I have twice visited Charlottesville in the past, mostly to see Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. His neighbor was James Monroe. I had also earlier seen where Jefferson is buried and the Mitchie Tavern that he frequented in his day. And, I had also seen the campus of the University of Virginia, it was designed by Jefferson.

This visit was to see the two homes and campus again and photograph them. The campus in late afternoon is absolutely swarming with hundreds and hundreds of students out walking everywhere. Hard to drive through campus.

Jefferson's Monticello has really changed in the many years since I have been there. One can no longer just walk up to it but must go to the visitor center and get a ticket ($25!!!) for a shuttle ride to the house. Parking lots everywhere. I also had forgotten what a long cool-looking "driveway" the place had.

Monroe's Ash Lawn also has a great looking "driveway" leading to it. At his place, you get to walk into the visitor center and get a ticket (prices vary from $8 to $18) then walk out the back door to the house and outbuildings and garden.