Three States and a Thought of Harriet

 Day 40 - Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park, Staunton VA

It is 65 degrees and dark as we wake at 5am in Gettysburg -- the days are getting shorter, but soon we have a mostly sunny day.   Around 10 am we head for Staunton, Virginia, which is in the western part of the state just east of the Allegheny Mountains, and southwest of Baltimore MD and Washington DC.  

Our destination RV Park, Walnut Hills, is near the entrance to Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is the reason we chose it.  The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles northeast  and southwest and we understand there are spectacular views.  So tomorrow's the day to take that drive!

The highway curves and gives us some rolling hills and a good view of a Garrison flag.  Signs along the highway tell us the hills lend themselves to lots of camping areas and trails to walk.

West Virginia is on our route and we get some lovely views of the shallow areas as we pass by a branch of the Potomac River.  

Another steep hill greets us as we get into Maryland and I hear the engine of the motorhome changing gears to slow us as we go down the other side.   We stop at the Maryland Welcome Center for a map and brochures of points of interest.  Disappointed that I missed getting a photo of the 'Welcome to Maryland' sign on the highway, I am delighted to see the welcome mat as I go in for information. 

As I enter, I see a sign advertising information on Harriet Tubman, an American abolitionist and social activist.  She was born into slavery, escaped and led around 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends.  She used the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as The Underground Railroad.

This is especially interesting to me, because a few years ago Roxie, Ed, Herb and I saw a play telling of her missions at an outdoor theatre in Angleton, Texas, in Brazoria County.  It was emotionally hard to watch, knowing what the situation was and the hardships the people endured, but the play was very well done, and gave us lots of respect for her.

Willie of Sweet Georgia Brown,

   and of Walldog and Willie

   Tuesday, August 23, 2022