Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Awesome Trip to Virginia/Maryland/West Virginia/Tennessee

Williamsburg, Virginia 9/21/13
George and I put 1964 miles on our Prius (averaging about 55 mpg) from September 20-29, 2013.  We drove to Williamsburg, VA, visited around that area for 3 days/4 nights;  then drove to Fredericksburg and to the Great Falls of the Potomac before heading to Fallingwaters,  West VA  for 2 nights.  We then visited Cunningham Falls State Park and Antietam  (both in Maryland);  then,  we visited Harper's Ferry in West Virginia before entering Skyline Drive in Virginia. We spent the night of 9/26 at Skyland Resort on Skyline Drive. We left the next morning for the Peaks of Otter area (off of the Blue Ridge Parkway) --enjoying Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway along the way;  Spent two nights in that area --while enjoying more of the Blue Ridge Parkway,  Peaks of Otter, and Fallingwater Cascades (a hiking trail off of the parkway). Then on the 29th---we headed home!!!!! Whew!!!!!  Got all of that?????? We accomplished ALOT in those days!

Both George and I took over 1500 photos EACH---so you'll be seeing more specifics from our trip in the next few months.    Today,  I just picked out one photo from most of the areas we visited... Many of you are on Facebook and followed us along the way --since both George and I posted a photo each morning and each evening.

Be sure to enlarge the photos for bigger pictures.  The photo above is one of our favorite parts of our visits to Williamsburg, getting to hear and see the Fife and Drums.   I love hearing them as they march down the street.   I also got to do some Family History while here --but that will be another blog post!!



Lighthouse at Fort Monroe,  Virginia,  9/22/13
We visited Fort Monroe while there --and saw this gorgeous lighthouse.   This is the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse,  in operation since 1802. This is the oldest operating lighthouse on the entire Chesapeake Bay.




Schooner Alliance --Yorktown, Virginia,  9/22/13
This was the ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT of our entire trip.  We took a romantic evening sunset cruise on the Schooner Alliance at Yorktown, Virginia.  I have never been on a sailboat (tall ship) before ---and loved it!!!  The wind was perfect for sailing ---and there was an awesome sunset...  WOW---what a treat!!!!  We loved it.




Berkeley Plantation on the James River on Scenic Highway 5 in Virginia,  9/23/13
We drove on Scenic Highway 5 along the James River and visited the Westover Church and the Berkeley Plantation.  Berkeley is the birthplace of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence (Benjamin Harrison) and of a United States President, William Henry Harrison.  This was a magnificent plantation --and our tour guide was excellent.  The home was beautiful ---but the grounds were even more gorgeous... I took this photo on the grounds --facing the James River.




George at Lee's Hill in Fredericksburg, Virginia,  9/24/13
We visited the Historic Fredericksburg Battlefield on 9/24.  George has so much knowledge about the Civil War --so I was lucky to have a built-in-tour-guide.  George's hero is Robert E. Lee---so I took the picture above of George standing beside a photo of Robert E. Lee.  We were at Lee's Hill (called Telegraph Hill in 1862).  This was Lee's headquarters --where he and the other members of the Confederate high command watched the Battle of Fredericksburg unfold in 1862.




I decided that I would love to have that beautiful old home,  Chatham,  in Fredericksburg, Virginia,  9/24/13
Also,  while in Fredericksburg,  we visited Chatham. This gorgeous home was built by William Fitzhugh between 1768 and 1771.  This home was used as the Union headquarters during the war.  A hospital was also established at Chatham to treat casualties from battle.




Us at the Great Falls of the Potomac, Virginia,  9/24/13
Next,  we visited the Virginia side of the Great Falls of the Potomac.  We both have always heard about this fantastic place ---so you can imagine how much we enjoyed seeing it in person.  This is an area you have to see in person... This as another huge HIGHLIGHT for us this trip.




