Big Fun In the Smallest State
We only had a few days to spend in Rhode Island. The Newport Cliff Walk is considered one of the top attractions in Newport, so off we went. The Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile public access walkway that borders the shore line.
The day started off cold and foggy, typical of the New England coast during spring.
Part of the Cliff Walks is The 40 Steps which used to be one of the most popular recreation spots for the servants who worked at the Newport mansions during the Gilded Age. Here they enjoyed dancing and music.
It is also a beautiful spot to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and watch the waves crash into the rocky coast.
The Cliff Walk runs behind many of Newport’s famous mansions, such as, Rosecliff, The Breakers, Ochre Court, and Rough Point. Most of the 3.5-mile walk is paved and it offers beautiful vistas, tunnels, and long winding pathways. These mansions or “cottages” as their original owners called them, were the summer playground of the extremely wealthy at the turn of the century. We did not tour the interiors, but the grandeur of these homes is evident from the outside.
The latter half of the cliff walk has unpaved sections and paths along rugged New England rocky shoreline. This section is more of a challenge but it also has impressive views.
The day turned warm and sunny so Scott dipped his toes in the water.
We had a small snack by the harbor and enjoyed the sea air.
The Point Judith Lighthouse is located on the west side of the entrance to Narragansett Bay and the north side of the eastern entrance to Block Island Sound. The confluence of two waterways make this area busy with water traffic.
Our next stop is Cape Cod and more lighthouses.
Abbreviated CT
On our way up to the Cape, we made a quick stop in Connecticut. While there we took some time to visit the Submarine Force Library & Museum on the Thames River in Groton, CT.
The museum details the fascinating history of the “Silent Service” and is definitely worth a visit when you are in the area.
We also took in the sites of beautiful Mystic, CT.
Made a drive by but didn’t stop for a slice. We also ran out of time to make the drive to Noank, CT (home of the mighty Fitch Falcons and alma mater of my brother from another mother “Doof”).
Back to our Roots
Scott and I grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This part of the country is probably most famously known for the large Amish community. While we grew up amongst the Amish, they were not a part of our everyday life, unless we got behind their buggies on the road.
We arrived to the overwhelming smell of manure that permeates the air during spring. It’s a smell that you never forget and, at least I, never became accustomed. So while our primary purpose in visiting was to see family, we thought that you would enjoy pictures of the countryside.
There are over 25 historic covered bridges in the county. Many tourists find the covered bridge driving tour thrilling. Some you can take your car through and some are only decorative.
The name Eshleman is very common in this part of the country. When we moved, we were surprised that no one had heard it, could come close to spelling it, or saying it.
Like we see in larger cities, some street signs are in two different languages. This sign is in PA Dutch which is commonly spoken by the Amish.
The Amish religion prevents them from having their picture taken. We did take pictures of the Amish but, out of respect, did not attempt to photograph their faces.
This is an Amish farmhouse. You can tell an Amish farm from other farms, as they don’t have power lines going to their homes and don’t use tractors to farm.
We didn’t get a chance to see all of our family, but we are expecting to be back in September so maybe then.
Gettysburg National Military Park
The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, is considered the most important engagement of the American Civil War. After a great victory over Union forces at Chancellorsville, General Robert E. Lee marched his Army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania in late June 1863.
On July 1, the advancing Confederates clashed with the Union’s Army of the Potomac, commanded by General George G. Meade, at the crossroads town of Gettysburg. The next day saw even heavier fighting, as the Confederates attacked the Federals on both left and right.
On July 3, Lee ordered an attack by fewer than 15,000 troops on the enemy’s center at Cemetery Ridge. The assault, known as “Pickett’s Charge,” managed to pierce the Union lines but eventually failed, at the cost of thousands of rebel casualties, and Lee was forced to withdraw his battered army toward Virginia on July 4. While the battle was only three days, 50,000 men lost their lives on both sides. Gettysburg is the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil.
Of course Lincoln is honored here. Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address during the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, four and a half months after the Union armies defeated those of the Confederacy at the Battle of Gettysburg.
The Eshleman’s Go To Washington (part 2)
Monument and Memorials
We took a night time bike ride around Washington and it was magnificent.
The National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History was great to see. Unfortunately, the exhibit on Entertainment and Television was closed, which was what we most wanted to see.
The Eshleman’s Go To Washington (part 1)
The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the research library that officially serves the United States Congress and is the de facto national library of the United States. It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States.
The Library’s primary mission of researching inquiries made by members of Congress is carried out through the Congressional Research Service, traces its origin to 1914.
The Library houses one of only 49 copies of The Gutenberg Bible in the world. The Gutenberg Bible marked the start of the printed book in the West and is widely praised for its high aesthetic and artistic qualities. They are considered to be among the most valuable books in the world.
The Three Branches
We were surprised at how small the White House looked from the street. But the White House has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms and 6 levels in the residence.
The back of the White House is where presidential inaugurations are performed.
We were fortunate to get a tour of the capitol. What a beautiful building.
The Cherry Blossoms
April is the most visited month in Washington, due in large part to the Cherry Blossoms that bloom this time of year. We took several pictures of the trees around the tidal basin.
Remembering the Fallen
The Pentagon Memorial commemorates the 184 souls who perished during the September 11, 2001 attack. At the 125 memorials honoring the victims of the Pentagon, visitors see the victim’s name and the Pentagon in the same view. At the memorials honoring the 59 lives lost on Flight 77, the visitor sees the victim’s name and the direction of the plane’s approach in the same view.
Arlington National Cemetery contains more than 400,000 graves. Here we honor those who served our country.
