Saturday, May 21st, 2022 … Two Lane Adventures Continue!

We started the day with Bloody Mary’s … what a way to start the day! Then, some of the group piled into a few cars and headed to the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. This place holds one of my favorite places in Gettysburg, I won’t spoil the surprise yet! We arrived and talked to a ranger about what we wanted to do. Our group ranged from people who have never been to Gettysburg, to people who were there last year. We settled on buying tickets for the film, cyclorama and museum.

The film is titled ‘A New Birth of Freedom’ narrated by Morgan Freeman. It is a 20-minute film about the Battle of Gettysburg. The film helps to orient you to the battle and Gettysburg's place in the American Civil War. The Civil War, in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, brought to America "a new birth of freedom." And during the war began the nation's efforts to come to terms with the destruction of slavery and to define the meaning of freedom.

Next, we headed into the Cyclorama painting that depicts Pickett's Charge. Before feature films. Before IMAX. Before virtual reality. There was the cyclorama. It was a must-see entertainment of the 1880s, cycloramas were the blockbuster movies of their time. 

Often depicting epic battles or historical places, the enormous, paintings-in-the-round transported viewers into the middle of the fray; surrounding them with a 360-degree, hand-painted canvas. The painting survived years of exhibition, multiple moves, vandalism, fire, cuts and neglect before finding a home in Gettysburg in 1913. 

Purchased by the National Park Service in 1942, the painting underwent multiple restoration efforts–including a multimillion-dollar restoration from 2004-08–and now hangs as the centerpiece of the cyclorama building at the Museum & Visitor Center.

French artist Paul Philippoteaux took brush to canvas and created the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. He spent months on the battlefield researching the battle with veterans, a battlefield guide and a photographer. It took Philippoteaux and a team of assistants more than a year to complete the painting. 

The result is a breathtaking canvas that measures 377 feet in circumference and 42 feet high. Longer than a football field and as tall as a four-story structure, the Gettysburg Cyclorama oil painting, along with light and sound effects, immerse you in the fury of Pickett’s Charge during the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. The artist, Paul Philippoteaux, even painted himself into the painting.

When Charlie & I were here with Yankee RV Tours, I do not remember the museum. The Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, featuring items from one of the largest collections of Civil War relics in the world. The massive 22,000 square feet of exhibit space, the museum features relics of the Battle of Gettysburg and personalities who served in the Civil War, inter-active exhibits, and multi-media presentations that cover the conflict from beginning to end as well as describe the Battle of Gettysburg and its terrible aftermath.

We enjoyed lunch at Mela Kitchen @ Jack’s Cider House in Gettysburg. Mela Litchen takes its name from the Italian word for apple. Mela offers a clean, fresh and rustic approach to food. They make use of great local fresh ingrediants. The menu offered brick oven pizzas, Italian inspired small plates and traditional favorites with a twist.

At Jack’s Hard Cider, they pride themselves in the fact that their cider is pressed on-site and the apples are never from concentrate. Their ciders are created from the finest fruits in Pennsylvania. They are extremely proud of each and every variety they make! 

Jack’s Hard Cider, Mela Kitchen and Atomic Dog Wines are all owned by Atomic Dog, LLC. Donald founded Atomic Dog LLC when he bought Jack’s Hard Cider in 2018. What is an Atomic Dog? Atomic represents Donald’s passion for the nuclear energy community and his lifelong service to science. Dog represents Donald’s commitment to the rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned and mistreated animals. He has rescued five pit bulls, including Nicholas, the Atomic Dog, who can be seen on the Atomic Dog wine bottle. His dedication to animal rescue mirrors his dedication to Atomic Dog LLC and its employees and customers.

We ended a great day with a fire and great friends!

Stay tuned for our next leg of the Two Lane Adventures!

Friday, May 20th, 2022 … Two Lane Adventures Continue!

Today we traveled to Gettysburg via Route 15, the whole way! We saw many vineyards on the early part of the route, but this one caught my eye ... Bleu Frog Vineyards.

Bleu Frog Vineyards came to fruition due to a combination of timing, dreaming, hard work, and a dash of luck. As true advocates for freedom and patriotism, the Kernan family spent over 30 years moving around serving in the US Navy. Like every career military, they have hopes of one day establishing long term roots somewhere. After retiring in 2014, the search for the farm life began and succeeded 2 years later in Loudoun County, when, as fate be told, the old White Stone Farm was listed for sale. With the rolling hills, rocky terrain, and proximity to Leesburg, it was the perfect place.