Our picnic area next to the lake at Cunningham Falls State Park, Maryland, 9/25/13
We visited Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland---searching for a waterfall... WELL---Fall is not the best time to see water at waterfalls.  We did have a nice hike that day and the state park is gorgeous.  BUT--the waterfall was only a trickle!   However,  we enjoyed hiking in the park --and even enjoyed a picnic by the lake.  The Fall Colors there were fabulous!




Sweet little Fawn at Antietam, Maryland,  9/25/13
We then visited  Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland.    This was another huge HIGHLIGHT of our trip.  Antietam is a gorgeous area --but knowing what happened there in 1862 was sobering.   Antietam is known as the bloodiest one-day battle of the American Civil War.   Just walking in that area is a sad experience... Both George and I were full of emotions that day.

Today though,  life is good in that area ---so I'll feature this sweet little fawn who was paying no attention to me ---but enjoying some dinner.   It was ironic, in the place where 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing in 1862,  that on the day we were there,  it was a beautiful and sunny and filled with life, evidenced by this little fawn.




Jefferson Rock at Harpers Ferry,  West Virginia,  9/26/13
Next,  we visited Harpers Ferry in West Virginia.  There's alot of history about Harpers Ferry but most people know it  as the place where John Brown came believing that he could free the slaves.  He wanted to raid the armory, but got trapped in the Engine House (now known as John Brown's fort) ---but was captured when U.S. Marines stormed the building.  He was  brought to trial and then hanged in 1859.  Even though he didn't win his conquest,  he brought attention to the issue of slavery ---which  headed the country toward the civil war.

The picture above was taken on the top of a hill above Harpers Ferry at a big rock,  called Jefferson Rock.   Thomas Jefferson stood on that rock in October of 1783.  Harpers Ferry is where the Shenandoah River and the Potomac River converge.  Jefferson was impressed with this area and rock formations ---just like George and I were.




Us on Skyline Drive,  Virginia,  9/26/13
After leaving Harpers Ferry,  we drove on the entire Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park and then on the Blue Ridge Parkway ---all the way to Roanoke, Virginia,  over 3 days (9/26 - 9/28).   We love this long drive ---and managed to stop at most every overlook and take photos.




George at Rock Point Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia,  9/27/13
We love rock formations ---and VIEWS of the mountains and/or valleys below.  Isn't this a gorgeous area?




Fallingwater Cascades,  off of the Blue Ridge Parkway,  Virginia, 9/28/13
We took a nice hike to Fallingwater Cascades on 9/28.  There wasn't much water coming over the falls --but George managed to get a pretty good picture of one of several drops.




Us at the Peaks of Otter, Virginia, 9/28/13
This photo was taken on our visit to the Peaks of Otter,  along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Don't you love the red tree above our heads????  We saw more Fall colors on this trip than we thought we would, considering that it wasn't October yet!!!  We also saw lots and lots of gorgeous wildflowers,  but that will be another blog post!

Well---that's our trip --in a nutshell.  We had a great time ---and I'm sure I'll share many many more photos with you in the upcoming months.

Hope you had a great September... I cannot believe that it is OCTOBER already.  My mother's birthday was yesterday --and if she were still alive,  she would have been 113 years old.   My Dad's birthday is tomorrow ---and if he were still alive,  he would be 124 years old now...  Daddy died in 1969 and Mom died in 1991.  I miss them both so much!

I tried to read your blog posts --but ran out of time most days!  SO---if I missed something really important that you want me to see,  please tell me to check those posts... Thanks!!!

Have a great Wednesday!  Be sure to check out my Photo Blog today for another photo from this wonderful trip.  Click HERE.
Hugs,

64 comments:

Our photos said...

Beautiful photos and especially where you stand on together.
Greetings, RW & SK

Ms. A said...

Betsy, the photos are gorgeous and the weather looks like it was amazing. I LOVE THAT LIGHTHOUSE!

Now tell me, is your butt numb from all that mileage? Mine would be!

Anonymous said...

