Friday, June 10

Well, the race is on again! I am feeling truly dazed at our pace and schedule. I know for sure I would never be a good candidate for either Amazing Race or Survivor!  As we load the bus for our almost 2 hour drive, we are all feeling a little better due to the free day when we were on a more leisurely schedule! NEVER again will I tease a history teacher about taking a “history” vacation – everyone will probably need a vacation when they get home!

*Camera battery is dead, charger lost, so taking pictures with phone - please forgive!!

Luray Caverns

Absolutely beautiful limestone rock caverns! Of course we loved it because it was COOL down there in regards to temperature! Our cavern guide was Ben, and he was relieved we were a History group and not a Science group (we did not know the hard questions to ask him)! He is actually a history major and was glad to share the history of the caverns with us.  

It is really hard to describe the rock formations, but I will tell you about two places in the cavern that seemed to be everyone’s two favorites. 

1) Dream Lake - There was a place where a shallow lake was located. The water was so clear and many of the stalactite formations hung close to the water. The reflection of the water made you think the water was really deep, not to mention beautiful!   

Small pond and reflection on pond - beautiful!!

2) Stalacpipe Organ - The next most fascinating information about the cavern was a working organ. The pipes were actually stalactites that were tapped by a rubber mallet to produce the different sounds.  For our entertainment pleasure, we heard “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”. It was absolutely beautiful. Throughout this area of the cavern, 36 stalactites were found that produced sound.  The sound is actually created by crystals within the stalactite bouncing around when the rubber mallet makes contact. This organ has been featured on Ripley's Believe It or Not and they have had many weddings down there also!

We left Laray, VA to­­­ lunch at Clementines in Harrisonburg, VA. Here we had some great sandwiches and iced tea. The building was actually decorated with artsy flair, displaying  local sculptures and artist’s paintings. 

Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's home

After lunch it is on to Lexington, VA to tour Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson’s home.  No pictures were allowed inside, so I was only able to get exterior shots.  Amazing that he became the gentleman he did. Father died when he was two, and mother when he was seven. Thomas was sent to live with his uncle. His education was sporadic, getting it where he could, and mostly self taught. He applied at West Point and was accepted at the bottom of the class. His time there was spent diligently studying and he successfully graduated. This home was where he lived when he was a Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy at the Virginia Military Institute down the road. He later gains his nickname "Stonewall" at the Battle of Manassas and then dies of wounds and pneumonia from the battle at Chancellorsville. He was brought back and buried here in Lexington.

General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's home

Natural Bridge

We then headed over to Natural Bridge, VA to the Natural Bridge Caverns. We arrived at 5’ish and were being served dinner at 6 pm with evening entertainment available at 9 pm.  After dinner we took a trolley to the Natural Bridge, a beautiful specimen of nature’s art! It's actual formation occurred when a cavern collapsed. As a young boy, George Washington surveyed  the land and climbed up under the bridge about 17 ft. to carve his initials into the rock, where they remain today. We walked down the path past the bridge to a replica Monacan Indian Villiage.  It always amazes me at the ingenuity and thought that they had in creating their housing. Many in the group walked even further than I and went to the waterfall. Though small, I heard it was really a sight to see.  The evening entertainment turned out to be a light and musical show of The Creation based on Genesis 1.  It was a great time to reflect on the beauty of God’s creation!

Thursday, June 9

Thursday – Free Day!!

(I am going to post all of Thursday in one post instead of one for each place we visit. I apologize if I get to wordy, but I am trying to catch up!)

When we arrived last night, I was sure Jeff Probst, the host of Survivor, would be there to hold a tribal council and vote some of us off, specifically me!! He wasn't thank goodness, because I was not ready to go home yet. I still believe we are more in an Amazing Race than Survivor, but ask me at the end of the trip! 

After yesterday, it was nice to know that we could sleep in a little bit. Our schedule generally has us getting to the hotel every night between 9:30 and 10:00 pm. Then we have breakfast from 6:00 – 7:00 depending on what time our bus leaves in the morning, which is usually somewhere around 6:45 – 7:00. The days are very interesting, but very tiring so we are happy to be on a more relaxed schedule and stay in the hotel more than 1 night!

Picture created entirely
from fingerprints

Thursday was Free Day!! We could explore D.C. all we wanted,  so I will post the places I went. I know others that rented a car and went to the Dupont estates, some took the tour buses, and others just went places within walking distance. We did the latter. We started off at the National Gallery of Art! I made it through here before my camera died, so I have lots of pictures from here and few from the other places. There was a special display of etchings that was absolutely amazing! The artist was John Taylor Arms, and I could not even begin to imagine the hours spent etching the design into a copper plate to make prints off of. The detail was intricate and just awe inspiring!  Then we got to my favorite paintings. I say favorite because I was familiar with the artists and their work – Picasso, Renoir, Remington, and others. They were   like old friends. After coaching U.I.L. art (picture memory), these artists were all too familiar! If you don’t know about this U.I.L. event, it is very hard and students have to be devoted to studying for it. They have to learn the name of a piece of art, spell it correctly, know  the artist, and sometimes they have to know the history and the elements of the art. It was exciting to see the actual art we had studied hanging in the gallery! In the gift shop we saw items with Andy Warhol art and found out it was in another building, so we headed that way to find it. In years past, I have had students create Andy Warhol type photos using free software. Of course we discuss the art and the artist. It has always been a favorite project, so I wanted to take some pictures of his work. After dragging my two partners across kingdom come, we get there to discover that they don’t have any Warhol on display at this time. VERY SAD about this!! Anyway, while there we looked around – this section was the more contemporary, modern art section. We could only look at some and think…… hmmmm….!

