Harpers Ferry - Family Fun Day!
Harpers Ferry
We had originally planned to go to Seneca Rocks on Labor Day, but we weren't able to get a reservation for Adam and Wes to take the rock climbing class, so then we thought about going geocaching. However, it was calling for rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon, so we decided that maybe we needed a plan "C". I threw water bottles, apples, and my camera into the back pack and we headed out for Skyline Drive. About half way there, we changed our minds AGAIN and headed toward Harpers Ferry. I don't really remember why we made that last decision, but I'm glad we did.
We found several fun flea markets along the way. We didn't find many treasures, but it's always fun to look! We also found the Appalachian Trail Conservancy that Wes and Adam have been hoping to visit for a long time. They are determined to do some hiking on the trail, so this seemed like a great resource! There is a hiker's lounge and rest area, and there were REAL HIKERS in there, all sweaty and muddy and exhausted looking. (They also seemed relieved to be sitting on upholstered furniture, in the air conditioned room. Wow, it was HOT yesterday!) The pictures, displays, and staff were very interesting. The maps, trinkets, snacks, t-shirts and books were great too, but they were kind of expensive, so we left with a Snickers bar, 2 AT patches to sew on to their back packs, and a brochure about becoming members of the trail's conservancy. If you'd like to learn more about the Appalachian Trial, check out this website.
When we left the AT office, we headed back out of Bolivar and across Route 340 to the Harpers Ferry National Park. We were greeted at the gate by a park ranger requesting a $10 entrance fee. She gave us a map, a receipt that would serve as a 3 day pass (in case we wanted to return between Monday and Wednesday), and directions for where to park. I was surprised by how large the parking lot was! And it seemed pretty full. There were free shuttle buses that provided rides from the Visitor's Center to the 'Old Town' area of the park. It was essentially a historical 'town'. Most of the buildings were little separate museums. (Thankfully, there were a couple of buildings that served food and cold drinks, too!) We walked across a bridge that used to be a train trestle. We saw people in kayaks and rafts floating down the river. The kids climbed all of the place ... on rock walls, rock paths to the river, and rock stairs that were carved in to the side of the hill. The shuttle buses were clean, nicely air conditioned (that was absolutely wonderful!) and they showed up about every 10 minutes. The bathrooms were very clean. (I always appreciate that!) There was a really sweet man in the Visitor's Center who talked a mile a minute to Clara about the local history and the great places to visit in the park. He offered to give her a deck of 'Harpers Ferry' cards if the could tell him the name of Turner Ashby's horse. (We had no clue.) So he made the same offer if we could tell him the COLOR of the horse. (We were still drawing a blank.) As a last resort, the man said, "Well, can you tell me ANYTHING about Turner Ashby?" Clara's response was not what he was expecting, but it did earn her the set of cards! "There is a high school named after him not too far from our house, and their marching band isn't as good as ours." (No offense TA folks .. but that was pretty funny coming from the 9 year old with a brother in the BHS marching band!)
And in case you were still wondering, I'll save you the google time: The horse was WHITE and it's name was TOM TELEGRAPH .. because that was the fastest thing around back then. Here's some more neat information about Tom.
After a long, hot day, we all piled back in to the car and headed home. I had raspberry chicken marinating in the fridge, so while the guys took care of the animals and unloaded the vehicle, I threw supper together. (It sure is nice to know that the prep work for a great supper has already been done every evening.) We enjoyed a great, healthy, meal together, then everyone drifted to different corners of the house to do homework, upload photos from the day, make phone calls, and unwind.
Sometimes, it's great to have a plan for a family outing. It's also great to be flexible and have a back up plan. Or two. Or, in our case, three or four. :) We're looking forward to a return trip when the weather isn't so hot and we have more time to enjoy the exhibits and hiking trails.
We had originally planned to go to Seneca Rocks on Labor Day, but we weren't able to get a reservation for Adam and Wes to take the rock climbing class, so then we thought about going geocaching. However, it was calling for rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon, so we decided that maybe we needed a plan "C". I threw water bottles, apples, and my camera into the back pack and we headed out for Skyline Drive. About half way there, we changed our minds AGAIN and headed toward Harpers Ferry. I don't really remember why we made that last decision, but I'm glad we did.
