Showing posts with label Memorials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memorials. Show all posts

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Cork, Lusitania and The Easter Rising/Rebullion

Memorial to all who perished in The Lusitania.  This is Cork.  This is located in the town square.
 A very pretty little seaside town, lots of pretty flowers, and lots of little pubs.
 A sidewalk memorial to those executed in The Easter Rising/Rebellion.  Their names are Capt Mick Leahy, Seamus Fitzgerald, Paddy Wheldon, Jack Stack, Joe Reid, Ernie Fowler, James O'Connell, William O Regan, Donald Healy, William Ralph, Bunny Reid, Liam Ahern, Jack O'Connell, also Pat Curran IRB, John Dowling ICA, Liam O'Brien IRB

The back of the stone.  If you look directly across the street, you'll see the ticket office which is directly in front of the long locked harbor where the Titanic departed from.

The Easter Rising, also called The Easter Rebellion started on Easter Monday, April 24th 1916, and ended on April 29, 1916.  It took place primarily in Dublin, but also in Meath, Galway, Louth, Wexford and Cork.

The Rebellion was against The British.  The leaders of the rebellion hoped for help from Germany since Germany was against The British in WWI.  They did obtain one shipment of firearms from Germany.  They also expected their fellow Irishmen to join them once the fighting started and they declared a free Irish State.  Most Irish did not support them.  There were approximately 1600 followers of the cause.  A small number easily handled by The British is a handful of days.

Somewhere around 2,000 were killed or injured during the standoff.  The leaders were than executed.  Once the leaders were executed The British continued with martial law, and arrest some 3,000 citizens they believe had been involved, or supported the rebellion in anyway.  Those arrested did not have any trials to determine their guilt or innocence.  The British sent about 1800 of those 3,000 to England where they remained prisoners, never having a trial.  The quick executions, mass arrests, and imprisonment turned many Irish against England.  This made those executed Martyrs of the Cause.

**These aren't my pictures, but my friends Jane's.  Her's were better than mine.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Beaufort National Cemetery

(A-Z Challenge G post)
Graveyards.  Yes, I almost always find a graveyard to visit when we travel.  Why?  I find them fascinating.  The history you see with dates, the beautiful artwork on stones, particularly the older stones, and because most graveyards are pretty, and so serene.

This was a quicker then normal visit, as it was getting late in the day, the sun was setting and it being January, even in South Carolina it gets nippy.  We still had to drive back to our condo in Hilton Head.  Look how perfect each row is.  I'm always impressed with the precision in National Cemeteries.

Precision, even with curves.  The wreaths are left from the National program Wreaths Across America. 
By mid January when we visited, most had been removed, as per protocol.  But laying the wreaths and removing them in a big job.  You pay your respect to those there and I believe you can learn a bit about the area while spending time in a graveyard.
A traditional stone, this one for Daniel Miller, United States Navy #334.    He was someone's son, someone's friend, perhaps someone's father or brother.

Many of The Natl. Cemeteries have a book where you look up your name or other family names.  The last 2 listed are Holladay's, spelled the same as my husband's family.
Carrying across the page, I need 2 photo's but have the plot info 17-0-30 and birth and death dates of Captain Frederick Owen Holladay and his wife who is listed as a Dependant June Hoban Holladay.  Since taking the photo, I've done minimal research and found Capt. Holladay served in both WWII and The Korean War.  He was born in Newton, Mississippi the son of Owen A. Holladay and Kate Hayes Holladay.  He was a ham operator, graduated from Milsaps College and attended George Washington University and Temple University.  We spotted the book and got the info on our way out so we didn't actually find his grave.  Next trip though we'll be ready.

This stone though really got my attention.  It's not the standard military issue.  It reads, Sacred to the memory of Lorenzo S. Snow, Ordinary Seaman of the US Steammer....and I can't make out the ship (will need to research to see if I can find it), who fell in action on Stone River, Dec 25, 1863.  Gallantly battling for his flag and his country.  Love is Eternal.  How sad, died on Christmas Day.  I will be doing some follow up to learn more of this man's story.

Yes, I almost always take time to tour a graveyard when I travel.

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.
(#9, start with 529)

Monday, May 31, 2010

Honoring those who served on Memorial Day

Here's Flat Stanley with a WWII Memorial of those who served from Upper Arlington. This memorial is near what was Upper Arlington High School, (now Jones Middle School); the former location of Camp Willis.

