I used to be a big Civil War buff. I read everything I could get my hands on about the topic and enjoyed traveling to various Civil War sites like Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Shiloh.
I have a good friend that considered himself to be an expert in all things Civil War so it was with a little surprise I had to correct him on a critical piece of information. He, at one time, referred to the first and second battles of Bull Run. As a Southerner, he should have known better. In the South, it was known as the first and second battles of Manassas, taking place in the vicinity of Manassas Junction.
I also admit to a little fascination with John Brown as an historical figure and have read one or two bios of him and his raid at Harpers Ferry. Interestingly, it was Robert E. Lee who was sent by the U.S. Government to arrest him.
I’ve seen photos of Harpers Ferry from the 1860’s all the way through today. It seems a beautiful spot where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet and I’ve always wanted to visit. Hence my newest trip.
As with any of my trips out of state, the biggest hassle is getting out of the state of Florida. I really believe Florida requires more effort to leave than any trip through Texas. My first stop will be Suwannee River State Park near Live Oak, Florida. I’ll be gone 15 days, most of it tent camping and day hiking. This time, I intend to only spend three nights in hotels and two nights with my cousin in Greensboro, NC. Below is my itinerary.
October 15-16 Suwannee River State Park, Live Oak, Florida
Travel time: 5h 16m
4h 42m
October 17-18 Mistletoe State Park, Appling, Georgia
3725 Mistletoe Rd, Appling GA
Travel time: 4h 42m
October 19-20 Greensboro, NC
Travel time: 4h 34m
October 21-22 Peaks of Otter Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA
10454 Peaks Rd. Bedford, VA 24523
Travel time: 2h 16m
October 23-24 Harpers Ferry (Home2 Suites by Hilton, Charles Town, WV)
70 Jefferson Crossing Way, Charles Town WV
Travel time: 3h 4m
October 25-26 Loft Mountains Campground, Shenandoah National Park
Travel time: 2h 24m
October 27-28 Mt. Pisgah Campground, Blue Ridge ParkwayTravel time: 6h 24m
October 29 Home2 Suites by Hilton, Lake City, Florida414 SW Florida Gateway Blvd., Lake City
Travel time: 7h 19m
October 30 Home at 2451
Travel time: 4h 53m
There are two federal campgrounds, Loft Mountains and Mt. Pisgah during my trip. The significance of those is they don’t have showers. I also have a lunch date with a friend in Charles Town on the 23rd. In order to make the reservation I’ll need to break camp, shave, and use towelettes for my “shower” and change into some acceptable clothes and hope I don’t smell too smoky.
The two state parks, Suwannee and Mistletoe are first time parks for me and fortunately they have shower facilities as well as laundry facilities. I’ve already downloaded information about hikes in the areas and I’ll get to see how much stamina I have lost due to the two years of Covid isolation.
I’ve spent the week checking out the jeep, packing camping gear, other clothing I might need and trying to anticipate the weather. Looks like a few days and nights will be rainy and in some places, the temperature will be in the 30’s. Just to be sure, I’ve packed two different sleeping bags: one rated for 50F and another rated for 30F. If worse comes to worse, I can put one bag within the other. I’ve also packed a heavy jacket and a light jacket. Of course, there will always be the one item I forgot to pack but that’s why god created Wallyworld.
Stay tuned!
Safe Travels. We look forward to seeing you.