We had to get an early start because we had a very full day ahead of us. Our first stop was Mt. Vernon, George Washington's estate. We pulled in just as it was opening and were alarmed to see what seemed like hundreds of tour buses lining the roadways. We worried it would be insanely packed, but thankfully, the grounds are so large that once we were inside it didn't seem too busy.
We first made our way down to the river and the farm area. They endeavor to farm and cultivate just like Washington would have done, so it was really interesting to consider small things like how they would water their plants (often times with hollowed out gourds).
Of course, the question of slavery looms large, but I felt it was handled well. There were examples of slave quarters with employees available to answer questions and explain what it would have been like for slaves on the estate. It was good for all of us to see the disparity between the grand home of Washington, and the cramped quarters of the slaves.
It was ridiculously hot (locals kept commenting on how it felt like August weather), and we hoped to catch a shuttle back up the hill, but we gave up after waiting too long. Instead, we hiked back up the Forest Trail and when there were stairs, Mark carried Nellie, stroller and all, right up them. It bears mentioning again how much Nellie loves sitting in that silly stroller. She gets giddy every time we get it out of the car.
By the time we made it to the museum, we were beyond grateful for the heavily air-conditioned building. We enjoyed the well-done displays and even got to watch a 4-D movie complete with trembling seats and bubble snow. The bubble snow was probably the highlight of the day for Graham and Nell.
Finally it was time for our tour of the main house. No photography is allowed inside, but it was a great little tour (well, little compared to the Biltmore I suppose). George Washington, while obviously not a perfect person, has definitely earned my respect and admiration.
We made our way back to the car and ate lunch as we drove to our next planned stop: Gettysburg. To be honest, I was tired and tried to convince the kids that we should skip this stop. They said no way (Thane was the most adamant). So, to Gettysburg we went.
We didn't arrive until after 3:30 and when we got the Jr Ranger booklets we realized that most of the activities took significant amounts of time. Again, I asked, "Can we just skip this and go to Grandma and Grandpa's?" And again, they chorused, "No!" They are committed to this Jr Ranger things.
I was disappointed that our America the Beautiful pass didn't get us in to see the Visitor's center movie and exhibits. Lame, right? Instead, we hopped in the car to do (most) of the driving tour.
I think the tour would have been much more enjoyable if we were intimately familiar with the battle of Gettysburg. As it was, we only stopped at a few monuments (Pennsylvania's was definitely the favorite).
I was a bit disappointed in Gettysburg. I probably should have done more research leading up to the trip, but we all agreed that we liked Vicksburg better. Regardless, the kids succeeded in getting their Jr. Ranger badge, and we were back on the road before 5:30pm.
While heading towards Lancaster, PA, we got caught in an intense thunderstorm. There was some white knuckle driving (and shouts to the kids to "BE QUIET!"), but we made it safely to Mark's parent's home shortly before 7. We had a late dinner with whoopie pies for dessert.
This was the mid-point and "rest" portion of our trip, and after this long day, we were certainly ready for rest!
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