2012 - Cathy and Larry Traveling Across the USA

Week 8

Day 50 - October 4 - Harpers Ferry Area

Today takes us to Antitam National Battlefield, site of the bloodiest day of the Civil War. 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. Before touring the site, we went through the Visitor's Center.

This quilt was made by a local resident in the 1850's. Her farm, including the infamous cornfield, was the scene of some of the most severe fighting in battle.

Hand sewn one-sided flag made by General George McClellans's neice, Elizabeth, for him to carry during the war.

Dunker Church - built in 1852, this modest house of worship became a focal point for Union attacks the morning of the battle.

Antietam Battlefield

Look at the size of the guns!

Antietam Battlefield

The Mumma Family Graveyard

Mumma Farm - the only deliberate desctruction of property during the battle was the burning of this farm. The family had fled to safety before the battle and re-built the home in 1863.

Bloody Lane - For nearly four hours, Union and Confederate soldiers fought a harsh, bloody battle on Sunken Road. Because of the horrific amount of blood on this road after this particular battle was over, it was nicknamed Bloody Lane. It was told that the Blood was literally "flowing like a river".

Bloody Lane

Burnside Bridge- confederates held this area for 3 hours before union command finally captured the bridge, which forced the confederates back toward Sharpsburg.

Antietam National Cemetary where only Union soldiers were buried.

Hagerstown is a beautiful old town with these gorgeous "row houses."

Rose Hill Cemetery - the statue of "Hope" marks the burial place of 2,468 Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War battles of Antietam and South Mountain.

Beautiful old homes in Hagerstown

Washington Monument State Park - the first monument completed in honor of George Washington. At the top of the monument we encountered thousands of stink bugs. Apparently these are not the "American" variety, but "Chinese" variety that came over about 5 years ago and have been plaguing the northeast ever since.

By the way, Larry and I can officially say we have hiked a "portion" of the Applaichian Trail, even if it was for a short distance. And while on that short "trail" we came across two young ladies who said they have been hiking the trail since early June, starting off in Maine and heading south. My hats off to them!!

Views from Washington Monument SP

War Correspondents Arch - the only monument in the world dedicated to war correspondents killed in combat.

Shenandoah River

Kayakers on the Shenandoah River

Part of the old C&O Canal System

This beautiful old red barn is a rare site.

Day 51 - October 5 - Travel Day to Winchester, VA

Day 52 - October 6 - Winchester Area

trip back into Maryland

The trees are still in their glorious colors!

I just thought this was a beautiful picture taken along the roadside! This was close to the area of Backbone Mtn., the tallest mountain in Maryland at 3360 elevation.

Courthouse in Oakland, Maryland

The Oakland Depot, ca. 1884

The road "less" traveled and the one we traveled on!

Our hike to Swallow Falls

The Hemlocks

Swallow Falls

The top of Swallow Falls

Muddy Creek Falls

Muddy Creek

Some of what we hiked down

More of the creek and falls.

It was a very cool day!

Deep Creek Lake

And more beautiful trees!

And what a beautiful landscape!

Casselman River Bridge, ca. 1813

Stantons Mill, ca. 1859 and still operational today.

Grantsville, MD - another beautiful small town

Toll Gate House - only remaining Toll Gate House on the National Road

Clarysville Bridge - ca. mid 1770's - one of the few remaining on National Road.

Rock Gap State Park

Man-made gorge

the lake and lodge

To top off the day, Larry took me to Carrabbas for my birthday dinner. Yum, Yum, it was good.

Day 53 - October 7 - Winchester, VA Area

Today we traveled up to the top of the mountains in the Shenandoah Valley on Skyline Drive. The problem is, it's raining. So here is the best we could do on such a rainy day.

We left Skyline Drive for a bit and headed into Stauton, VA where we spotted this beautiful old house.

Then over to Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum.

Back to Shenandoah's Skyline Drive

Day 54 - October 8 - Travel day to Natural Bridge, VA - My cousins, Carolyn and Ben, will be joining us this evening. I made one of my home-cooked meals which was a big hit with my cousins!!

Day 55 - October 9 - Natural Bridge Area - Today we are touring Natural Bridge and the surrounding area with Carolyn and Ben. They honeymooned here many years ago! Here's Carolyn and Ben at our KOA park.

I DID get another picture of a bear!!

Carolyn

Natural Bridge - about 20 stories tall. The highway actually goes across the top of the natural bridge.

We took a hike through the park where they had a pioneer village set up.

Small hut

Ben, Carolyn and Larry - this hut is built using tree bark.

Various kinds of pelts. The skunk pelt was very soft.

A basket made of tree bark.

Cute little birdhouse on the trail.

This Great Blue Heron was posing just for me!

Cathy, Ben and Larry

the "small" falls

Ben, Carolyn, Larry and Cathy

Lime Kiln we spotted on the roadside.

Humpback Bridge, ca. 1835. While we were here at Humpback Bridge, we talked with an aspiring young musican who was having pictures made. So if Daryn Burkholder ever becomes famous, we met him when he was just starting out!!