TURNING POINT OF THE CIVIL WAR
Short ride from Dc to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where we RV'd at Artillary Ridge Rv Park just 2 minutes from the entrance to Gettysburg National Military Museum. Oh my - we were both so humbled and impressed. Just to think this is just 150 years ago. So gang, right now you are talking to someone who talked to someone who talked to someone who fought in the Civil War. This too will pass so always, always know our history and why it is so important to keep our country in tact. Can you think of any country that has been the same for the.
last 236 years.?
Anyway, I was talking to my Grandmother one day about her parents and my grandfather's parents. She told me she never knew her parents because they passed away before she remembers but her father in law, Peter Harrison Bumgardner, would come by the house when she was a young married just to talk. They had coffee and she said he poured out his heart and soul over the things he saw during "the War". Guess he needed some therapy for PTSS.
Just a month after the Battle of Gettysburg, there were so many bodies that David Wilks (local attorney) at whose house Lincoln stayed to finish up the Gettysburg address had another local guy start buying land in order to bury the Union soldiers. (they exhumed Confederate bodies several years later and took them home to bury in the south.) The first National Cemetery was created. An artist came not to long afterwards and with survivors painted a canvas that was 360 feet long and 42 feet high that depicted the Battle. This is on display at the Visitors' Center and it is as impressive as the Battle of Hastings tapestry.
We were so impressed over this battlefield. Monuments abound in the areas where different units fought. General Lee led his Virginia army to the west of the Blue Ridge Mtns in attempt to take over Wash Dc and won handedly in two battles. General Meade's Army of the Potomoc lined up in a line right through the town of Gettysburg. The key was to get in a position to be high enough to be able to see and defend with rifles and canons. The Union army had better guns and equipment. One key battle was the fight for Little Round Top which was a high points that one could see for miles around . The Texas brigade under General John Hood (yes, Ft. Hood is named for him) tried to defend the area known as Devil's Den which is below the Round Top. The north and south traded possession of Little Round Top several times. The North won the battle and kept the south from taking over DC and Pennsylvania but the war would take two more years to come to an end.
The Battle of Gettysburg is so well documented and the complete battle field (about 5 by 2 miles) has been preserved (to the point that houses remain - copse of trees, etc). Amazing. We went on several tours by licensed guides and several by park rangers. Are they ever knowledgeable everything from artillary, personnel, uniforms, food, medicine, war tactics, biographies! It is a must if you love history and if you don't you will! This is the site of the bloodiest battle on American soil in history.
Interesting story on Abe Lincoln's speech too. He did not write it on an envelope on a train. When they dedicated the new National cemetery, the townspeople needed a speaker so the governor was invited to speak. A request out of courtesy was made to Lincoln but they didn't think he would appear. When he said yes, they now had two speakers. The people attended in November of 1863 to hear the governor talk for 2 hours. Lincoln then spoke 200+ words in less than two minutes. The photographer was so surprised that the only picture is a picture of Abe going back to his seat and it is blurry but it is on display as well. Go, go see this!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Capitol Pictures
HOPE Diamond on display! Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Pictures are worth a thousand words!
Planes, Tranes, Buses and Trucks!
Easy trip by truck and Rv from Lancaster, Pa to our next destination - Cherry Hill RV Resort in College Park, Maryland. They advertise as the closest RV Park to DC. The bus actually comes into the park on its route in this University of Maryland's town. This fact in itself was interesting as the fall semester was about to begin.
We found our Rv spot and this was a back in which we made with about 3 tries. A nice dog walking area was close by which T n T need when they are cooped in the truck while we drive. A beautiful area to walk only to walk up a hill and see 4 major freeways down below. Yes, we are close to the action.
We reviewed the transportation process (thanks to our trips to Paris and London - we can figure these things out easily). Also I had loaded an app called NPS-the Mall (National Park Service) which once we were in the Mall area of DC, it had maps, information, etc. Cool Man!!
We loaded onto the bus after purchasing our "senior" pass which looks like a credit card. We just passed it over the disk on the bus and didn't have to worry about $. After a 20 minute trip, we landed at the Metro station (Green Line). Green line let us off about a block from the mall and all the Smithsonians. Of course, Air and Space, was the first one. Pictures are in this blog with details. We moved onto the Museum of American History and the National Archives. We remarked how we never get tired of seeing the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. Seeing the flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and was the inspiration of F. S. Key's Star Spangled Banner is always phenomenal. The pictures and story of how it was made, stored and documented is a lot of foresight on some people's part.
