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Published: September 30th 2008
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We awoke to a beautiful dawn with an expansive view over the countryside at the home of Mary and Ron.We had a busy day ahead and they needed to get down to work so we had breakfast and readied ourselves for the road.
It had been a memorable stay and Gretchen had atear in her eye as we drove off towards I-66 and our first stop at Manassas.
The old town is quaint although it is a shame that they let heavy vehicles down the narrow main street.
It was the first time we had walked any distance since our horse riding experience of yesterday and we both still felt like we were walking a bit bandy as if we had spent the whole day on a horse!!Hope this comes right as the day progresses.Perhaps we need to find a motel with a spa!!!that would fix it.
We found a shop as we drove on that had the pew bows for the upcoming wedding and also some more Christmas decorations.While they dont take up too much room we shal post them home as they will be there in time for their intended use.Gretchen also found a couple of fun things for
the bride to be and the "hen party.Havent found anything for the"stag do yet but I am seaching!!
Then it was onto the Manassas battlefield and we caught onto a tour and commentary of the battlefield.The first battle occured in July 1861 at the start of the war.The Feds had marched out from DC about 30 miles away expecteing to whip the Rebs and have the war over after one battle.How wrong they were!!Citizens from DC also journeyed out following the army and had a picnic at a nearby town and observed the battle from a hill looking towards the battleground.Whilst they didnt see the fighting they did hear the noise of the battle.I guess this was an early example of what we have today except for us it is television coverage of battles from far away places.
One of the interesting aspects of the battle was that it took place with an occupied house in the misdt of it.A woman who owned a farm and in her 80's was killed in the battle and is buried outside a house that has been recreated.
Stonewall Jackson was the commander that turned things the Confederates way and he is credited with
one of his famous saying/lines at this battle.
The battleground is open and unlike others we have visited where it was obvious that the land had been farmed or trees allowed to grow over evidence of what happened in a specific battle this one hasnt.
The ranger giving the talk on the battlefield was so knowledgeable and he knew ll the times,names etc and made it feel like we had been there.
We then took a drive around the greater battlefield to get a greater feel for the area and the battle of 1861 and the second battle which the Confederates also won a year later.The second the battle went on for longer with greater casualities.By this time the soldiers had become more battle hardened and fought more fiercely than in the first battle and so the greater number killed.
After lunch at Subway we headed off on VA-50 for Winchester.On the way we came across the very pretty little town of Middleburg and stopped to stroll the historic main street.Trees and gardens made this town so pretty.We stopped into an ice cream parlour to have a Hersheys ice cream.Gretchen had a chocolate one and I had peanut butter which also had cookies and cream.Just love to try something different.
As it was getting late and we had had a fairly long day decided to stay in Winchester for the night before heading to Frederick and into Maryland tomorrow.
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Leebee
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You guys are making me nervous!
What sort of supplies are you picking up for the Hens Night.....I am not sure that I have confirmed my attendance at any such evening yet! 14 pews at the church....Erin showed exceptional commitment to her role as bridesmaid to count the pews