Please take some time this long holiday week-end to honor those who've served. Is there a memorial near you?

Join Flat Stanley and me as we honor these brave individuals:
Abernethy, Adair, Albanese, Allen, Andres, Andrus, Anstatett, Anthony, Armstrong, Aschinger, Ashby, Atkinson, Auld, AuMiller, Axene, Azbell, Babb, Bailey, Baker, Barklanoff, Baldwin, Baley, Bard, Barkman, Barnes, Barr, Barrcklow, Bass, Baynes, Bweightler, Bell, Berlin, Best, Betts, Biddle, Billman, Binder, Blackburn, Blackford, Boettcher, Boggs, Bohannan, Bohmer, Bolen, Brandt, Brannan, Berehm, Bright, Brooks, Brown, Bucher, Buck, Burbridge, Burkhart, Burton, Cameron Cammarn, Carn, Canning, Carruthers, Carver, Casto, Chamberlin, Chester, Childers, Clark, Collins, Connolly, Copper, Corson, Crane, Crockett, Culbertson, Cunningham, Curtin, Dabe, Dame, Dauben, Davidson, Davies, Davis, Deckhaard, DeMey, DeVere, DeWitt, Dittoe, Dix, Dodd, Dodge, Dowdy, Duncan, Dupler, Durrant, Ebright, Edgar, Edmonds, Edwards, Emerson, Emswiler, Evans, Faehner, Fallon, Fauber, Fay, Fenner, Ferguson, Fidler, Fitzgerald, Folk, Folkerth, Forsythe, Fowler, French, Frost, Fuller, Fusco, Gardiner, Gardner, Gerrard, Garvin, Gatsch, Gessinger, Geohagan, Gerlach, Gillespie, Graf, Grafe, Greegor, Green Griffith, Grinstead, Grossman, Gruesser, Gutches, Guthrie, Hager, Haines, Hall, Hamilton, Hamlin, Hammel, Harmon, Janton, Harris, Hartzler, Hayhurst, Hays, Heath, Heinzerling, Held, Henning, Herl, Hershberger, Hetsch, Hickey, Hoagland, Hodges, Houghton, Howe, Howson, Hudson, Huntington, Ingalls, Isaacs, Isaly, Jackson, Jaefer, Jarvis, Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Junkerman, Kauffman, Kelley, Kelsey, Kennedy, Kepley, Kerschner, Khourie, Kibler, Kiefer, Kienle, Kioght, Kimes, Kimmel, King, Kionney, Kinsel, Kirk, Kirkwood, Knell, Knight, Knoderer, Knowlton, Konold, Kraft, Krause, Kutschbach, Lande, Landis, Lanich, Larrimer, Lee

That's a total of 204 names. As you can see, this is only the first half. The sun was bright the day Stanley and I were there and I couldn't read the sign. I need to go back and re-take the other portion. The 2nd photo wasn't readable I'm sorry to say.
This Vietnam Memorial honors the following for their service to their country:
Barnitz, Harlow, Joecken, Kohr, Oliver, Ritchie, Smith, Swensberger, Sherwood.

Is there a memorial near you? Please take the kids. Encourage them to draw our countries flag. Explain what the meaning of this long week-end is. Let them help you put up your flag.

Did you miss Stanley's previous Friday Adventures?

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Monday, November 23, 2009

Iwo Jima Monument in Washington, DC

Turn on your sound
In honor of those that gave so much, I thought it fitting to post a tribute to all those who have and are serving our country. I encourage each and everyone of you, regardless of age to visit the Iwo Jima Monument in Washington DC. It's not the easiest of the monuments to find; but well worth the effort.

February 1945, the worst battle in Marine Corp history took place in Iwo Jima, just 660 miles south of Tokyo. The 6 men news photographer, Joe Rosenthal caught on film inspired Felix De Welden to capture so well on this monument are: Ira Hayes (1923-1955), Franklin Sousley (1925-1945), John Bradley (1923-1994), Michael Strank (1919-1945), Rene Gagnon (1926-1979), Harlon Block (1924-1945). The bombardment lasted 72 hours and 7,000 Marines perished. Note the 3 names bolded perished on Iwo Jima.