Looks like a wonderful trip and hopefully you were there before the crowds. John, mom, dad and I visited many of these landmarks about 20 years ago. This brings back sweet memories.
Bless you as you remember your loving parents on their birthdates.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a wonderful trip and hopefully you were there before the crowds. John, mom, dad and I visited many of these landmarks about 20 years ago. This brings back sweet memories.
Bless you as you remember your loving parents on their birthdates.

Peaches McGinty said...

Hi Betsy!
1964 miles! you 2 are awesome! that's a huge distance, but from the photo's it looks completely worth it! Rock Point Overlook is a stunning view and the sobering Antietam National Battlefield.
I Love the photo of George and you at the Great Falls of the Potomac, it's amazing! my hub loves geology, and would love this trip, so would I! x x

Twilight Man said...

Goodness! Both of you snapped over 3000 photos in total. That certainly took you hours to select the best ones to blog them. They are indeed very beautiful with the myriad of Fall colors!

For once, I could share your excitement as I have passed much areas in Maryland and West Virginia during the 90s. I didn't go up the mountains like you both. I love that shot of you 2 love birds by the Potomac! This river is very long and crossed into Pennsylvania as well.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI Betty What a wonderful trip you and George took. Fantastic scenery and I love the little fawn. Love the photograph of both of you also the waterfall shot. Lovely to hear about this trip in this post.

diane b said...

Wow you saw some beautiful country. Fall colours, waterfalls, wildlife, history and hikes. You must have been in heaven.

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, what a wonderful trip! A lot of places are familiar for me. The schooner sail sounds awesome. I love all the shots of you and George! Great post.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

lovely views. so can not pick a fav. looks like you both enjoyed your time away to explore new places. ( :

have a good week.

Arkansas Patti said...

Wow, you visited places just steeped in Civil War history. What a great trip. Those places always give me a bit of the goosebumps.
I love those smocks on the fife and drum group. I'll have to Google them and see if anyone sells them.

Marcia said...

You traveled very close to where I live. Unfortunately if we had arranged to meet it wouldn't have worked out. My mom died on the 26th, age 94. See my blog host about her.

As to Cunningham Falls being a trickle, its because we need rain. We went the whole month of Sept with very little. Leaves are curling and drying up instead of coloring up.

Sharon said...

Can't believe you two had never been to Great Falls Park. I was there a few years ago during a period of extreme drought and it was still amazing, but sure plan to go back one of these days. Sounds like it was a great, great trip!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

What a fun trip Betsy, enjoyed your captures.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I absolutely loved seeing Harpers Ferry and Antietam when I ran that marathon last fall. Such a gorgeous area, and so much history.

Peaks of Otter isn't far from us - we hike that area from time to time.

linda m said...

What an awesome trip. The photos you and George took are really beautiful. You are very fortunate to be able to do all the traveling you do. Thanks for sharing this awesome trip with us.

Latane Barton said...

fabulous trip. Can't believe you were so close to me when you went to Williamsburg!! Can't wait to see more pictures.

RoeH said...

These wonderful photos bring back memories. I was at Harpers Ferry probably about ten years ago but we had to cut it short because of a meltdown from a certain grandchild. I'd like to go back. And Williamsburg? My daughter and future SIL went there in 1996. I was in the middle of a divorce here in AZ and I went back there for a week to get away. Williamsburg is just a vague memory in the back of my mind. I remember not enjoying it all that much but I think it was the things going on at home that did it. I would like go back and see it this time. Love this part of the country.

Tabor said...

Thse are our stomping grounds and we have visited much of this area. Looks like you are really enjoying great weather. We were at Peak of Otter just a few weeks before you, I think.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Welcome back, Betsy! Wow, I can FEEL the fun in your trip photos. Love the fife and drum, and there are little kids doing it too!! The lighthouse is wonderful, I love the colors they painted it. The tall ship is so beautiful, then to think you were actually SAILING on it!!!! Everything about the fawn picture is perfect...the fence and colorful plants behind it...it looks like he was put there just for this picture. LOVE the photos of you and George!!! The last one us my favorite, it is beautiful and you two look beautiful too. Fallingwater Cascade is more than a few drops, it looks great to me.

