Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Farm country, corn fields, barns...a rural area. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was just that prior to The Civil War. This picture from afar shows a cloudy day where it's hard to think about a battle, any battle going on here........let alone the bloodiest battle ever in the history of our country. July 1st through July 3rd of 1863, 51,112 people were killed, wounded or went missing. 28,000 of those were The Confederates, making The North-The Union the winning side.

Ziegler's Grove at the northern end of cemetery ridge might have been considered picturesque with Oak, Hickory and Chestnut Trees providing shade. However, this area marks general positions held by General Alexander Hays, Division of the 2nd Corp. In fact he used the adjacent farm, The Brian/Bryan Farm as his headquarters. Heading southward a long stone wall provided great protection for The Union forces, during the well known Pickett's Charge. Confederates attempted to cross about 200 feet away at Emmitsburg Road and were repulsed with the aid of The 8th Ohio Infantry

There are approximately 1,328 monuments to see, read, and photograph at Gettysburg. Some honor an individual, some honor a corp or company, and some honor a specific state. Some of the monument are bronze, some stone, and some a combination thereof. All are impressive and require time to stop, read and think about. We took hundreds of photo's and with stormy conditions, and then bright sun, many aren't readable which is disappointing. Perhaps we'll get to return. There's so much one really can't absorb it all in one visit anyway.

It's an awesome experience to be there, to see, to feel. I encourage all to go, to spend time. I encourage all to try and understand, what I know we can not fully understand...brother fighting brother. And though we can not fully understand, it's important to try.

Some of the Monuments I thought impressive.

29th Ohio Infantry Monument, showing tent and supplies, very interesting. This monument was erected in 1887. Additional information listed on the monument says Engaged 332, killed 7, wounded 31 (2 mortally), total loss 38.
Beautiful, moving Bronze image of battle, from the state of Delaware.

Showing Battle lines and distances of who was where.
Ziegler's Grove

A very impressive monument from the state of Pennsylvania listing every name of those who served from that state. It also indicates who died. This monument is the largest in the park, and was dedicated in 1910. They are 8 large, very impressive statues standing tall on this monument. They are President Lincoln, the only non Pennsylvanian to be so honored; Andrew Curtin Governor of the state during the war, and 6 homegrown military hero's: General George Meade, General John Reynolds, General David Birney, Alfred Pleasonton, David McMurtry Gregg, and General Winfield Scott Gregg.

Rev. Father William Corby, Chaplain of the 88th Regiment New York Infantry, Irish Brigade. He was President of Notre Dame from 1866-1872 and 1877-1881. From The Congregation of the Holy Cross, shown here given general absolution and a blessing before the carnage of Gettysburg began. This monument was erected in 1910 along the southern end of Cemetery Ridge on Gettysburg Avenue.

This is a very brief view, there is sooooooo much at Gettysburg.
My G post for the Z-A challenge.

Hocking Hills, Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park has much to offer anyone who enjoys outdoor beauty. This is NOT a place suitable for wearing flip flops unless you're taking one of the paved physically challenged trails. There are 6 area's to hike and picnic in: Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Conkle's Hollow, Cantewell Cliffs, and Rock House. Each are unique and interesting. Each are beautiful. You definitely want your camera. Some of the areas are more suited to adults, some are easy enough for children. Above I believe is Old Man's Cave. That space between the rocks...a rather tight squeeze.
This is very popular Ash Caves, a bit more opened. That's hubby going across to reach a waterfall on the other side. Ash Caves is generally very busy in summer months, but less so in early Spring and Fall.
Tall Hemlock Trees are beautiful and let light filter in; but many areas of the trails are slippery from moss covered rocks, and dampness from water falls.
The base area of Ash Caves is a sometimes spot for an outdoor wedding. Picture quality isn't good, but I stayed my distance wanting them to have their privacy.
Many of the trails are filled with interest plants, bugs, and other insects. I kept walking slowly to get a picture of this one.
Behind the water all at Cedar Falls here. Cedar Falls is also known for a large population of Snapping Turtles, another good reason to wear hiking boots.

Come and spend the day, picnic and hike there's much to see and enjoy. A large variety of rock formations, wild life, waterfalls, overlooks, visitor center, and naturalist cabin. Or spend more time and camp in the camp ground. Maybe you're not that "into" being outdoors and want more then a tent for the night; no problem. There are many cabins for rent both in the State Park and privately in the area.

Old Man's Cave is probably the most well known of the 6 areas and was named for Richard Rowe who lived in a cave there after the Civil War. Sadly, he killed himself; though historians say it was an accident involving his gun. It is said he was buried there in one of the caves by the local Native Tribes; but where...no one knows. There are 25 miles of hiking trails in the State Park, with a wide range of degree of difficulty; something for everyone.

My H post for the Z-A Challenge

Hocking Hills in Winter Post Here