Though this monument/memorial depicts the arduous and tortuous climb the Marines made up Mount Suribachi, it is in honor of and memory of all Marine Dead who served, as well as their comrades who fell fighting at their side. The American Flag flies here 24 hours a day. President Dwight Eisenhower dedicated the monument on November 10, 1951. It's difficult to photograph just the monument (I tried multiple times), there are so many visitors who wish to stand and have the picture taken along side it. The grounds around the monument are beautiful, a wonderful place for a picnic. We saw many picnicking the day we were there. We saw Veterans with tears in their eyes, we saw Boy Scouts; trying to understand.

Being there is very powerful.

On this upcoming Thanksgiving Day of 2009, let us honor and remember and be thankful for all who have served; as well as all those who currently serve.
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Monday, August 31, 2009

Marion, Ohio

President Harding's Memorial
President Warren G. Harding's Memorial. I know I have other pictures; but am in need of organizing. Lost thousands of photo's that were on my computer at this time yesterday. So, please bare with me as I post things as I find them. I must reload from memory stick, and CD's and get organized. Painful. However, that doesn't lessen the fun I had as a child here at this Memorial. I lived within walking distance, and biking distance. The grounds are gorgeous, a bit hilly and an awesome place to play, to run, to roll down hills. All things we did there as kids. We enjoyed sledding there in winter. Plus, there's a park right across the street. Not to diminish showing proper respect for this man, who was our President; but this would be a good outing for people of all ages. History for Mom and Dad to enjoy, a park for the children and the pets to stretch their legs. Plan a picnic with the park right there.
Facts and items of interest:Harding Memorial
  • He was born during the Civil War (1865)
  • He became President after WWI with a campaign slogan of "return to Normalcy"
  • He came from a large family
  • His Mother was a midwife who later received her medical license
  • His Father was a teacher
  • There has been speculation that his great grandmother may have been or had African-American Blood, some records indicate that was a rumor made to discredit him during the election.
  • He died of a heart attack/stroke
  • Was in The Ohio Senate, served as Lt. Governor, served as US Senator
  • Republican
  • Won with the largest popular vote landslide
  • Was a Darkhorse during the convention
  • Owned and operated the Marion Daily Star Newspaper
  • Like to play poker
He wanted a simple grave, to be buried outside under the stars and trees. He loved nature. At one time a tree adorned the memorial; but was hit by lightening. His simple grave was altered, funding in part by huge donations of dimes from school age children. Though he did get his wish to be out in the stars. The memorial was restored in 1980. It's 103 feet in diameter and stands 53 feet in height. One can wind around the columns which is great fun for children.

His house can be toured and is 1.5 miles from the memorial. It was from this front porch that he often spoke, and thus became known for the front porch campaign.

Local's spread the rumor that his dog, Laddie Boy was buried there with he and his wife, Florence; but documentation indicates that is not the case.

**On a personal note, my great grandfather, Charles Frederick Mader played in a band with President Harding. In fact he taught music, and taught him to play the cornet. That was before he was President, naturally. My great grandfather was a band director.

Marion is 50 miles north of the state capital, Columbus.
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Monday, August 17, 2009

Monticello, Virginia

Monticello
Monticello, in a word; BEAUTIFUL! A house 40 years in the making. Take a drive and see how fast houses go up these days, quite different indeed. Thomas Jefferson's house was continuous. He designed it, began building and constantly added to and made alterations; and thus it was 40 years in the making. You can tour the inside and the grounds surrounding the house. Various ticket prices are available based on whether you buy on line ahead of time, the day of, or purchase a combination ticket. March through October the visiting hours are Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm with reduced hours the other months. A statesmen, a farmer, a President, an inventor. Many of his inventions still exist in some form today. He loved books, visiting his library is a must. The most interesting thing to me were the separate book shelves. Each shelf was made independent of those it sat on or under. Because Thomas Jefferson traveled a great deal and always wanted to take books with him, each shelf was separate so it could be picked up and packed as a separate unit.
gardensYou'll see extensive and beautiful gardens throughout the property. Jefferson believed plants, be it The Grove, Orchard, Vineyards, vegetable or flower gardens were a botanical laboratory.
Slave Quarters Mulberry RowVisit Mulberry Row, now a long line of much needed shade trees; a beautiful lane as you learn about the slaves who lived and worked the land in the 1700 and 1800's. This small spot measures 20 1/2 feet by 12, is listed as stop #3. This is one of 5 cabins that stood on Mulberry Row, built with logs on a foundation of stone, with an earthen floor and chimney. These small quarters were inhabited by slaves.
Jefferson Memorial
Jefferson's Memorial is among many in this locked family burial ground. One can't get even a frontal view of the monument which marks the graves of Thomas Jefferson, his wife, his two daughters, and his son-in-law Governor Randolph. The monument we see is not the one designed by Jefferson himself; but one the US government placed here in 1883. Jefferson's school mate and friend Dabney Carr was the first burial in this graveyard. The two friends had a pack to be buried here under a large oak at the top of the hill.
graveyard layout plagueA plague shows the graveyard layout, and lists who's buried where. This historic home is well worth the time to tour. It's beautiful, educational, and most enjoyable. Inside tours probably not well suited for little ones; but they can sure run and enjoy the outdoor areas. From this hill top you have panoramic views of Charlottesville, The University of Virginia, and the surrounding forests.

