Anticipating Washington DC

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This morning we are headed to Washington DC. We spent yesterday at Gettysburg and getting to Frederick where we met with friends, Ron and Culleen Tobin. At Gettysburg we took a tour with a personal guide, sharing expenses with a young couple from UK and letting the guide drive our car. He was an excellent guide and very descriptive and keen. The Battlefield Tour covers about 20 or 30 miles I think and took us over the trails and ridges where all the battles were fought. On every knoll or valley there is some monument, large or small in memory of the over 50,000 deaths in those three days of fighting between Confederate and Union forces with the Union eventually winning and turning the tide of the civile war even though it would rage for 22 months more. Lincoln's Gettysburg address was given at the Cemetary site of burial of the dead. The battles were fought July 1, 2 & 3 of 1863. The speech was given in November. Anyway we came away with an understanding why that small community is so important.

We learned from Ron & Culleen that Frederick, MD, about 30 minutes south of Gettysburg, PA, was founded in 1754 and it has it's own history of civil war events. This city raised and paid $100,000 to the Confederates as tribute money to avoid being damaged more than it was. Many historic buildings preceding Civil War times still stand in all these communities. After and Olive Garden Italian dinner, we spent time with the Tobins walking the Creek Promenade Park here in the city where Ron is the executive assistant to the mayor. For dessert we visited their former Ice Cream and Fudge parlour. Unfortunately, it was at this time my once-a-vacation stomach upset struck and it was fortunate a little corner coffee lounge provided easy access at just the right time. It was rather awkward and amusing but not funny for me, and the women needed some relief also it seems, and to make it proper Cullie bought a coffee to take out as we departed. The coffee she discarded becuase it was too hot. Then as we enjoyed our ice cream dishes, the need hit me again to visit the toilet so I asked Ron, "Do you need a a coffee?" All this is a bit of comic relief. He laughed and the lady's laughed and Cullie said she would take a coffee so, with that ruse, I went and used the coffee shop facilities once more! After it's over I can also laugh about it! During the distress I find I can hardly walk across the street without an accident let alone laugh!

Anyway, all is well this morning and we are about to be off to the Capitol.

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Photos

UK friends John and Catherine
At one of the battlefield monuments in Gettysburg.

Rose with Cullie & Ron Tobin
Near the 'painted bridge'.

A Frederick Sunset
To conclude our pleasant day. Reflecting on the creek water.