Next we headed to the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Of course the entertainment section was one of my favorites. I have several favorites by the way! From Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Fonzie’s jacket, and the original Sesame street puppets, there was lots to pique your interest! One of the most “chill bumps” moment was seeing Abraham Lincoln’s top hat he wore, and was wearing the night he was shot. It amazes me at how they can preserve items like that. I was really surprised they allowed us to take photos of it, and of course I did. There was also a flag that adorned his coffin that had been saved. Finally, another favorite, and the last I will share on here, was the flag that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner. It has now become so frail, they cannot hang it anymore, it is in a very large glass encasement (photos not allowed). I was curious about the end of the flag, because in spots it varies in length. After the war, pieces were cut off and given away as souvenirs.  There was much more, but not enough time to write about all the wonderful things they have on display – a must see if you are in D.C.

Julia Child's Kitchen

Hope Diamond

Our next stop was at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. It also was quite an exciting place, especially if you teach Science (as well as Social Studies) like one of my partners for the day does. In the science section was Julia Child’s kitchen, if you have seen the movie "Julie & Julia", the kitchen looks just like that.  Then of course, the big display was the Hope Diamond. Absolutely stunning! I have never seen a collection of gems and stones in one place as there was here. 

We had walked a lot that day, so took a cab back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. This also was on our own, so when in China Town . . . . we ate Mongolian at Tony Chengs. It was quite good. Just remember, if you order tea in China Town, you have to specify “iced”! When we got back to the table there was a cute little pot of “hot” tea!! J Fun times!

Wednesday, June 8

Old Town, Alexandria, VA

After leaving Arlington National Cemetery, we headed for Old Town, Alexandria,VA. Upon arrival we had one hour to visit shops and look around. There was a town square where a group of students were surrounding a gentleman dressed in period costume. We sat near to listen, and he was explaining how the town square was where they hung people. However, the citizens did not like to see the gallows sitting there all week. So arches were created in a building on one side to accommodate the hangings but keeping the square attractive when not in use. Interesting information. I was tempted to follow the group around until time for dinner. Since it was a group of teenagers, I decided I might be recognized as not being as youthful and part of the group!

Alexandria was created to meet the needs for shipping in the area. The land was originally purchased by John Alexander and surveyed by John West with help from his, then 17 year old, apprentice George Washington. From Tobacco Warehouses to Torpedo Factories (WWI and WWII) Alexandria has a rich history and a claim to helping shape our history!

We ended our evening at a great place called Gadsby's. We were seated at old tables with pewter plates and the ambiance of a colonial gathering. Our waiter was dressed in period costume which just added to the excitement of eating there.  By the way, the eggplant lasagna was delicious! Now the end to a great day of our amazing race to see all we can in 8 days!

Wednesday, June 8

Arlington National Cemetery

We are finally getting to Washington D.C.! Our first stop here is Arlington National Cemetery. It is a truly humbling place. Seeing the headstones makes you stop and think about the freedoms we have and how we take it for granted. Those freedoms cost us . . . much more than some realize. Lots of the teachers on the bus have stories of grandparents, parents, relatives, and friends who were in the military. Hearing some of the stories and the passion these teachers have for keeping history alive is inspiring!

We were headed for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to try to catch the changing of the guards, but the heat and all of the walking earlier had caught up with me! Instead we visited the tomb of John F. Kennedy. The eternal flame was requested by Mrs. Kennedy, similar to the one in Paris for the French Unknown Soldier. The gravesite inscription is his inaugural address. As you enter the area there is a sign asking you to observe in silence and with respect.

Though we did not make it to the changing of the guards, I did get to watch it live from the main entrance. It is streamed in there on a large screen for anyone to watch.  The ceremony was pretty interesting and very solemn to say the least.  

Tuesday, June 7

From Antietam to Clara Barton

What a ride that was!! Due to our enthusiastic guide at Antietam and the fact that he had an audience who asked questions and really enjoyed the information he was sharing, we left there late. Not too much of a problem, being a little late with a group of 40+ is not all that bad. But to make matters worse, our bus struggled up and down some of those roads getting to Antietam, so we were going to have to take a route that was longer but smoother - good thing! The bus got worse as we went along our way. Suddenly we found ourselves going about 20 miles an hour (felt like 5mph) on major highways. We laughed about the eighteen wheelers passing us, and hoped there was not going to be an occasion where bicyclers might be able to go around us!