**hubby and I would like to return and spend more time here.
****Click here to read about The University of Virginia.
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Friday, July 24, 2009

St. Augustine, Florida

St.Augustine Fort
Old photo's from the "Oldest City". St. Augustine in Florida is the first permanent European settlement in the U.S. (These old poor quality photo's are from the dark ages, my honeymoon back in 1972, taken with a little Instamatic then scanned).

There is so much to see and do here in this beautiful city. Spanish influence is most apparent as you tour the city. Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon first came ashore here in 1513. Though the word here has broad meaning. The exact location really isn't known, but thought to be in this area. He didn't come with a mission to make a settlement, rather his mission was to explore. The area wasn't well thought of, poor land, infested with insects and alligators, humid uncomfortable weather and hurricanes. Ponce de Leon continued on to other places in his explorations.

Cross
French Huguenots attempted to colonize the area in 1562, unsuccessfully as they ran out of food and pulled out. The French tried again in 1564 with a larger more well equipment group that included women. Trouble between France and Spanish ensued. I could tell you more about how Menendez rooted out the Spanish, was imprisoned and.......but, instead let me suggest that you schedule a trip to this fascinating city and find out first hand.

A wonderful place for families with beaches to enjoy, parks for those traveling with pets, Lighthouses to explore, Missions, Museums, and lets not forget the Fort. Ft Mantanzas is a National Monument, all children love cannons. History truly comes alive in St. Augustine.
Ponce de Leon Lighthouse

As we continued on up the coast we spotted Ponce de Leon Inlet Light. This lighthouse is 175 feet tall, the tallest in all of Florida. It's located between St. Augustine and Cape Canaveral Light. Though it's history began in 1835, that structure was in a slightly different location, and was burned down during one of The Seminole Wars. The newer structure was constructed in 1883 and in 1998 was noted as a National Historic Landmark.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Golden Gate Bridge, California

Crossing The Golden Gate Bridge is quite an adventure whether you drive your car, ride a bike, or walk. We opted to drive the car over due to the time of day and the weather.

Crossing Golden Gate BridgeYou feel almost like you're in a tunnel, and as you look up you feel quite small. When it was built in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Looking across Golden Gate BridgeLooking across you get a feel for the size and strength of this structure. Though no longer the longest, it ranks 9th. It's ranked the 5th most favorite Architecture in the United States according to Wikipedia.

Strength of construction under the bridge

Me and Merchant Marine MemorialPlease take time and pay homage to the Navy and Merchant Marine Memorials. The Lone Sailor Memorial was dedicated in 2002 and is a replica of the one in Washington D.C.


Navy Memorial

Merchant Marine Memorial

I highly recommend taking time to site see here, dress warm and prepared to wait your turn to get pictures, and to use the bathroom.

Sadly this beautiful location is a suicide destination, the most popular in fact in the United States. No exact figures were listed however. The feeling is, many bodies aren't found once they do jump due to the strong currents in the waters below.


Monday, July 6, 2009

Favorite Places

gravestone

A few posts ago, I asked you to pack and be ready to travel with me to one of my favorite places. Packing...well, you don't need much. This time of year-- sunscreen, good walking shoes, camera, and water. I'll bring along "the kit".

I traveled with my SIL to the barn last week to photograph Tango Tricks, and on the way there we spotted a cemetery. Not a new cemetery; but what appeared to be an historic graveyard. We stopped on the way back and I got some photographs. No, I'm not a goth and no I'm not obsessed with death or morbid things. Cemeteries to me are stories waiting to be told. Everyone buried there is a wife, a mother, a sister, a brother, a husband, a cousin, a grandfather, or a grandmother. Everyone! They all have a story they'd like us to know, to share; even if you're not family.