The next day was Friday and we went back and continued viewing more artifacts. That evening we met Lindsay Lamb at the "Hill Country Bar B Q" on 7th Street about 6 blocks from the Mall. We had a great time and was so nice to see someone we knew especially family. She invited us to her home in Alexandria, VA the next night.
Saturday, we spent by the pool, did laundry and just rested! That evening, we joined Lindsey at her townhouse where we had tacos on the patio. She and James bought the townhome in May I believe. James left for a job assignment in Hawaii before the move in date so he had never seen the townhouse with their "stuff" in it. She has done a great job of decorating. This townhouse is 2 story with a basement that is finished and serves as a family room. The top story has 3 bedrooms. Looking our their bedroom window, one can see the capitol building. How neat is this.
What an ordeal we had just getting there. The signage was so poor and with construction we ended up getting off the freeways, turning around and getting in unknown neighborhoods so Lindsay obliged us with a detail map on how to return. Thank goodness and thanks, Linds!
Sunday, we attended church services at the National Cathedral. It is beautiful and the service was, of course, Episcopalian. The ministers were very good and had a good message.
Later, we headed out to the Capitol where we had a tour. You will see Sam Houston's statue in a picture as each state can send two statues of their choice to the capitol bldg. The old Supreme Court room was in the basement and can be seen in this picture. The Supreme Court decided it needed to separate itself from the legislature so of course, it now is in its own bldg.
DC 3
one of the newest drones
First plane to go non stop over the Atlantic piloted by Charles Linbergh
August is vacation/recess so touring was easy but alas, no congressmen were present. They must get reelected, you know. National Art Gallery was next. Wonderful paintings from a variety of artists from all over the world. Natural History museum was last where we did get to see the Hope Diamond, mammals, etc. Lot of interactive things for kids to enjoy. Since we had been to DC before, we didn't go by monuments and memorials but maybe you family members would like to make a trip of it soon!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Pictures
Will try to get Pennsylvania pictures in this post again
Taken 8-14 at Hardware Store in Bird-in-Hand, Pa
Amish farm - just look at the beautiful crops and facilities
contrast in crop color is gorgeous in person
Covered bridges protects bridge for 100 years as compared to non covered bridge
New transportation but this is the main form of transport for the Amish
the sign above door says "Enter to Learn" All kids go to 1 room schoolhouse through 8th grade
See the laundry drying - this is an Amish home.
Crops have been harvested and more laundry!
Gorgeous Amish home and farm
Large families and large homes
I guess I was fascinated with the laundry! LOL
Either delivering or went to purchase a hose for something at home.
Parking lot of Hardware Store Bird-in-Hand, Pa.
From Somewhere in Time to Back in Time
Southbound and down - heading towards Pennsylvania staying away from NYC as much as possible. Pretty easy trip landing us in Lancaster - heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. I have always been curious about the Amish and boy, have we had an education.
First time we say a horse and buggy was in the Wal Mart parking lot - very strange but of course not for the people around here! We are staying at Old Mill Stream RV Park which is right off the Lincoln Highway. When a major divided highway suddenly turns into a 4 lane road (Lincoln Highway) with shopping ctrs, an amusement park (we are managing to get close to those) - well you can imagine the traffic. but once more we let lose of the Jayco and freedome once more. We went to an Amish Village (make up) and took a tour of a turn of the century house and heard all about the Amish. So interesting
Here are a few facts:
The Amish (
/ˈɑːmɪʃ/ ah-mish; Pennsylvania Dutch: Amisch, German: Amische), sometimes referred to as Amish Mennonites, are a group of Christian church fellowships that form a subgroup of theMennonite churches. The Amish are known for simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt manyconveniences of modern technology. The history of the Amish church began with a schism in Switzerland within a group of Swiss and Alsatian Anabaptists in 1693 led by Jakob Ammann.[2] Those who followed Ammann became known as Amish.[3]
/ˈɑːmɪʃ/ ah-mish; Pennsylvania Dutch: Amisch, German: Amische), sometimes referred to as Amish Mennonites, are a group of Christian church fellowships that form a subgroup of theMennonite churches. The Amish are known for simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt manyconveniences of modern technology. The history of the Amish church began with a schism in Switzerland within a group of Swiss and Alsatian Anabaptists in 1693 led by Jakob Ammann.[2] Those who followed Ammann became known as Amish.[3]
Different locations practices may vary such as hat brim size, color of buggies, etc. but this is what we learned about Penn. Dutch
One room school house operated by the community 1-8th grade only.
