It's just a small spot on the map between Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia. Easy to miss and difficult to get to. Yet within a few square miles you will find some of the most beautiful scenes in all of North America, not to mention a place filled with history. I'm talking about Harper's Ferry, WV. For years I've wanted to photograph this historic city at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. I figured yesterday would be a good time to satisfy that yearning. And, since I would already be in the area, I would also get some pics of the Gettysburg and Antietam Battlefields. Care to come along?
Yesterday I arrived a few miles outside of Harper's Ferry in mid-afternoon. My plan was to park and then hike into town on the AT (Appalachian Trail).
Eventually I reached a crossroads.
I knew a left turn would take me across the Potomac and eventually lead me to a trail up to Maryland Heights.
The trail was steep and relentless.
Then, once you arrive at the top, you have to down climb to reach the lookout. The path here is very rocky and I'm glad I had my hiking poles with me.
Once I arrived at the overlook I waited patiently for the Lord to put the sun to bed. I was all alone as I sat there trying to absorb the beauty and history all around me.
The view, needless to say, was worth the wait.
It's actually impossible to take a bad picture of Harper's Ferry at sunset.
It was dark during the descent back to town, but thankfully I remembered to bring my headlamp with me.
The remainder of my pics are from my visit to Gettysburg and Antietam. Rather than posting a description of each, I'll number them. See if you can identify each one. Answers are below. There are 5 pictures of Gettysburg and 5 of Antietam.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Answers: 1. The Lutheran Seminary. 2. The Round Tops. 3. General Warren overlooking Devil's Den. 4. The railroad cut. 5. The famous clump of trees. 6. The Dunker Church. 7. The Sunken Road. 8. The Burnside Bridge. 9. The Miller farm house. 10. The Miller cornfield. (The Millers are part of my family tree. They were German Baptists and pacifists.)
What else can I possibly say? There are a thousand moments that grab you. I don't ever want to miss an opportunity to get to know more about this great country of ours. Travel always make me realize just how much the past impacts the present. Many lessons to be had, that's for sure.
I'm going to bed pretty early tonight. It's been a long two days. Hasta luego!