June 8 - Gettysburg

Breakfast was at the hotel since the Rhynes and I were staying at a Hilton Garden Inn. One can actually get a decent breakfast at this place. After breakfast, we got in the truck and headed towards Gettysburg. We arrived at the Visitor Center not knowing what we really wanted to do for the day. We had been throwing around the option of doing an audio tour and/or a tour of the battlefield via riding a segway. DS and I liked the later. Upon walking around the VC, we figured out a 90 minute tour about Gen. George Meade was soon starting. We walked outside and found the park ranger already giving his talk. For those that don't know (I didn't before the tour), Gen. Meade was the general of the Union army fighting at Gettysburg. Most people really just know about Lee, the Confederate General. Anyway, the tour was interesting as we learned about different people who were in charge and the actions of Meade as well as saw Meade's headquarters and where the main battle took place. One of the most fascinating things to see was the proximity of his HQs to the battlefield. He wanted to be close, and the house was only a few hundred yards away. It seemed as if the Confederates could have just ran over the hill and taken him out.

After the tour, we returned to the VC and watched a short video and viewed the painting in the Cyclorama. The painting was pretty impressive. I think it was some 40 feet by 370 feet. We also got our picture taken on front of a green screen. I have to say I laughed for quite some time after seeing it. I will try to get a copy from the Rhynes and post it.

We left the VC in order to get a cheaper lunch. It was cheap all right. I don't remember the name of the place, but I was not impressed at all. We also took some time and visited a few stores in the downtown square area. Upon returning to the truck, we started the audio tour which leads one around the area and talks about different battles, locations, people, etc. It was interesting, but I guess I got too comfortable in the truck. It wasn't 30 minutes before I was asleep. I think all the others were too except for Mr. Rex.

We decided to cut it short and go look for some new hiking shoes for DS before places closed. We checked out an outlet mall with no luck. We then drove an hour to a Dick's and another shoe store. Again, no luck. Finally we drove another 20 minutes to an Eastern Mountain Sports. They actually carried some worthwhile. He got some shoes while I picked up new laces. My Salomons don't have typical laces. I got lucky and found some that act as replacements.

As we were over an hour and a half away from our hotel, we decided to eat at a restaurant near where we were. We found a local microbrew. I was quite pleased and so were the others. We headed back to the hotel and arrived after 10:30. I did a little packing and spoke to Michelle. I also took some time uploading a photo and my story to the UT's facebook page about alumni "changing the world." UT wanted me to tell my story about what I am doing and how I am raising money. I hope it helps to get the word out and raises additional funds for the children out there.

Exhausted, bed was calling my name.