Everyone learns English as well as "high" German
All prayers and church services are in German
All are farmers and usually practice another trade such as furniture makers, bakeries, quilting, etc.
No phones, no electricity and no plumbing
no curtains and nothing on walls that aren't necessary (maybe a clock)
black shades are over windows in summer to keep out heat.shmtl
They feel like their devotion is to farming, family and God
Buggies are open if a couple is courting
Guys get their first buggies and horse from their families
they live among others that they call "English" (that is the rest of us)
Don't live in communes and socialize somewhat with others outside their communities
Church service is every other sunday - always at someone's house who serves lunch to all the people
No birth control so they have lots of kids
They pay taxes but don't except SS or Medicare or any welfare program
Women wear white prayer caps when they are old enough to be baptized (16 or older) all the time because one never knows when they will be called to prayer. They wear a black full apron over a variety of colors straight dress. Married women wear white aprons over this. Men do not grow mustaches and only grown beards after they are married and they are never cut. Women do not cut their hair and wear it in a bun.
They wash on Monday and hang laundry out to dry so if you can't tell an Amish farm from another, the laundry and the lack of no elec lines to house is another.
They do allow a phone in an outbuilding if their business depends on it.
The purpose of all of this is that all of the outside influence will lead people away from the family and away from God as the center of their being.
We have met a few as some work in stores and own some business places. We learned that most of the last names are King, Fisher, etc and most of the children are named Biblical names. see www.800padutch/amish.shmtl
We took a road that was recommended in a book titled "The Most Scenic Drives in America". I truly have never seen such beautiful, productive farms in my life. The crops were plentiful and huge. The homes were neat as can be. I read an article about an Amish family moving to Wisconsin to buy farm land because it was getting so expensive here in Penn. One man who is not Amish arranges loans for the Amish since they have no credit, etc. However, he says they always pay on time. Anyway, the Wis people were a little skeptical but the Amish family paid $400,000 down. When you think about how much they do not buy and you can see why they would have so much money. No TV's, iphones, computers, phones, water bill, no elec. bill, no clothes (make their own). etc. They do use propane and have diesel engines to run some farm equipment. Saw them plowing their hay today using horses but modern farm rakes. They say that the Amish will of course, buy things at local stores when they can't make it themselves (there is still a blacksmith around because of the shoehorses that are needed!) Today, we were at a hardware store with several buggies parked out front so I took a picture of the buggies and horses (you can't take pictures of people if they can be recognized - don't ask why pictures are on postcards - I guess non Amish are posing for them). Anyway, I got fussed at by a young Amish man who told me no pictures. I guess he was the rudest person we have run into. We understood his concern but since there were no people, we didn't understand that. Anyway, here are some more pictures!
And as of right now, I have caught up - now I join J as we watch a real old Jackie Chan movie!!
If I post some more Niagara pictures, forgive me as I can't seem to get rid of them.
Are Adirondack Chairs the same in The Adirondacks?
Continuing traveling east across New York to Corinth in the Adirondack Mtns. Decided to take Interstate that is also a toll road. Well, first they give you no time to make a decision to get into the proper lane when entering the toll booth so we were trapped in the "Pass Only" lane with no (EZ) pass. We told a toll booth employee who just said "Tell them when you get off that you go on\ at Victor". Ok.
A couple hundred miles later, we got off and told the final toll booth the story. Why we held up the whole line we had to write our life history on her form and paid a toll of $37. We will save the receipt as the NY Toll Authority may send us a bill. Humm.
After traveling through Saratoga Springs (crowded) and through the mtns on narrow roads, we reached our destination at Alpine Lake RV Resort. This place has two lakes, a pool, bingo hall, kids' swings, etc. Many, many people looked like their RV was permanent. Nice people though.
For those of you not familiar with RV toting, the RV has its own brake system that corresponds with the truck brakes. They are adjustable. Well, our brakes on the trailer started not responding to the truck brakes which of course with 13,000 lbs pushing behind you takes one a long time to stop. Coming down steep grades and around twisting highways with brakes (they did respond manually - J pushed a button in the truck - every once and awhile) well, we were frazzled but we made it.
Monday found us (w/o trailer) traveling to Fort Ticonderoga We went via Lake George which is a beautiful area full of summertime tourists - boating, para gliding, etc. Fort Ticonderoga, formerly Fort Carillon, is a large 18th-century fort built by the Canadians and the French at a narrows near the south end of Lake Champlain in upstate New York in the United States. It was constructed by Canadien Michel Chartier de Lotbinière, Marquis de Lotbinière between 1754 and 1757 during the Seven Years' War, often referred to as the French and Indian War in the USA. It was of strategic importance during the 18th-century colonial conflicts between Great Britain and France, and again played a role during the American Revolutionary War.