Roscoe 

The driver we had the first day was assigned somewhere else the next. So on our second day we had a new bus and driver. The bus was not so good, but the driver is great! Meet Roscoe! He has had a very hard life, but has a strong faith. His wife and grandchild were both murdered about 7 years ago, and it is still an unsolved mystery. That is just one of many trials the man has dealt with and he shows up with a smile and good morning - not as if he has to but as if he really means it!

Back to the bus, to make matters even more sad, the AC on the bus only had air blowing out of about half of our vents. Needless to say, when we arrived at the Irish Inn in Glen Echo, MD, we were very appreciative of the cool dining experience, great food, and even our waiter who spoke with an Irish accent.

We were so late only about half of the group got to venture on to Clara Barton's house!\

Randi with her hoodie on!

P. S. Roscoe showed up the next day with a well running bus and lots of cold air blowing! Needless to say no one has complained to him about being cold, everyone is covered up with t-shirts, blankets, and someone sitting close to me is even using their backpack to shield the cold air. Me? I am loving it!! The weather is so hot that when we get back on the bus it is a pleasure!

Wednesday, June 8

Clara Barton House

Stained glass windows in front of Clara Barton's house 

Clara Barton was actually a shy child growing up, but also really stubborn, when she wanted something she made things happen to get it. Hard to believe, after hearing all she did. She was born on Christmas day and actually grew up to be a teacher. At the time, students paid a fee, and a teacher was compensated by the number of students in her classroom. Clara did not like this because there were children who could not afford to pay for school.. So she tried to convince the town of Bordentown, NJ to open a public school, but they did not really jump on the idea immediately - that is until Clara said she would teach for free. When this school actually opened, she ended up with so many students that the town decided to build a new building and hire more teachers. When they hired a man as principal to oversee things, Clara quit. She said she was not going to do a man's job and not get paid the same salary. After all, she started the school, and knew more about it than the man they hired.

She then began working in DC as a recording clerk for the US Patent Office. She was paid the same as the men which resulted in her being spit on as she walked past some of them on the way to her desk.

Most notably, Clara Barton is known as "The Angel of the Battlefield". Having no training, she volunteered to help when the 6th Massachussetts was attacked by a mob in Baltimore. In helping, she realized that many of the deaths that occured on the battlefields were simply for lack of supplies. It  was then she began collecting supplies, sending them out and even going to the battlefields herself. She became someone that both sides, Union and Confederate soldiers, trusted.

The house was actually given to her by two brothers who were developing the area and wanted someone of notoriety to live there so to attract others from DC to the area. It is located in Glen Echo, MD. The house was too far from DC at first for Clara to live there, so she used it as warehouse space to store supplies for the   American Red Cross which she had founded. Eventually with new rails put in the trip was shortened to an acceptable travel time and she moved into the house making it also the Red Cross Headquarters.

The house is exceptional in that the three stories contains 30 rooms and 50 closets.  A woman's dream to have so many closets! There was not one bit of wasted space in this house. Every wall had doors that blended into the decor with storage behind it. Click here for the floor plans. Whole rooms were used for storing furniture and various items. One point of interest were the ceilings. The material used to make bandages, white muslin, was used for everything from covering her ceilings to making rope like hangers for lanterns. Clara Barton would have been today what we call a "no-nonsense" type of lady. She knew what she wanted and was gutsy enough to get it!

Wednesday, June 8

Antietam Battlefield

Our day was a very full day, and I had been warned by the veteran teachers to bring a water bottle because we do a lot of walking. We left the hotel at 7:15 in Fredrick, MD and proceeded to Sharpsburg, MD where the Antietem Battlefield is located. Antietam was part of the Maryland Campaign of 1862 during the Civil War.  It is known as the "Bloodiest One Day Battle in American History".  We had a very good tour guide named Bill who really knew the information, and relayed it in a way we could understand. You know teachers sometimes like to analyze everything said, over ponder it, and try to give new meaning to it, but Bill stated it plain and simple. For example, he said things like "Robert E. Lee looked like everyone's sweet grandpa, but he was really more like a riverboat gambler" and "Leading the Union Army was like herding cats!". We could all relate to that as it is probably much like leading excited children. So, we very quickly claimed him as one of us and began the tour.

Monument in honor of Texas
Soldiers who died at Antietam

Bill took us to the Battlefield, which took place near Dunker Church. Interestingly, the church got its name because it believed in "dunkin' folks".  At the battlefield, the guide described in great detail the battle strategies and  interesting information about the men in charge and the soldiers. Knowing we were from Texas, Bill made sure to show us  the spot where the Texas Troops were killed, and the monument our great state erected in honor of these men
Each state has a monument that represents those who fought.  After hearing about the Cornfield Battle, we then went to "Bloody Lane", yes there is a reason it is called that! It is located on the other side of a small rise just past the cornfield where the earlier battle had taken place. It was like a trench that had been created between crop fields by wagons. What looked to be a great strategic place to hide and attack turned into a huge rut for bodies. This was the first real battle on Northern territory, and had the most casualties of any war in America.  It was enough of a victory for the Union to prompt Abraham Lincoln to proclaim his Emmancipation Proclamation.

Time to load the bus and head to our next stop! An Irish Inn for lunch and then Clara Barton's house.