Initially, grape farming and a healthy lifestyle motivated the property transformations but soon the family realized they could offer more to the community, the grape growers, and the wine makers of Northern Virginia. With the harvest gods on their side, by 2019, their first wine was created and the vision for the property began to expand. Bleu Frog was named to honor Jan’s passion and expertise in the French culinary arts and Joe’s service as a Navy SEAL aka ‘frogman’. The Kernan family is dedicated and passionate for Veterans affairs supporting various causes that promote Veteran hiring initiatives as well as organizations that promote long term, continued support for Gold Star families.

The vegetable gardens we saw along the roadside were massive! They looked well-tended to and flourishing.

At the intersection of James Monroe Highway (US 15) and Spinks Ferry Road (VA Route 657) is a historical marker, erected in 1929 by Conservation & Development Commission. This historical marker represents the location where Lee turned to cross the Potomac at White's Ford on September 6, 1862, as part of his invasion of Maryland. Jubal A. Early, returning from his Washington raid, crossed the river at the same spot on July 14, 1864. The site was frequently used for crossings by the armies during the Civil War. The Virginia side is not directly accessible and on private property. The Maryland side is in the Dickerson Conservation Park and adjacent to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park.

Near the Potomac River is the hamlet of Lucketts, it was originally known as "Black Swamp" due to the large number of black oak trees growing in the area at the time of its settlement. It is now known for its antique shops bursting with eclectic treasures, especially the Old Lucketts Store, a historic three-story building that was formerly a post office and general store. Each August, Lucketts hosts the Lucketts Fair, which kicks off the fall season of country fairs in Loudoun. In addition, live bluegrass music at the historic Lucketts Community Center is an ongoing tradition. The Old Lucketts Store is a 138 year old restored general store and family home.  Built in 1879 by the Luckett family, it was restored and brought back to life in 1996 by owner Suzanne Eblen, her husband Pat, and countless friends and workmen.  The shop now is home to 35+ dealers who specialize in antiques, vintage finds, and just plain cool stuff!

The boundary between Virginia and Maryland was established by multiple colonial charters, two negotiated settlements by the states in 1785 and 1958, an arbitrated agreement in 1877, and several Supreme Court decisions. The details of the Potomac River boundary line, and the boundary on the Eastern Shore separating Accomack County in Virginia from Worcester/Somerset counties in Maryland, were not defined easily. The Potomac River divides Maryland and Virginia, but Virginia does not own half of the Potomac River. The Maryland-Virginia boundary is next to the Virginia shoreline at the low-water mark in most places; the line separating Maryland from Virginia is not in the middle of the river.

As a result of this peculiar boundary here are some interesting facts. In the 1950's, when gambling and liquor were legal in Maryland but not Virginia, Colonial Beach and Prince William County had slot machines located on boats docked in the river off the Virginia shoreline. (Customers would park in Virginia, walk out a pier, and "step across the line" into Maryland.) Today, if you want to get married on a boat in the middle of the Potomac River while looking at Mount Vernon, you need a Maryland marriage license. The bridges crossing the Potomac River are almost completely in Maryland and the dreams of Virginia transportation planners to build new bridges across the Potomac River in Loudoun/Prince William counties can be blocked by Maryland, which has expressed clear opposition to road projects that would extend urban sprawl further into Montgomery/Charles counties.

Most of my friends know I love researching history. Being part of the famed 42^nd Infantry Division, anytime I see another military unit sign, I am curious. The 115th Infantry, Maryland National Guard, was first organized in 1881. Some believe that the 115th’s origins date to 1775, when “Cresap’s Rifles”, an independent rifle company was formed and joined George Washington’s Continental Army. The 115th Infantry’s current motto, “Rally Round The Flag.” The 1st Maryland was federalized in 1917, attached to the newly established 29th “Blue and Gray” Division and 3 units were consolidated to form the 115th Infantry.  In 1918, they participated in the massive Meuse-Argonne offensive where two of its members were awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1941, the entire National Guard was called up into Federal Service and the 115th, as part of the 29th Division went to war. On D-Day, June 6 1944, the 115th was part of the second wave of the assault force that landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy. The entire regiment was awarded gained a Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation for its gallant actions on that historic day. The 1st Battalion, 115th Infantry was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Silver Star for repulsing a determined German counterattack on 11 July 1944. The 115th was called up on two occasions during the Civil Rights Movement, once in 1963 and again in 1968 following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interestingly, the regiment was briefly part of the Pennsylvania National Guard in the 1960’s but reverted back to Maryland control in 1976 as part of the 58th Separate Infantry Brigade. In 1984, upon reactivation of the 29th Division, the 115th became part of the 3rd Brigade.  At that time, the 115th consisted of 2 battalions, the 1st Battalion consisting of troops from Western Maryland to the Baltimore and DC suburbs, and the 2nd Battalion consisting of mostly Eastern Shore troops. In the 2000’s, the 115th was folded into the 175th Infantry and deactivated as an independent regiment.