Randomly I snapped photo's, pointing to a few I thought were particularly interesting to Jan. She remarked about the peacefulness, serenity and beauty of the cemetery. We were high on a hill, overlooking a bountiful cornfield and it was truly beautiful.

I did minimal research here to prove a point. The point, look what one can learn; what story one can tell with just a little bit of curiosity.

James Garlinghouse (rather unusual name I thought, and so I photographed the stone, and wow, look at the dates). died in 1850. Died before the civil war, at the age of 85........that means James was born in 1765 Before we gained our Independence from England. Think about that for a moment. This stone marking the life of James Garlinghouse is 159 years old. If only it could talk to us. Well, in a way it can and does.

What I found without doing lots research is the following:
James was born in 1765 in Sussex, NJ. He died at the age of 85 years and 8 months in the county of Delaware, Ohio. His military records, indicate burial is unknown; with a side note that says buried in Fancher Maple Grove Cemetery, Delaware County, Ohio. The cemetery is in Harlem Township in Delaware County, and while there we speculated that it was probably a church cemetery in the beginning.............Maple Grove, perhaps is the name of the church?

The official Roster for the state of Ohio for soldiers of The American Revoluntion list him with a matching date of death. Our quick little stop, and we're looking at a stone for someone who fought for this country's independence.......and we did this 1 week before this country's celebration on the 4th of July! That too me is awesome.

Futher speculative information says this James and his brother John built a cabin along side a Mill, and Mary Garlinghouse, daughter of James is listed as the first white woman born in the area of Springwater. Springwater is in Pennsylvania. So........why did a man born in NJ, end up buried in Ohio, if he had a daughter born in Pennsylvania? This was, after all before frequent flyer miles. The research does go onto say, the connection of the Springhill Garlinghouse clan hasn't been proven by way of documentation; but it's listed as highly probable.

Math....math is alway in play when telling stories of those that came before us. Math tells me that If this James was born in 1765 he would have been 11 in 1776. Hum.......yes it happened. Then too the date could be wrong, after all records were not infallible, and people didn't read and write...so...........we do have a story; but, surely there's more

If indeed this is a Revolutionary War Veteran, let's doth our hats. If not, well let's honor him anyway. After all he was someone's son, perhaps a brother, a husband and more. If only that stone could talk and tell us more.
***
I like cemeteries, they are filled with history, with stories of people like you and me, of families who paved the way for us, who gave so much of themselves to the country and the land. Visiting cemeteries, photographing and documenting the stones and the stories they hold are to me ways to honor them. The kit I referred to above is my gravin box. In it I keep a pair of gloves, spray bottle of water, soft brush, American Flags, and trimmers. Sometimes one needs to do a little clean up around these old stones. The water can help cox the story from a hard to read stone.

Next we'll be traveling to sun, sand, and surf. Bring your bathing suits and journals.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Gettysburg

Lincoln Statue
"Four Score and Seven Years Ago, our Fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." Great words spoken long ago. Come bring the whole family, be apart of living history.

Bring your camera to capture the monuments,
horse statue
Cannons
cannon


After a full day of living history, relax and enjoy The Gettysburg Battlefield Resort with your family. While the kids go for a swim at the pool or have play time at the playground, Mom can enjoy the beautiful gardens. Bring your RV and enjoy Pennsylvania RV camping. Scenery, relaxation, activities galore and Gettysburg camping await you. Don't have an RV? Not to worry! Enjoy accomodations in brand new cabins with all the ammenities. Camp in Gettysburg in style! Pssssssss, there's a Jucuzzi for tired muscles for us adults at this Gettysburg Campground near the historic area.

There's much to see and do in historic Gettysburg. If you want a day off from history, take the time to enjoy boat or canoe rentals, nature trails, or fishing. Then if you're not to tired, take a drive through Dutch Country or visit "The Sweetest Place on Earth....Hershey's.

Gettysburg Battlefield Resort RV Campground has 215 camp sites and Internet service. Call for your reservations today and you'll be amazed how much everyone can have fun learning and being a part of history. Call 1-888-455-9579 for your reservations, RV camping Gettysburg at The Gettysburg Battlefield Resort.

Let the fun begin!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

University of Virginia


An very interesting historical landmark. This University though planned by Thomas Jefferson sits on land that had been a farm owned by The 5th President, President Monroe. Monroe Hill is where his farm house was. The University's corner stone is dated 1819, and is designated as the only University in the world as a World Heritage Site.

