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Published: July 10th 2011
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Elkhorn Tavern
This is the only Civil War-era building remaining, and served as a hospital during the battle. Liam's instructions to us today were that the #1 rule of the day should be "Don't make Liam mad." Cole struggled occasionally, but for the most part, he was pleased. We did make him wait to open presents until the very end of the day, but he loved all of them. Thanks, Grandpa & Grandma Beecher!
Our first stop today was Pea Ridge National Military Park in northwestern Arkansas. The boys were very interested in it all. Why was it called Pea Ridge? Why did they fight here? Why did the general decide to do that? We looked through a nicely done museum that talked about the battle and the war in Missouri in general, as well as the reasons for the war besides slavery. We then watched a nearly 30 minute film about the finer details, including that one part of the Confederate army lost all of their leaders, leaving the outcome of the battle in the hands of someone not all that up to the task. Finally, we drove the battlefield tour route. It was quite warm again, so we limited our stops. The weirdest part of our trip so far was an older Hispanic gentleman who we
Fort Smith Nat'l Historic Site
It was really too hot to do much more than take a quick photo and look inside the visitor center. saw looking very unwell near the top of a hill. He said he couldn't bike any further and pointed out that he had garbage bags wrapped around his waist. We convinced him to ride to the visitor center, but when he got there, he said he was fine and took off. Huh? We hadn't finished our tour the first time, so went back again to see Elkhorn Tavern, site of much of the fighting, and finally took off. Two and a half hours is a long time to spend anywhere for us!
Our second stop was Fort Smith National Historic Site. We really debated on whether to do this one or not, since it was very hot and sunny. We were going right past it, though, so took a chance. Jeff did a beautiful job parallel parking the camper and we high-tailed it to the air-conditioned visitor center. While there, we saw the original jail, Judge Parker's courtroom and saw some exhibits about justice on the frontier. It was a very brief stop.
We had been planning to stay in a WalMart parking lot tonight, but since the temperature hadn't dropped below 100 since noon, we opted for
Private Engelhardt
After watching a movie at Pea Ridge about the battle, Cole wanted to carry my purse so he looked like he was carrying a soldier's bag. a KOA and air-conditioning. It didn't go below 100 until after 7, so we definitely made the right choice.
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Today, we learned that Liam can identify "Wanted Dead or Alive" by the instrumental introduction.
We forgot our indoor/outdoor thermometer/alarm clock.
Conversation of the Day (regarding what they had learned at Pea Ridge):
C - Was the general on his horse?
K - You mean the Confederate general who was shot?
L - Yes, he decided to ride out into the sight of the Union soldiers. It was a really bad decision. It was a decision of death.
High Temperature: 104, in Roland OK
Low Temperature: 78, in Springfield MO
Miles: 490
Geocaches Found: 7
Projects Knitted: Fixation Newborn Hat, Ulysses the Unicorn
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