I’m not sure what Gettysburg, Pa. would be like today if it wasn’t for the Civil War. Everything you see in and around town is Union this or Confederate that and Lincoln the other.
For a Civil War buff, this place is heaven but you really don’t need to be a buff to appreciate Gettysburg, it really is interesting.
The battlefield itself encompasses an enormous area - everything outside of town as well as the town itself. The fighting was ugly and horrific and was everywhere. It even spilled into the streets while the citizens hid in their cellars. To get a good idea of the carnage - let’s just say a strong odor hung over the town for months after the battle ended. It was reported until the first frost, that following November. I won’t get into the gruesome details.
So, why did I come here? For running, of course! It is so hard to think of what occurred here nearly 150 years ago and look at it today. Gettysburg is really a beautiful place that’s rich with history, yes, but is also a nearly perfect place to run and/or bike.
The roads within the main battlefield are well maintained, flow through the park very nicely for miles, are fairly hilly in spots but nothing difficult, and (if you get out in the morning or evening) are virtually empty of traffic - which means wide open space with no worries!
Even if you do come across a car or two, they are going so slow that it really doesn’t effect your progress. But I will suggest getting out in the early AM before the crowds wake up. I got started at 7 this morning and had a blast!
All I came across were a few walkers (who took my picture), a cyclist (who seemed to be loving life as much as I was), and a few cars that were parked by the side of the road. What I accomplished was a nice, relaxing 11.5 mile run that took 1 hour and 24 minutes - and I finished it by running the field path that General Pickett’s Brigade took in it’s last charge (those who know the battle will relate).
I do suggest that you also mark Gettysburg as a “place to see” for any future vacation. Like I said, the running and biking opportunities are awesome. The history behind this town is incredible (allow a day or two just to see and read all of the monuments, plaques and memorials because they are EVERYWHERE). The shopping is one of a kind, as well - if you are into that sort of thing.
You can even take in a ghost tour - if you dare! It is reported that if you hang out around Devil's Den at the break of dawn, you may very well see the "hippy" with long hair, tattered grey clothing, and no shoes, who will point off into the distance and tell you, "What you are looking for is over there." You turn to look and he disappears.
And so that ends another spectacular day! See you again, Gettysburg!!
I’m crossing the Mason-Dixon line on my way to Knoxville, Tenn., where I have a long and fruitful running day ahead for me - if my car makes it.
Peace
Notes from the road:
1) Passed a semi that had a piece of cardboard stuck to its tailgate with electric tape. Written on the cardboard was “Lost my plate, New York”. I then realized that he had no license plate.
2) The Ohio Turnpike cost me $7.75, seemed like a waste. The Pennsylvania Turnpike cost $12.50, it was a waste. All I got in return was white knuckles and I believe that I may have screamed a few obscenities at a few truckers.
Road song of the day: "I Am the Highway" by Audioslave