LV said...

What a glorious blessing that you and George are healthy and can get out and enjoy life and all its wonders. Missed you and glad you are back.

Liene said...

It looks like your trip coincided well with the fall colors! They are starting to turn here in SC, so I can imagine how it looks up in the mountains. What a magical time of year, and what an amazing trip! I look forward to reading more about it..

Connie said...

Wow, sounds like it was an amazing trip, Betsy! Very educational to see all those historic sites and so wonderful to get to enjoy so much of nature as well. Lovely photos!

Glenda said...

Well, I am one of those who followed your journey on Facebook, and I LOVE the photos you have shared! Lighthouses are a favorite of mine; I have often wondered how it would be to live in one. I also love waterfalls, as they are so soothing to the soul. Thank you for sharing this wonderful trip with us, and I'm happy you returned home safely, with that gorgeous yellow rose welcoming you! :-)

Larry said...

Beautiful photos Betsy! Sounds like another fabulous time. I am too large to be comfortable in a Prius (I tried one out) so we purchased a new Volkswagen Passat TDI (turbo diesel) and we get in the high 40's for gas mileage... it's nice to have an alternative when you love to take road trips! Larry

Nellie said...

Williamsburg is one of my favorite places to visit! There is always something different to see.

Also, it was quite sobering for me to visit Yorktown.

Have a good Wednesday!

Hugs,
Nellie

MadSnapper said...

LOVE the lighthouse photo.. beautiful shot and building. and i like you and George in front of the falls.. a great trip and welcome home...

Sylvia K said...

Fantastic captures of an obviously fantastic trip!!! What fun! That's an area I've always wanted to visit and the waterfalls are awesome!! Thanks for sharing the fun, Betsy!! Your post is the next best thing to being there!!

Jim and Sandie said...

It takes us about 3 months to make that kind of trip. Absolutely gorgeous pictures. Jim is from Virginia (northern) and I lived there for 15 years. If it wasn't for all the people and humidity, it would be such a perfect place. You were there at the perfect time. You got to see some color before the hoards show up. Thanks for the memories. I'm a little concerned about that baby. He's so small and winter is coming. In fact it's supposed to snow back in Billings, MT - 3 to 6 inches.

Grandma Bonnie said...

Wow, that was a lot of miles to travel in such a short time. My two favorite photos are the Lighthouse at Fort Monroe and you both at the Great Falls of the Potomac.

Unknown said...

Seems like you had a fantastic trip. Gorgeous pictures. I remember visiting Williamsburg, I really liked it there and also Fredericksburg and Jamestown...! Beautiful pictures of you and George. Thank you so much for sharing.

Hugs,
Eva

Terry and Linda said...

LOve, love, love all your photos and your outstanding trip. My favorite is the last photo!!!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Ann said...

What an awesome trip you two took. You saw some gorgeous sights and it looks like beautiful weather everywhere you went.
I love the picture of that lighhouse

Out on the prairie said...

When I was teaching a coworker got me wrapped up with Civil War history, often telling tales I had never heard.Love the little fawn.

Fun60 said...

You certainly got around in those ten days. That sailing trip looked a very special one especially with a terrific sunset. Loved the branch of red leaves above your heads.

Carletta said...

You covered a lot of beautiful territory in the timeframe!
I see you drove on down from Williamsburg to Hampton to see Fort Monroe. Oh the traffic in that area! :)
It was nice to see places I know from your eyes.

happyone said...

Wow that was some trip. You sure got lots of beautiful pictures along the way.

Rose said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip...I love that last picture of you two.

