Harper's Ferry

Our escapade to Harper's Ferry proved to be an absolute delight! As avid hikers, we have always harbored a secret dream of conquering the Appalachian Trail in its entirety. Alas, the demands of our jobs and the responsibilities of parenting leave us wondering if this ambitious goal will ever come to fruition. However, we did have the privilege of hiking the final leg of the trail, Mount Katahdin, back in 2016. The memories forged during that extraordinary experience remain etched in our souls.

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of West Virginia, Harpers Ferry beckons with its winding paths that meander through the hallowed grounds of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. This trove of 19th-century buildings, a captivating Civil War Museum, and the iconic John Brown's Fort, a poignant testament to the 1859 abolitionist raid, paints a vivid tapestry of history. Standing at the meeting point of the mighty Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, aptly named The Point, the vistas extend to embrace the borders of Maryland and Virginia. The Appalachian Trail Visitor Center serves as a gateway to knowledge, with its engaging exhibits dedicated to the famed long-distance hiking trail. Even with the river's water levels running low, the majesty of the mountains and rivers captivated our senses, a symphony of natural beauty.

Ah, the allure of the locked bridges beckoned, evoking a pang of nostalgia for the forgotten lock we failed to bring. Enamored by the legend woven within the tradition, we marveled at the initials adorning the bridge, whispering tales of a woman who sought solace in fixing padlocks after losing her beloved during the tumultuous times of World War I. Each lock became a testament to unbreakable love, transcending time and space. Indeed, a small yet poignant reminder to pack a lock for our future explorations.

Regret mingled with awe as we strolled along the enchanting bike path that traced the river's edge. Oh, how we yearned to have our bicycles with us, ready to embrace the freedom of the open road. Our leisurely walk was not without its moments of excitement, as an unexpected encounter with a small orange snake almost caught us by surprise. Thankfully, Rudy's keen eyes spotted the reptile, and with a lighthearted laugh, we were spared from any venomous encounters. Such moments remind us to treasure the harmony between man and nature.

The nourishment of both body and soul beckoned, leading us to a charming little restaurant where we savored a delectable lunch. A journey through time awaited us at an old-fashioned candy shop, where the tantalizing aromas of Elderberry and Earl Grey tea caressed our senses. There, amidst shelves adorned with treasures of Licorice root and vintage gum, we reveled in the nostalgia of days gone by. Of course, the whims of our kiddos could not be denied, as they indulged in the cotton candy ice cream that left them with sticky smiles and joy-filled hearts. 

In retrospect, our jaunt to Harper's Ferry proved to be a magnificent interlude, weaving threads of beauty and adventure into the tapestry of our lives.

Virginia Vacay Day 3

Happy Summer Friends! Here is my AI enhanced journal for our summer vacation - so much better than I could have wrote. 

" Our exhilarating summer adventure in 2023 has been an absolute blast! Embarking on an epic road trip all the way from the sun-soaked lands of Florida, accompanied by our lively kiddos and an adorable new furry addition to the family, Rosco the spunky 6 month old havanese, the drive was undeniably lengthy. However, I must give credit where it's due, as my incredible hubs took charge of the wheel, sparing me any cause for complaint. Ah, the mention of future excursions has piqued our interest in soaring through the skies on wings of anticipation.

To our sheer delight, my husband unearthed a captivating haven known as the "Green Hill Cabin" nestled in the heart of Front Royal, casting its enchantment upon us. This magical abode boasts proximity to his uncle's residence, adding an extra touch of familial warmth to our sojourn.

With a fire pit at our disposal, we yearned to indulge in the delightful pursuit of crafting delectable s'mores. Alas, our quest for prime firewood proved more arduous than anticipated, leaving our tantalizing treats for another time. However, fear not, for our spirits remained aflame as we created a modest bonfire to celebrate my beloved son, Mason's birthday. A bittersweet moment, for he would have turned 22, yet Front Royal's deep-rooted significance to our family rendered it a hallowed place of remembrance. This hallowed ground, where stars aligned and destiny played its hand, witnessed the inception of our grandparents' love story, etching within us an indescribable bond.

Amidst this journey of self-discovery, where the search for our ancestral tapestry consumed my thoughts, I found myself adrift in a sea of uncertainty. The loss of my dear father, grandmother, and other estranged relatives left me at a crossroads, unsure of where to begin piecing together the mosaic of our lineage. However, a beacon of hope emerged when I reached out to my aunt, whose benevolence shone through as she shared a precious link to our ancestry. Through this virtual portal, I stumbled upon treasure troves of captivating photographs, unveiling hitherto unseen portraits of my father and grandmother, bridging the gap between the past and the present.

And so, our escapades continued to unfold, each day presenting a fresh canvas upon which to paint vibrant memories. Yesterday, we embarked on an exhilarating horseback ride, the sheer exhilaration permeating our beings. Little Emmie found her equestrian companion in the form of a miniature marvel, aptly named Sugar, while I mounted a spirited Arabian beauty christened Angel.   Our mischievous Rudy, in all his youthful exuberance, dared to tame a magnificent brown steed known as none other than Bud Light. Oh, the laughter that echoed through the air as we teasingly reminded him that he was indeed too young for such an audacious ride!

Today, our wanderlust guides us to the alluring allure of Harper's Ferry, an exclamation of joy escaping our lips. The heavens have bestowed upon us the gift of idyllic weather, gently caressing our souls with its resplendent beauty. The balmy embrace of Front Royal proves far more temperate than the sultry climes of Florida, bestowing upon us a respite from the relentless humidity. As twilight descends, a gentle chill whispers through the air, further enchanting our hearts.

Oh, the stories we shall weave, the memories we shall create, as we immerse ourselves in the tapestry of this unforgettable summer escapade.

Our first summer vacay of 2023 has been great!  The drive was super long coming all the way from Florida with kiddos and a new pupper- but since my hubs drove the whole way I can't complain!  I know he mentioned wanting to fly if we make the trip again. He found us a super cute cabin to stay in Front Royal. It is very close to his uncles's house 

The cabin has a fire pit but we had trouble finding good firewood so we still need to make the smores we bought on the first day. 

We did make a little fire for my son's birthday. He would have been 22. Front Royal is a town that holds a lot of significance for my family. It's where my grandparents first met and fell in love, which makes it a really special place for us. I have been trying to find out as much about my ancestry as possible lately but really do not know where to begin since my dad, grandmother and other relatives have passed away or I am no longer close with them. So I messaged my aunt and she shared our ancestry link. I found some really great pictures of my dad and grandmother I had never seen before.

Yesterday we went on a horseback ride and it was so fun. Emmie got to ride on a miniature horse named Sugar. I was on an Arabian girl named Angel. Rudy rode a brown horse named Bud Light . LOL, we told him he was too young to ride that horse! 

Today we are going to Harper's Ferry. YAY. The weather has been so beautiful. Not as hot or humid as Flroida and a little chilly a night.