Saturday, April 12, 2008- Gettysburg

The girls were excited to get up this morning because the hotel had a pool. It turned out to be a pretty nice one with water that was quite warm.

We packed up the car again and finally got to Gettysburg around 1:00. We unloaded the bikes, and went out on a two-hour tour of the battlefield. The weather couldn’t be better- in the 60s and sunny with a touch of a warm breeze. We climbed to the top of the Pennsylvania Monument, saw salamanders in “Bloody Run” , and visited the wolfhound on the Irish Brigade monument out past the Wheatfield. Everyone we passed smiled when they saw Emma being towed on the back of Mom’s bike and Anna pedaling on the back of Dad’s. To celebrate the end of the ride, we had an early dinner at the Dobbin House, with both sweetbread and Don‘s Derring Do, of course.

After the bike ride, the girls tried to go to the Boyd’s Bear store, but it was closed for the season. Anna was greatly disappointed, but we’re sure she’ll find other places to spend her money. The three girls drove to pick up Daddy, who was walking on the battlefield trying to take pictures of the monuments (although the camera was mysteriously acting up… hmm).

The whole family then climbed up Big Round Top, which Scott thinks he’s only done once before. We saw several turkey buzzards circling and settling into the trees in front of us. We’re back in the hotel room now, and the girls are once again watching new SpongeBobs. It’s only about 8:00, but we’re all tired and we’re going to be turning in early.