We needed to kill some time, so in Fredericks MD we pulled into the Walmart. Sheryl and I got a few groceries, when we came out the guys had the chairs out and they were just chillin’ waiting for us.

Emmitsburg is the last town in MD before we hit PA. It is home to Mount St Mary’s University. It is a Catholic, Liberal Arts University. Currently, the campus includes the largest Catholic seminary in the US. It was established in 1808, as a private, coed, nonprofit university on a beautiful 1,400 acre, mountain campus. The class of 2022 student body consists of students from 44 states and 37 countries.

Welcome to Pennsylvania. I enjoy crossing state lines while we are traveling, it is like checking something off a “to-do” list. See the “keystones” on the upper portion of the sign? Pennsylvania's essential role in the founding of the United States earned it the nickname, the “Keystone State.” The term “keystone” comes from architecture and refers to the central, wedge-shaped stone in an arch, which holds all the other stones in place.

We drove through a portion of downtown Gettysburg to arrive at Gettysburg Campground our home for 4 days and 3 nights.

We met up with some of our NY camping framily!

Thursday, May 19th, 2022 … Two Lane Adventures Continue!

Every time we left the park during our stay, we drove past this old slab and fireplace. I assumed that there had to be some kind of story, but all my research proved to be fruitless. It’s just an old slab with a real sturdy fireplace to survive on its own.

I kept calling this flower the “Candy Corn” plant. Come to find out it is called a red hot poker. How appropriate for a house near a campground! It’s an exotic import that sizzles in the summertime landscape! You can find it wild in South Africa. It was first brought to England in 1707 and is also commonly known as the Torch Lily, I prefer Candy Corn Plant!

The Wildlife Center of Virginia is a hospital for native wildlife, teaching the world to care about and to care for wildlife and the environment. The Center was formed in 1982 to provide quality health care, often on an emergency basis, to native wildlife. Since 1982, they have treated more than 85,000 wild animals, representing more than 200 species of native birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. In 2007, the Wildlife Center received the National Conservation Achievement Award from the National Wildlife Federation as the Conservation Organization of the Year.

It wasn’t until 1794 that Waynesboro became known as, well, Waynesboro! History tells us that this name came about after an Army General, known as Mad Anthony Wayne, took an important victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. It is him the town is said to be named after, and once named it didn’t take long for business to start rolling in. In 1798, Downtown Waynesboro was sold as a flat plot of land. After this, it would only take a few short years before Virginia recognized this area as legitimate, although it took until 1834 for Waynesboro to be officially incorporated. During this time, the population was slow to grow, remaining stable at under 300 people throughout most of these years. Compare this with the 21,000+ population that resides here today.

Basic City Beer Company in Waynesboro converted a farmhouse from the late 1800′s to a showroom. The showroom was a part of a list of projects to keep the brewery from having to put workers on unemployment during the pandemic. It offers an adult-only venue for the restaurant.

Basic City Beer Company draws a brand from the lore of a 'Lost Town'- Basic City, Virginia. Basic City was an incorporated town located in Augusta County, Virginia. Formed in 1890, it was named after a process for steel manufacture. This process was to be implemented in Basic City, and gave rise to land speculation. There was a boomtown rally of manufacturing and commercial development in Basic City between 1890 and 1893 as two railroads crossed here at a point called The Iron Cross. Basic City was once bigger than the surrounding city of Waynesboro. As the national economy experienced a depression between 1893 and 1896, sources of investment money disappeared and many new industries in Basic City experienced bankruptcy and closed.

The town's real estate bubble burst and many businesses started between 1890 and 1893 did not survive. In 1924, Basic City consolidated with the adjacent Town of Waynesboro, which had been formed in 1798. The new name for the town was called Waynesboro-Basic. It was later renamed Waynesboro. In 1948, the Town of Waynesboro became an independent city. However, Basic City had become one of the "Lost Towns" of Virginia. In modern times, only a handful of buildings and businesses bear the Basic name. One of them is the Basic City Luncheonette. The city-owned Basic Park is another. The Basic City Beer Company at the east end of the otherwise-vacant former Virginia Metalcrafters fabrication complex. At least one church, Basic United Methodist Church has long had the word Basic in its name.

Monticello is an American Viticultural Area in the center of Virginia's hilly Piedmont region. It is the state's oldest AVA, formalized in January 1984, Monticello is named after the estate of the third US President, Thomas Jefferson. His estate is one of America's earliest vineyards and is where he cultivated his extensive French wine collection. Today, the vineyards of the Monticello are planted with varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Viognier, which has become the zone's most famous style of wine.

