton, we had to go aaaaaaaaall the way up to Richmond and back down. Crazy!

(photo courtesy Dave M.)

I suppose I should have had more feels about my last train run...the last time I'll ever be on the train while it's moving. I think I got all of the nostalgia out during that last run from Cincinnati. Thus ends my time of traveling on a 1950s Ringling passenger car. And next will be permanently moving out. THAT will be hard.

We arrived at the yard way early, but it took quite a while to get spotted. By the time we were done it was too late to go anywhere, so I talked with some friends and changed the sheets on my bed (changing the sheets on a bunked train bed is a workout!). Around that time Jameson had just arrived home from work, so we talked a bit about how his first day went. Of course the first few days at any new job can be overwhelming, there's so much to learn! He spent most of the day reading manuals and I'm sure his brain was tired. But overall he seemed excited and enthusiastic about the work. I'm very happy that things are going well for him so far!

The next day there was a lot to do! I wanted to make the most of this full day off. I rode the bus to the arena. From there it was shopping for work clothes, printing paperwork for the apartment hunt, and gathering some groceries. I walked back to the arena just in time to catch the bus and make it back to the train before a passing thunderstorm hit. Yesssss.

As I was walking back to my room I saw most of the Mongolian troupe near the yard entrance with a tower of boxes, shrink-wrapped and labeled for mailing. I guess they're sending some things home to Mongolia (or to their next gig!). It must be difficult to ship so much, and so far. I'd have taken a picture but my arms were full of groceries.

Once home I unpacked and started laundry, then took a break.


Opening day went well, we had a fairly short rehearsal again. When the mail was distributed I was surprised to receive a large box from Quora. Inside was a "Top Writer 2017" jacket! Quora does not pay its contributors, but does honor some of its regular contributors with the title of top writer and a piece of swag like this (here is how Quora selects top writers, for those interested). I am flattered. Thank you Quora!


The next day got off to an early start with a kids show in the morning, which was fairly rowdy and well-attended. Afterward I met with some circus fans, a woman named Amy and her father. They had come to see a show in Norfolk, and at that time I'd offered to give them a train tour in the Hampton yard. We went to lunch at Mission BBQ, and it was delicious. GIANT sandwiches! I was stuffed! They asked lots of circus questions of course, and we talked about all kinds of things relating to the show and the train. Once we were finished we drove out to the train, where I showed them all the usual points of interest like the generator, Pie Car, and my little room. Jameson's room was unlocked so I showed them that too (train crew, I promise we didn't mess anything up!) so they could see one of the size differences between rooms.

Before we parted ways we took many pictures. I hope that they'll be able to look back on this as a good memory. It's great that they got to see the circus train before it's gone. I wish I could offer this experience to everyone I meet.

Amy also brought me a wonderful gift bag as a thank you! Some snacks, and some local VA honey, and some journals to distribute to some family or friends to exchange by mail (I thought this was a neat idea!). Thank you so much Amy, it was great to meet you and your Dad!


The evening show went normally. My friend Dru came to the show and we got to catch up, that was really awesome. It was great to see you again Dru, even if only briefly! After the show there was a party and a hot dog eating contest! I didn't stay because I was unusually tired, but heard it was a great time. Not many folks took photos either unfortunately...you'll just have to use your imagination!

( Read more... )