Road Trip 2013: Gettysburg

The final stop on our Road Trip 2013 was Gettysburg Battlefield National Park. Our hotel was right in the middle of the town square and afforded us easy access to the downtown restaurants and shops.

First thing, the morning after we arrived, we found our way to the Gettysburg Battlefield for some sightseeing and exploration.

We met up with some friends from not-to-distant Annapolis, and immediately enlisted all of the children in the army. Before their formal army training, we managed to squeeze in the museum film and cyclorama tour. The cyclorama painting of Picket's Charge was amazing, especially when lit with battle fire.

Once we had the children safely delivered to boot camp, we could safely watch from a distance their military training and action.

They even found themselves in the middle of a battle charge, which they fortunately all survived.

Finn, of course, made friends with a re-enactor, and even managed to swipe his hat and pistol.

The trek out to the battlefield monuments was long and hot but made more interesting by the living history we encountered along the way.

I think the thing that impressed me the most by the walk through the battlefield and monuments was just how beautiful this area is, rolling hills and lush farmland. It really is a gorgeous area despite its sad history.

I think the highlight of the afternoon may have come when the kids realized they could climb to the top of the Pennsylvania State Memorial on Cemetery Ridge.

We had a great visit to Gettysburg, and every stop along our road trip, actually. We got to see family and friends and some beautiful parts of our country (as well as our neighboring country). Our own beds and familiar kitchen will sure be a welcome sight though. :)