America’s Byway where you can experience the fascinating historical and cultural landscape that is the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, a 180-mile long, 75-mile wide region stretching from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Following the Walt Disney Company’s failed attempt to build a “Disney’s America” theme park near the Civil War’s Manassas Battlefield in the early 1990s, a number of concerned groups joined in a concerted effort to protect the area’s endangered cultural landscapes. Their advocacy led to the establishment of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground. The region was placed on the National Trust’s list of the 11 most endangered places in the US in 2005, declared by Congress as a National Heritage Area in 2008, and Route 15/20 was named a National Scenic Byway in 2009.

     

Found this cute little drive thru, turns out it is a cheesecake and coffee drive thru called Cheesecake Heaven! All of the cheesecakes are made in small batches with a lot of love. Some of their standard flavors are Plain Jane, Chocolate Mousse, Triple Berry, Baileys Irish Cream, Oreo, Fudge Brownie, Key Lime, Coconut Cream, Espresso Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin. Some of the other flavors available on a rotating basis include White Chocolate Raspberry, Peanut Butter, Snickers, Girl Scout Cookie Thin Mint, Carrot Cake Cheesecake, White Chocolate Lemon, Raspberry Amaretto, Blood Orange, Orange Zest, White Peach, Ginger Snap, Egg Nog and Mandarin Blackberry.

We found this Blue & Yellow Horse outstanding in the field. Since I could not find any info on it … I can make up my one! Horses on Parade was a promotion that showcased the work of local artists, captivated the Rochester community and then helped rally stunned residents after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The event placed fiberglass horses adorned by artists throughout the Rochester area in the spring and summer of 2001 as a way to raise money for local charities. People were enthralled and fascinated by the quirky works, with many heading out on local road trips and scavenger hunts to check out as many of the creations as they could see. After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, “Freedom” was an addition to Horses on Parade. The horse honored the victims of the attacks and raised funds for the families of first responders who were killed in New York City. "Freedom" — which still stands on Interstate 490, near Cobbs Hill Park — helped raise additional funds for the families of first responders who were killed in New York City. I am saying this horse did not like the cold weather in Rochester NY and made his way to Virginia!

US 15 is a Virginia Byway. It’s a north/south route extending from Walterboro, SC, to Painted Post, NY. The section in Virginia runs down the center of the state, staying west of the major cities such as Richmond and Washington. In most areas, it is known as James Madison Highway in honor of our country's fourth president, although near the northern end it is known as James Monroe Highway in honor of our country's fifth president.

Quattro Goombas Craft Brewery, Winery and Pizza Kitchen. The Winery is housed in a cabin! The Brewery is an oversized space in a big warehouse, offering a seasonal fan favorite, Resistance, a mango passionfruit beer! 

The kitchen served more than pizza, but we did a Rose slushies, Caesar salad and pizza. Both were amazing! The kitchen is in a building built into the hill with 3 overhead doors and a large canopy and ample small seating areas around the property.

They are excited to welcome Harvest Host groups to Quattro Goombas! This was our camping spot for the night.

Stay tuned for more of our Two Lane Adventures!

Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 … Two Lane Adventures Continue!

Today we took some more time to explore the area. We visited the Big Levels Wildlife Management Area in Southeastern Augusta County. This area of Virginia is referred to as "Big Levels". It is a rough series of connected flat-topped mountains west of and somewhat isolated from the Blue Ridge Mountains. As their name suggests, the mountain summits are generally flat or gently rolling, eventually giving way to steep or moderately-sloped ridges with thick vegetation, barren rock outcrops, and dense thickets until reaching more moderate terrain below. 

The local wildlife conservation movement during the early 1900s was initiated by private conservation groups, like Waynesboro Game and Fish Protective Association, Augusta County Fish and Game Association to preserve and manage depleted or extirpated native wildlife populations. Creation of government agencies like the Virginia Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries, the US Forest Service, and the US Biological Survey resulted in preservation of wildlife habitat and professional wildlife management. A cooperative agreement in 1924 between the state of Virginia and the US Government eventually led to the establishment of the 1,700 acre Big Levels State Game Refuge in 1930. Since the 1950s Big Levels has been managed similar to other national forest lands and not as a refuge. The refuge was originally established as both a demonstration area and an experimental area where wildlife problems could be researched cooperatively by State, Federal and private agencies.