We found several fun flea markets along the way. We didn't find many treasures, but it's always fun to look! We also found the Appalachian Trail Conservancy that Wes and Adam have been hoping to visit for a long time. They are determined to do some hiking on the trail, so this seemed like a great resource! There is a hiker's lounge and rest area, and there were REAL HIKERS in there, all sweaty and muddy and exhausted looking. (They also seemed relieved to be sitting on upholstered furniture, in the air conditioned room. Wow, it was HOT yesterday!) The pictures, displays, and staff were very interesting. The maps, trinkets, snacks, t-shirts and books were great too, but they were kind of expensive, so we left with a Snickers bar, 2 AT patches to sew on to their back packs, and a brochure about becoming members of the trail's conservancy. If you'd like to learn more about the Appalachian Trial, check out this website.
When we left the AT office, we headed back out of Bolivar and across Route 340 to the Harpers Ferry National Park. We were greeted at the gate by a park ranger requesting a $10 entrance fee. She gave us a map, a receipt that would serve as a 3 day pass (in case we wanted to return between Monday and Wednesday), and directions for where to park. I was surprised by how large the parking lot was! And it seemed pretty full. There were free shuttle buses that provided rides from the Visitor's Center to the 'Old Town' area of the park. It was essentially a historical 'town'. Most of the buildings were little separate museums. (Thankfully, there were a couple of buildings that served food and cold drinks, too!) We walked across a bridge that used to be a train trestle. We saw people in kayaks and rafts floating down the river. The kids climbed all of the place ... on rock walls, rock paths to the river, and rock stairs that were carved in to the side of the hill. The shuttle buses were clean, nicely air conditioned (that was absolutely wonderful!) and they showed up about every 10 minutes. The bathrooms were very clean. (I always appreciate that!) There was a really sweet man in the Visitor's Center who talked a mile a minute to Clara about the local history and the great places to visit in the park. He offered to give her a deck of 'Harpers Ferry' cards if the could tell him the name of Turner Ashby's horse. (We had no clue.) So he made the same offer if we could tell him the COLOR of the horse. (We were still drawing a blank.) As a last resort, the man said, "Well, can you tell me ANYTHING about Turner Ashby?" Clara's response was not what he was expecting, but it did earn her the set of cards! "There is a high school named after him not too far from our house, and their marching band isn't as good as ours." (No offense TA folks .. but that was pretty funny coming from the 9 year old with a brother in the BHS marching band!)
And in case you were still wondering, I'll save you the google time: The horse was WHITE and it's name was TOM TELEGRAPH .. because that was the fastest thing around back then. Here's some more neat information about Tom.
After a long, hot day, we all piled back in to the car and headed home. I had raspberry chicken marinating in the fridge, so while the guys took care of the animals and unloaded the vehicle, I threw supper together. (It sure is nice to know that the prep work for a great supper has already been done every evening.) We enjoyed a great, healthy, meal together, then everyone drifted to different corners of the house to do homework, upload photos from the day, make phone calls, and unwind.
Sometimes, it's great to have a plan for a family outing. It's also great to be flexible and have a back up plan. Or two. Or, in our case, three or four. :) We're looking forward to a return trip when the weather isn't so hot and we have more time to enjoy the exhibits and hiking trails.
Middle River Farms - The Great Pumpkin Patch!
How long has it been since you enjoyed some family time? Or went on a date? Can you remember the last time you spent some time alone? Or with friends?
If you're like me, those things don't happen as often as you'd like. We try to cram so much in to our busy schedules, but for some people it's not easy to carve out time to play, explore, rest, or renew your body or mind.
It seems that the best way for me to put down my screaming "to-do" list is to PLAN an event or outing. (I mean, really, even if the whole family stains the deck together .. it's not really 'quality time' for anyone ... unless, of course, you're the DECK!)
If you're like me, those things don't happen as often as you'd like. We try to cram so much in to our busy schedules, but for some people it's not easy to carve out time to play, explore, rest, or renew your body or mind.
It seems that the best way for me to put down my screaming "to-do" list is to PLAN an event or outing. (I mean, really, even if the whole family stains the deck together .. it's not really 'quality time' for anyone ... unless, of course, you're the DECK!)
Middle River Farm is my favorite place to pick your own pumpkin .. or a whole BUGGY full of pumpkins... for a very reasonable price. The fact that you're supporting a local business makes it even more wonderful! Pack a picnic, bring your camera, and have a great time. For directions, rates, and schedules, follow the green link.
What should we do? (Making plans for family fun.)
Looking for something fun to do in the Harrisonburg/Rockingham area? Check out this website! Visit Harrisonburg