September 27 - “Safe from the Secret Service”

We got an early start yesterday. Had to get to Antietam Battlefield so we could also make some place called Catoctin and then Gettysburg all in one day.

 

Antietam reminded us of a smaller version of Gettysburg. Except there weren’t very many people there. It was set up to do a lot of hiking if you wanted to. We did one small one, then climbed to the top of an observation tower that overlooks the whole battlefield. Let’s just say … we got our steps in.

 

Next, we drove over to Camp David to check in with the president. Sadly, though, he wasn’t there. Actually, we never got anywhere near Camp David, but the Catoctin National Park is where it is hidden somewhere. If they tell you where … they have to kill you. I think we may have accidentally gotten closen though. We missed a turn and entered the park through a back/side entrance. Siri couldn’t find us, and when he finally did, he couldn’t find the visitors center. We finally stopped at a cabin that had a map outside, and I was able to figure out how to get there. Whew.  Safe from the Secret Service.

 

It was just a 30-minute drive over to Gettysburg. We have been there before, but that was in the days before national parks stamps. We were not missing this chance. In fact, after we got the stamps for the park, we decided to do the tour of Dwight Eisenhower’s farm and house. It was located right next to the battlefield.  Apparently, he was fascinated by history, not to mention the fact that he trained some tank battalions there.  We don’t remember that even being an option the last time we were there. We even sprang for the extra money to ride the shuttle bus in style. Check off that one. We did take a chance and drive into the town. It had Chris’ “third-favorite” traffic memento - a roundabout.  She only hates driving under train bridges and through tunnels more.  We saw the house where Abe Lincoln fine-tuned the Gettysburg Address. Couldn’t find the train station where he arrived in town though.

 

After getting some gas and some food in our stomachs, we headed for Harrisburg and our next hotel stay.

 

2 Chronicles 7:14 Says, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

 

Father, once again we were awed at the massive loss of lives in these battles. We sure want peace in your world, but I guess that would mean you coming back. Come on when you’re ready. Amen.