Gettysburg

Gettysburg is close to Hershey, so we decided to spend a couple of days there on the way home. The battlefield is a National Park now and contains over 1,300 monuments to the people that fought on both sides in this turning-point in the civil war. It was a somber place that pays tribute to the soldiers and serves as a reminder of the horrors of war.  The largest monument was from Pennsylvania and featured an eternal flame as “an enduring light to guide us in unity and fellowship.”

The visitor’s center museum was interesting and illustrated the major battles and the conditions under which the soldier’s lived. A film went into more depth about the battle fought there at Gettysburg. Exiting the movie we moved into a restored Cyclorama from 1883 that fascinated me as entertainment that predated cinema.  This was a giant (42 ft x 377 ft) 360 degree painting by the French artist Paul Philippoteaux. The foreground had three dimensional elements like the canon (at right) that blended into the painting. It re-enacted a famous charge in the battle by using lighting, sound and narration.  

The complex ended with Lincoln’s Gettysburg address and a life-size bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting on a bench. 

Another reason for stopping in Gettysburg was Beth had won 30 days at a campground chain based in Gettysburg. We needed to attend a presentation (e.g. sales pitch) on purchasing a membership in order to claim the 30 days. It was a fine campground, but membership didn't make sense for us. We were disappointed to learn that we couldn't use our free night the same day that we attended the presentation, so we ended up scrambling to find a campground. The Gettysburg KOA had room and we were pleased to find a pleasant campground with lots of trees and even granite fire pits.

Here's a tip for Plateau TS owners; the water faucet reaches to the stove as easily as it reaches the sink. Kudos to Pleasure-way for a good design.

We found it very worthwhile taking the time to drive the park roads and visit the battle sites and memorials. There was plenty of room for the van and lots of places to pull over and read more about an event.  Our first day was sunny, giving way to clouds and drizzle on day two. Here are a few photos to give you a feel for the park.

North Carolina Memorial

Closing out this entry, we ran across an interesting RV in the visitor center parking lot. The owners were surely used to answering questions as they had posted a fact sheet in the window.

1968 Ultra Van

Produced in Hutchison, Kansas

Original Sale: August 8, 1968

One of 300 Made

200 Are Still in the United States

Built of Aluminum and Fiberglass Formica Paneling

Length: 21' 10"

Height with Vent Closed: 8' 2"

Width: 8' plus mirrors

Weight with Water and Fuel: 4,420 lbs.

Engine: 110 HP Air Cooled Corvair

Cruise Speed: 65 mph

Average Miles per Gallon: 14.5

Rebuilt: 1996-1999

Completed June 4, 1999

Sleeps 2 Adults and 4 Children

or 1-8 Adults