We also learned about a movement to make Kelley Mountain a National Scenic Area. At just under 13,000 acres, the area ranges in elevation from 1600' at the Coal Road to 3440' at the summit of Flint Mountain. The area is generally typical of the Blue Ridge province, but the unusual feature is the Big Levels. This plateau averages 3000' and is a remnant of the Summit Peneplain dating before the Blue Ridge upthrust. It is almost perfectly flat in some areas and is densely vegetated. Wild turkey and whitetail deer are particularly abundant with a smaller population of black bear. The Virginia Division of Conservation and Recreation indicate a number of endangered or threatened species, and the area has a high priority for protection. In the past, most of the area has been logged, and the mining of iron ore and manganese was also once a principal commercial use.

Today the area is primarily managed for recreation and watershed protection. Recreational uses include hiking, fishing, camping, recreational vehicle use, mountain biking, and hunting. Hunting is particularly popular during deer season. Mountain biking is very popular in the area; local clubs from Charlottesville and Harrisonburg maintain many of the trails. Its proximity to Sherando Lake and the Blue Ridge Parkway makes National Scenic Area designation appropriate. This status would protect the biological richness and beauty of this unique area while allowing mountain biking and vehicular access to continue.

We made a trip into Waynesboro for a lap top battery at Batteries Plus and we found this unique memorial in Constitution Park in Waynesboro and I had to learn more! The memorial commemorates the Blue Ridge Soap Box Classic, held annually. The All-American Soap Box Derby, is a youth gravity racing program for boys and girls ages 7 - 20 years old. The goals of the Soap Box Derby program have not changed since its beginning in 1934. The simple goals are to promote families working together, to teach children basic skills of workmanship along with the spirit of competition and the perseverance to continue a project to completion. Across the United States and around the world, family time is spent together building Soap Box Derby cars. Lifelong bonds are developed as the “derby experience” is shared. 

The idea of the Soap Box Derby grew out of a photographic assignment of Dayton, Ohio, newsman Myron Scott. He came across a group of boys racing their homemade cars in the summer of 1933, and was so impressed with the event that he acquired a copyright and went in search of a corporate sponsor to establish a national program. Chevrolet liked Scott's proposal and agreed to sponsor the first official All-American Soap Box Derby in Dayton in 1934. The following year, the race moved to Akron, Ohio because of its central location and hilly terrain. The first race in Akron was run on Tallmadge Avenue. In 1936, Chevrolet and Akron civic leaders-including legendary journalist John S. Knight-recognized the need for a permanent track site for the youth gravity racing classic. That year, through the efforts of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Derby Downs in the southeast section of Akron, became a reality. During its 75-year history, the derby had also been cancelled during the World War II years of 1942, 1943, 1944, and 1945. The All-American Soap Box Derby Championship was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The racing returned in 2021.

In downtown Waynesboro, we also spotted this mural on the retaining wall at the Fire Department. The Firefighter and Rescue Worker tribute mural was completed by David Wayne, a retired Sheriff's Officer, as part of the 2021 Virginia Street Arts Festival. Wait there is a Street Art Festival here?

Yes, there is! Waynesboro plays host to the annual Virginia Street Arts Festival. They have invited artists to turn several buildings into works of art. There is a huge mural was painted on the building right next to the Wayne Theatre. It was created by artist Nils Westergard during the 2018 VA Street Arts Festival. "Poochie" looks up pensively toward the sky and has many colorful flowers in her hair. Another variation of Poochie can be found in Los Angelos, CA. Did I mention that the Malpass Brothers were going to be playing at the Waynesboro Theater? Too bad it is after we move further north!

On our way out of town, we found a bigger mural! "Kaiya" was completed on the old Cassco Ice Plant building in October of 2019 in less than one week as a part of the VA Street Arts Festival. At seven stories and over 100 feet tall, this mural is the largest that artist Nils Westergard has ever completed. It was also voted #1 on the Top 100 Urban Art 2019 list by Streetart360. There are more murals, but we needed to head back to meet Sheryl & Gary on the road that leads back into the campground.

 

The Mount Torry Furnace is located on the road to the campground. Ruins of the Mount Torry Furnace also known as Virginia Furnace. This is a historic iron furnace located at Sherando. It was an iron furnace constructed in 1804 by Robert Long. While it was a cold-blast furnace at first, it was converted to hot-blast in 1853. Though it was retired in 1855, it was reopened to produce iron for the Confederacy during the Civil War. In 1864, the furnace was destroyed by Brigadier General Alfred Duffie, though it was rebuilt the following year. The Mount Torry Furnace operated until 1884, when it was closed permanently. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

After they got settled, we enjoyed dinner at Applebee’s and a quiet evening of fellowship and a trip up to see the lower Sherando Lake.

Stay tuned for our next stop on our two lane adventure!