Yesterday was Neal's birthday and tomorrow is another brother's birthday!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

What a trip Betsy - no wonder you and George have come home - you need a rest!
I love this post, copious amounts of photos, miles and history. Wonderful.
The personal images and the scenery took my breath away. I am looking forward to seeing more of this!
Hugs
Rose

Shug said...

you two are the best....You both make me smile each day because of your enthusiasm for life.... Wow, that is a lot f miles, but I sure am happy that you had a great time...also happy that you brought back all these gorgeous photos for us to see...
hugs,
Shug

Busy Bee Suz said...

You both covered a lot of ground on this last trip. I was amazed seeing all the photos on Facebook; you get around! ;)
Love the photos.
So sweet about your parents birthdays being so close.
XOXO

Ruth Hiebert said...

This sampling of pictures is just enough to whet the appetite for more.Glad you had a good time and now are safely back at home.

Ruth Hiebert said...

This sampling of pictures is just enough to whet the appetite for more.Glad you had a good time and now are safely back at home.

Mary said...

Looks like you had a good trip! Love the lighthouse!

Anonymous said...

You certainly did a lot of travelling! Love your shots - especially that gorgeous lighthouse against the blue sky.

Small Kucing said...

such lovely view. I love the most is the lighthouse.

Louisette said...

Wonderfull trip and fotos ,nice place, greeting from Belgium

Ercotravels said...

Sounds an interesting place to visit, Betsy! all the photographs looking beautiful..
Nice tour, Thanks for sharing...

Big Dude said...

Sounds like a great trip and your cruise must have been something special.

Linda P said...

The trip on the schooner must have been very special although I'm sure all of your moments away were memorable. How interesting to read about a different John Brown from the one featured on my blog post today! I shall have to get up to speed on my American history of the period you were reflecting on as you visited. The sweet little fawn brings us back to the present moment and I always like to see you and George posing for a photo!

Annie Jeffries said...

What a great preview to what we are going to see next spring. Can't wait.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Oh, Betsy, what awesome photos. I would love to go to Williamsburg. What a wonderful trip! I hope you are enjoying this lovely fall season. The leaves are beginning to change here in WNC. I think fall will peak in a couple of weeks here.

Janie said...

Wow, you did see so much! I love the photos of you and George together.
And the photo of the fawn on what was once a bloody battlefield is evocative.
You must still be sorting through all the photos. We always enjoy our trips all over again when we get the photos downloaded.

Joy said...

Thanks for the free trip with both of you. You really enjoyed this trip:)

imac said...

WOW Betsy, great photos and looks like you and George enjoyed yourselves, I would lovedd to go on the sail ship.

Catherine said...

You two are certainly putting some fun miles on your little car - good for you!
Wishing you both a most wonderful October!
xo Catherine

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

What a trip!!! So many great sites to see. You two are just as adorable as ever too.

Marie said...

Happy October! What a fun road trip you two had! I love how you share your trips with us. :) Beautiful photos!
My grandma's birthday was October 2 and she turned 84. :) We're having a celebration for her this weekend. :)
hugs,
Marie

Chatty Crone said...

I knew you had either stopped blogging or went on a trip - I didn't know you were driving almost 2K miles. You sure did see a lot. I liked the light house. And the fact you and George sailed - so cool.
So he likes Robert E. Lee. I love that last picture of the two of you together under those flaming red leaves. Glad you are home. sandie

troutbirder said...

Lots of history and gorgeous scenery all packed into one trip.... Well done!

Neal said...

Lots of beautiful pictures there. I am trying to catch up with your blog. I was just asking Patti a few days ago if she had ever been to Harper's Ferry because I saw some pictures of it in Country magazine.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

You surely did cram a lot of activity into your 10-day trip! I really enjoyed the recap and am looking forward to the future posts with more photos and detail. Do you know what the crop is behind the fawn? We saw some of that on our trip west, too.

Great photos, as always. And you did get to see the fall colors beginning to pop.

Dee said...

Dear Betsy, all the photographs deserved a second look, but the one of Rock Point Overlook just had me sitting here, contented and serene, as I looked at the vista George was photographing. What a wonderful trip into nature and history. Peace.

Linda G. said...

This was a nice overview of your vacation; great pictures as always.