Writers' Police Academy - Getting There

The end of September saw me heading southwest from where I live in Richmond, VA, to Greensboro, NC and The Writers' Police Academy.  I had been wanting to do this for the past several years.  Initially, I'd heard about it when I was going through chemotherapy in 2009.  The only places I went that year was to doctors.  But I made myself a promise that when I was healthy again, I was going to go to this event.  And this year I made it!

The drive down wasn't too bad.  About four hours by interstates with some nice, peaceful scenery as well as the usual interstate views. 

My dear husband, Jorgie, was my trip companion and driver.  Even with the GPS, we managed to get lost once - which for us is good.  I still blame the Magellan, or Maggie as we call her.  She had us go off the interstate when I was frantically pointing to the highway signs.  This allowed us a little excursion off the beaten path and I managed to snap a picture or two while Maggie was recalculating.

Back on track and speeding right along, we were both amazed to see a BRICK sound wall.  Wow!  I know we have a lot to talk about in the car.  But we're so used to seeing plain barriers, it was interesting to see this brick work.  And long stretches of it.  We were both speculating about the cost. 

It takes a lot to amuse me on a trip.  I'm worse than a small child (are we there yet?).  This happens mostly when traveling to yarn shops, but this time I was anxious and excited to get to the hotel and get this party at WPA started.  So I had to get a picture of the sign for the Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, NC, which is where our classes were going to be - and is the home of an active police academy.  It's the 3rd largest community college in NC with an enrollment of about 11,000.

Before I knew it, we were pulling up in front of the hotel and Jorgie was dropping me off with the luggage while he searched for a parking place. 

I also tend to get caught up in picture taking and while I was snapping a few shots of plantlife and the hotel, Jorgie was back.

The hotel interior was lovely.  Had to get a few shots of that too!

Atrium Skylights

Elevators with great views.

Atrium looking down from our room.  The breakfast buffet was served each morning here toward the back of the Atrium.  This was to become a very important area for this trip.  I had to be up, showered, dressed, fed and on the bus to the Academy by 7 a.m. or so each day.  The buses left promptly at 7:30 a.m.  I am NOT a morning person, so this was a challenge to stagger into the breakfast buffet each day and make intelligent choices and try to get my body to wake up.  This was also a great time to network with fellow attendees who were also jump-starting their day.

Meanwhile, Jorgie got to sleep in and stroll down at 9 a.m. or so for his breakfast.  He even had time to get an omelet made to order each day. 

Here are a few pictures of our two room suite.  Yes, a suite.  We might work hard during the day, but Lee Lofland, organizer of the Writers' Police Academy, made sure we were comfortable at night.  Jorgie got to enjoy it much more than I did.  We had a great bedroom with a king size bed and a flat screen television.

The living room had a sleeper sofa, ottoman, comfy chairs along with a mini-fridge and microwave.  Oh yes, and another flat screen television along with a desk and internet connections.

After checking in and registering for the academy and getting all of my supplies, we decided we'd better go grab a bite to eat before the evening sessions started.  Maggie was a great help in locating one of my favorite food chains, Ruby Tuesday.  We had an excellent meal and then hurried back to the hotel where I donned my academy badge and headed down to the orientation meeting led by Lee Lofland.

Head filled with all kinds of rules and things to come in the next few days, I opted out for the meet and greet late night session (that up and at 'em time for the next day was looming large in my mind).  I headed back to the room, kissed my honey good night and hit the bed. 

Next time, I share with you what I learned.  All I can say was it was a huge learning experience for me as a writer and as a citizen. 

Until my next post,

Kat - who had NO time to knit on this trip