Actors were at the Fort role playing the varying jobs of those that lived there during this time period. We had a guided tour which was excellent. Being at one of the sights of the French Indian War at Fort Niagara, it was interesting to be on the east side of the state. We just can't imagine how intelligent everyone was just to get supplies to the area, find their way around and provide for the troops. Makes one appreciate our forefathers
Tuesday found us with a mobile RV service who tried to fix our brakes on the RV. After literally burning up the breakaway brakes twice, he finally fixed the RV brakes so we could operated them by hand. We called Albany, Ny RV service and Orange Motor Ford to get appt's for the next day to get all of this checked out. the Lord was with us for sure as we unhooked from our campsite and traveled down through the mtns again to Albany. We dropped the RV at the RV place and less than a mile down the street was the Ford dealer. We were there by 8:30. By 1:00 we had both units fixed perfectly. Both companies were so nice and efficient. The Ford dealer let us bring dogs into the waiting room and even got them water. We did take a walk to a bagel place for breakfast. After the truck was checked out (one wire with some corrosion that could have been a problem), we looked around Albany at the state capitol and took dogs for a walk in their Roosevelt Park. Went back to Albany RV and the RV was ready to go - wire had rubbed on frame and shorted out and the repairs from the day before did more damage than good. Jayco is now looking to see if it is covered under warranty.
Back to Alpine where we spent a few hours in the pool. Returned to Rv only to find we had no electricity. Talked to a fellow RVer who came over and flipped breaker on box next door so once more we had no problems. Guy that helped us told us that most of the people there come for the season (May through Oct 15 I believe). They live in Albany mainly and leave their RV for the season and visit when they can. His name was Dave - long hair and young. Said he had 6 kids and all were grown except one (no way) He operated a snow plow for the city and did other things they needed him to do during other seasons. Anyway, he was super nice and we had a great conversation and a greater understanding of the culture after our conversation.
Remember the indoor water park in Germany? Well there is one in Glen Falls, NY that is owned by Six Flags. It is called The Great Indoor Adventure. It must be huge but the traffic and the parking situation is less than desirable. We didn't go to the park but caught in its traffic - miserable. There is an outlet mall down the street - we went there. While getting out of our truck, a man approached us and said, "you came all the way from Texas to go shopping here? LOL" He said he was stationed in San Antonio for a couple of years (so he felt like he knew us). He was very courteous and welcoming and we even saw him later as we were shopping. Later we went to Ft. Anne, Ny where I saw some chain saw bears made from NY pine. So we bought one! Oh, the Adirondack chairs in the Adirondacks are more comfortable that the plastic one purchased at Wal Mart
A couple hundred miles later, we got off and told the final toll booth the story. Why we held up the whole line we had to write our life history on her form and paid a toll of $37. We will save the receipt as the NY Toll Authority may send us a bill. Humm.
After traveling through Saratoga Springs (crowded) and through the mtns on narrow roads, we reached our destination at Alpine Lake RV Resort. This place has two lakes, a pool, bingo hall, kids' swings, etc. Many, many people looked like their RV was permanent. Nice people though.
For those of you not familiar with RV toting, the RV has its own brake system that corresponds with the truck brakes. They are adjustable. Well, our brakes on the trailer started not responding to the truck brakes which of course with 13,000 lbs pushing behind you takes one a long time to stop. Coming down steep grades and around twisting highways with brakes (they did respond manually - J pushed a button in the truck - every once and awhile) well, we were frazzled but we made it.
Monday found us (w/o trailer) traveling to Fort Ticonderoga We went via Lake George which is a beautiful area full of summertime tourists - boating, para gliding, etc. Fort Ticonderoga, formerly Fort Carillon, is a large 18th-century fort built by the Canadians and the French at a narrows near the south end of Lake Champlain in upstate New York in the United States. It was constructed by Canadien Michel Chartier de Lotbinière, Marquis de Lotbinière between 1754 and 1757 during the Seven Years' War, often referred to as the French and Indian War in the USA. It was of strategic importance during the 18th-century colonial conflicts between Great Britain and France, and again played a role during the American Revolutionary War.
