October 2017 - Old war sites, Chocolate and Beaches

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October 1^st-7^th



Enjoying the down time in Elizabethtown PA and taking time to see some attractions we missed before. We revisited Gettysburg and this time gave our attention to CSA and the Army of Virginia. Seeing things from a different perspective and remembering those on the Confederate side of the story. Far too many people do not know the true reason that started the battle between the states and the hundreds of thousands of citizen's that gave their life for what they believed in. I ask you all to learn both sides about our nation’s history and not just the Diatribe that is fed to us in the name of political correctness. We trekked all of the battlegrounds in Gettysburg and plan to visit other sites now to learn what really happened. After our trip to Gettysburg, we ventured to Hershey PA and toured the chocolate factory. Hershey was founded by it’s namesake as a company town and Milton Hershey had some very interesting ideas. Hershey built an entire community around the production facility for his employees. A tour of the Hershey Story (Museum) is a must, it's fascinating to learn about the man and this city that developed due to his efforts. We grabbed a snack in the café there and then headed for the factory for a tour. Be advised though, this tour is nothing more than an information ride like an amusement park. However you will find a huge gift shop that has tons of gifts and candies for purchase, bargains can be found if you look around. Our next day trip was to Longwood Gardens near Kennett Square PA. The grounds are expansive with plenty to see as you walk around. It is ADA friendly so you can arrange a wheelchair or electric cart. The paved trails wind through the groves of trees and groomed lawns, with unique fountains and water features. We visited the Italian Fountain, walked among sequoia from china and outdoor gardens of colorful flowers and plants. The trails lead us past two fountains that perform a dance to music, check the schedule for the displays and find a good seat. The Main Fountains and Conservatory are well worth a visit. The collections of plants inside are wonderful and we were entertained by the music and dancing fountains outside the large building. We did try a few different eateries during our stay in Elizabethtown; we tried Hoss’s Steak house for the first time. It was a nice place with good food and service, I would go back again. Friendly’s is another franchise that we enjoyed, great burger and sandwiches. Though I think their ice cream menu is outstanding, making it very hard to choose from.



October 7^th-8^th



Headed south toward Fredericksburg Virginia, we stop for the night at Front Royal RV park in Virginia and took a little time. The Front Royal Campground is a bit off the road and the sites are a little tight, but the staff is a friendly couple. We enjoyed a wonderful meal at a nearby establishment called Joe’s Steakhouse. The service seamed a little slow, but the meal was excellent. Also nearby is the skyline caverns, we didn’t have a chance to visit it but it is worth a mention.



October 8^th-12^th



Before leaving out for Fredericksburg VA, we took a drive up the mountain on Skyline drive to the Dickey Ridge visitor center in the Shenandoah National Park. I would like to have seen more of the park, but time did not allow and we were on the road for the KOA in Fredericksburg. From this location we ventured out to several of the battlegrounds such as Wilderness and Chancellorsville, a stop at the visitor center was very informative. The park has many trails to walk as the battle sites are not always accessible by road, so a little walking is in store if you want to take it all in. We followed several county roads in our car and passed through the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania battlefields. Following General Jacksons trail to Todd’s Tavern where he was attended to by his surgeon and then on to Guinea Station where he died from pneumonia. The farm house is preserved by the national parks service and has an interesting history of its own. On another venture we headed south to Richmond and checked out the American Civil war Museum at Tredegar where the remnants of the arms factory still stand. Just a short distance away is the World War II museum and the Virginia War Museum. Both places are worthy of a visit while you are in the area, plenty to see that is for sure. We also visited the Petersburg National Battlefield and drove Siege road, with a stop at the Crater. This entire area is rich with history, so take your time and you will not be disappointed.



October 12^th-31^st



We headed south to spend a month near the shoreline of North Carolina, staying at Brunswick Beaches RV Park in Sunset Beach. A former KOA, the park has a great location for getting around and is peaceful. We set up near the fishing pond where we were able to get good satellite signal and enjoy the sunshine. Sunset beach is just a few miles away which offers sandy beaches that are soft and the warm ocean water are great. There is a fishing pier and a few shops in the area with a great access to the surf and sand. It seem like there are golf courses around every corner, something to suit any level of play. I tried a few and enjoyed my time on the links. Though you may want to watch out near the water hazards, I did spot a 4 foot gator sunning himself on the edge of a fairway. What surprised me the most was the cost of most courses, 18 hole fee with a golf cart was only $42 with tax. Yet there are those championship courses that are near $100 for just the green fees. Shop around a bit and you can find some nice bargains and great golfing. If you are into fishing then you are in luck too. There is freshwater and saltwater fishing in the area. Charters to take you out to blue water, with plenty of surf and pier fishing for the less expensive day of the sport. To the south is Myrtle Beach, a city full of entertainment, shopping and dining. We enjoyed the Medieval Times dinner show watching jousting and sword play while dinning, drinking and cheering. There are several different court sections where each had its own Knight on horse back and we were part of the red & yellow. What a stunning performance those beautiful creatures and Knights gave the audience. A few days later we did the Pirates Voyage dinner show, filled with great acts with seal, diving, acrobatics, sword play and good wholesome fun for the family. Broadway on the beach is a shopping experience surrounding a lagoon filled with carp. Plenty of great shops and dinning in this location with a nice theater and Ripley’s Aquarium at one end. Wonderworks and an amusement area make up the other end of the site offering something for everyone. We tried one of the Seafood Buffets that seem to be all over the city. Most offering over 100 items to choose from, the trick is to find a great one at a reasonable price and there are many. A stroll on the beach near the amusement park was in our plans and we found several nice shells to add to our collection. Though you will have to pay for any good parking near the boardwalk, I think it is worth the experience. We visited the USS North Carolina, a decommissioned Battleship that is being restored as a museum. It was a nice way to spend part of the day and gave us some insight into life at sea with these big ships. We picked up a few trinkets in the gift shop after the tour, always adding to out little collection as we go around the US. We did have a storm roll though while we were parked, lots of wind, rain and constant lightning around us. An EF 2 tornado did drop about 20 miles from us and did some damage to small planes at one of the airports. But we weathered the storm in good shape, we had pulled in the flags and rolled up the awning. Which is something I always do if there is any chance of winds that could cause damage. Having a surge protector on the power to the RV is a must and really does give some protection against power issues and lightning strikes. Halloween is upon us and it is time to get ready for the little Goblins and witches. So that is it for October, not a whole lot other than enjoying life and our retirement.



Until next time my friends



Bob and Julie.

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