The grounds are beautiful, the buildings most unique. A must see. Many historic plaques through out bare the names of students who served in every war. University of Virginia was the first to have a School of Engineering. Unlike other Universities, it remained open through out The Civil War, quite a feat considering the state of Virginia had more battles than any other state. General Custer marched into Charlotesville with his men, camped on the University's grounds for 4 days; but through the efforts of the schools faculty left without bloodshed and substantial damage to the University.

As with many historic buildings fire has damaged parts, and much has been rebuilt. The historic row, where the honor students dorms are; are built into the hillside. The design of the buildings, shape of windows etc. are very earth friendly.

To walk the grounds feels almost spirtual; soo many great men preceeded us.


A very impressive statue of Thomas Jefferson

The Greek Letters


The Green, currently the dorm area for only the very top students. Living in these quarters is considered quite an honor.

Very beautiful Rotunda.

History comes alive when you visit. Parking on campus streets can be a bit of challenge. Come prepared to walk.


psssssssss, if you have young children, check out the book on Virginia written by Jan Mader before you travel, or better yet buy it and take it with you.


And check out Williamsburg, in a previous post.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Lake Erie, Put in Bay

Brutus Buckeye, you're bound to see him almost anywhere. Here he is spreading Buckeye Love on a boat anchored off at Put in Bay. A fun summer time destination in Ohio at Lake Erie. No doubt Brutus was left to guard the ship, as his mates headed to perhaps The Round Bar or Frosty's. For those who don't know, Brutus is The Ohio State University Mascot. Here's the famous Frosty's. I remember the place when I was a kid and vacationed on the Island with my parents....and that was YYYYYYYYYYYYYears ago. Good pizza, loud music, an awesome wooden bar, and yes fabulously good rootbeer.......however adult beverages are plentiful too.

A pretty sunset coming back on the ferry after a long day having fun on the Island. We often are on the last ferry out. You can rent golf carts, bikes or walk around the Island. Lots of shopping, eatting, drinking for those of any age. For the young ones an historic merry go round. Somewhere....I know I have a picture. One in a book, you know, not digital. I must find and scan it sometime. A great playground in the park, people walking up and down the docks to see all the boats, ships, a yacht club. So much to see and do.


"I have met the enemy and they are ours." Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry is famous for that quote. The battle of Lake Erie during The War of 1812, something every Ohio school child learns about; comes alive with a visit to this beautiful memorial. Once you reach the top of this memorial the view rewards you for the time it took to get there. I can't count the number of times I've been to this memorial; but I enjoy each and every time.



Hard to see in this picture, but look closely. Click to enlarge it. This house is made from a ship. Everyone who visits the Island, stops to photograph this house. Sometimes it's hard to find though with the trees completely filling in and providing camoflauge.




We didn't make it last summer to Put in Bay; so it's definately on the list of things to do next summer.
Get there early if you want a golf card, otherwise they're gone and you'll need to rent bikes.
Leave cool beverages in your car when you park for the ride on the ferry; so you'll have something when you get back.
SunScreen is a must!
Have fun




Sunday, February 8, 2009

The Presidio

The Spanish arrived in 1776, post fell to Mexian rule in 1822, became a US Army Base in 1846. Really, The Presidio is sooooooooo much more than a movie. The US Army closed it's base in 1989.

1,491 acres, with many miles of both hiking and biking trails. Of the 870 structures 470 have historic signficance. It's a refuge for endangered species, home to a National Cemetery (in a National Park), and operated by The US Park Service.

Listen.....through the fog you can hear the sounds of the bay, look up and down the meticulously maintained rows of graves and touch history. Enter here with reverence.



Buried here in military straight rows are men and their families from World War I and II, The Spanish American War, The Civil War, The Indian Wars, and Vietnam.


Unusual and interesting stones memoralizing those that rest here under the blanket of the fog.

This was home to many families, barracks and officers homes, some in need of restoration, some restored.



2nd Lt. William Allen one of the Medal of Honor Receipants I spotted while touring this facinating place.

I would have enjoyed spending more time here exploring, but many parts of the base/park were off limits the day we were there. There was construction going on, there was a ceremony taking place as well.

Seems fitting I think, we saw The Spanish Riders as they made their way from the field.


Highly recommend touring and taking ones time here.
Wear a jacket, even on warm days this location is chilly.