TrulyGrace

A Charmed Trip

I just returned from a Labor Day trip to Luray Caverns, Harpers Ferry, WV, and to Gettysburg and vicinity.

Babs and I drove down to LOO'ray Caverns (as the locals pronounce it) on Saturday. I received two "cave kisses" there, (Grace, the "question person" asked, Is it good luck when something drops on you here? The reply was the explanation of cave kisses.) Babs was perturbed that the organ was programmed to play "The Battle Hymn of the Reformation." (At least I received my second cave kiss in that spacious cavern.)

On our way out of the lobby/foyer, a voice called out my name--it was my cousin Arthur!!! He was on the way into the caverns at about 1pm as we were departing. He was there with friends, and after some hugs and a photo opportunity; Babs and I headed to the carillon tower for the 2:00PM concert (We had missed the farmers market in town). We heard "In the Good Ol' Summertime" played from the tower. We stopped for swirled frozen custard (I told Babs the joke from Kelly), and continued to Harpers Ferry, WV.

After a missed turn (due to poor signage) and a visit to bucolic fields, we turned back toward 81 N, and thus toward Harpers Ferry, WV, where we took a tour bus to the main town, took a walk around the area, visited the church overlooking the rivers and cliffs, and spoke with the locals in costume there. One of them had a relative in Mary Lou P's son's parish. We made our way to the craft and book shops, and then caught the bus back to the visitors center.

We had dinner at a Chinese buffet in Gettysburg and enjoyed getting our bearings.

Sunday, we attended Mass at St. Francis Xavier in Gettysburg, went to a couple of craft and international stores, and a handful of antique stores before heading back to the hotel for a swim before dinner at the crab house (across from a corn field). It was so delicious and we were so taken by the food that not only did we pick up a few dozen cooked crabs to go, but we also bought some togs.

After dinner we visited St. Joseph's Basilica, where St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is entombed. We then went to visit the replica of the grotto at Lourdes and for a photo opportunity at the rock where St. Elizabeth instructed young people. We returned to the hotel for a last dip in the pool.

This morning we visited Gettysburg, and climbed the Eisenhower tower, visited the battlefields, and spoke with reinacting Confederate troops and a general encamped in town.

The drive home was pleasant.

Mom, Dad, and I enjoyed the crabbies with a late lunch and for dinner tonight.

Labels: American history, art, Church, excited, family, friends, geology, ice cream, international culture, Ireland

posted by Grace @ 9/03/2007 02:36:00 PM