Actors were at the Fort role playing the varying jobs of those that lived there during this time period. We had a guided tour which was excellent. Being at one of the sights of the French Indian War at Fort Niagara, it was interesting to be on the east side of the state. We just can't imagine how intelligent everyone was just to get supplies to the area, find their way around and provide for the troops. Makes one appreciate our forefathers
Tuesday found us with a mobile RV service who tried to fix our brakes on the RV. After literally burning up the breakaway brakes twice, he finally fixed the RV brakes so we could operated them by hand. We called Albany, Ny RV service and Orange Motor Ford to get appt's for the next day to get all of this checked out. the Lord was with us for sure as we unhooked from our campsite and traveled down through the mtns again to Albany. We dropped the RV at the RV place and less than a mile down the street was the Ford dealer. We were there by 8:30. By 1:00 we had both units fixed perfectly. Both companies were so nice and efficient. The Ford dealer let us bring dogs into the waiting room and even got them water. We did take a walk to a bagel place for breakfast. After the truck was checked out (one wire with some corrosion that could have been a problem), we looked around Albany at the state capitol and took dogs for a walk in their Roosevelt Park. Went back to Albany RV and the RV was ready to go - wire had rubbed on frame and shorted out and the repairs from the day before did more damage than good. Jayco is now looking to see if it is covered under warranty.
Back to Alpine where we spent a few hours in the pool. Returned to Rv only to find we had no electricity. Talked to a fellow RVer who came over and flipped breaker on box next door so once more we had no problems. Guy that helped us told us that most of the people there come for the season (May through Oct 15 I believe). They live in Albany mainly and leave their RV for the season and visit when they can. His name was Dave - long hair and young. Said he had 6 kids and all were grown except one (no way) He operated a snow plow for the city and did other things they needed him to do during other seasons. Anyway, he was super nice and we had a great conversation and a greater understanding of the culture after our conversation.
Remember the indoor water park in Germany? Well there is one in Glen Falls, NY that is owned by Six Flags. It is called The Great Indoor Adventure. It must be huge but the traffic and the parking situation is less than desirable. We didn't go to the park but caught in its traffic - miserable. There is an outlet mall down the street - we went there. While getting out of our truck, a man approached us and said, "you came all the way from Texas to go shopping here? LOL" He said he was stationed in San Antonio for a couple of years (so he felt like he knew us). He was very courteous and welcoming and we even saw him later as we were shopping. Later we went to Ft. Anne, Ny where I saw some chain saw bears made from NY pine. So we bought one! Oh, the Adirondack chairs in the Adirondacks are more comfortable that the plastic one purchased at Wal Mart
Round About Way or Why we didn't go through Canada
Well, I am going to learn to save my posts because I just lost all of today's story about going from Michigan to NY.
Not paying attention to geography, I planned our next segment from Flint, Michigan over to Niagara Falls, NY by buffalo, NY - only prob is that one has to travel through Canada and when you are in possession of a Glock, then no can do. So we changed our stop to just outside of Toledo, Ohio and cont'd the next day through Cleveland (around the south end of Huron) and on up to Buffalo. We finally made it to our campsite at FourMile Creek State Park. This park is 4 miles from Ft. Niagara and the site of one of the first battles of the French Indian War. Interesting to know we were walking on land where such history took place.
Traveled through some small towns to get back to Niagara in the next few days. - Gorgeous homes overlooking the river. Niagara Falls is on the border with Canada and the line (on the bridge) to get back to US was so long that we decided that we wouldn't visit Canada this time either (Glock back in RV).
The Falls were outstanding. Took the Maid of the Mist ride in a boat to base of the Canadian side of the falls and we could have been in Disney World. The roar and water spilling on you was surreal. Must thing for all to do in the future.
Maid of the Mist Boat Ride from above (duh!)
Not paying attention to geography, I planned our next segment from Flint, Michigan over to Niagara Falls, NY by buffalo, NY - only prob is that one has to travel through Canada and when you are in possession of a Glock, then no can do. So we changed our stop to just outside of Toledo, Ohio and cont'd the next day through Cleveland (around the south end of Huron) and on up to Buffalo. We finally made it to our campsite at FourMile Creek State Park. This park is 4 miles from Ft. Niagara and the site of one of the first battles of the French Indian War. Interesting to know we were walking on land where such history took place.
Traveled through some small towns to get back to Niagara in the next few days. - Gorgeous homes overlooking the river. Niagara Falls is on the border with Canada and the line (on the bridge) to get back to US was so long that we decided that we wouldn't visit Canada this time either (Glock back in RV).
The Falls were outstanding. Took the Maid of the Mist ride in a boat to base of the Canadian side of the falls and we could have been in Disney World. The roar and water spilling on you was surreal. Must thing for all to do in the future.
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