Lady Hiva has a list of places in the United States that she
wants to see before we leave again. One of those places was Harper’s Ferry, West
Virginia.
The last time I was in Harper’s Ferry was before we were
married so I was willing to go back. After work yesterday we decided to do the
crazy thing and drive up there. Google Maps told us that it was one hour and 10
minutes (I made it there in 45). The traffic was amazing! YAY!
Lady and I can’t believe how fast out of the Washington, DC
metro area you go in any direction and are in rolling hills, endless family
farms and everyone drives big trucks and speaks with a bit of a drawl. The country
side is so lush and green even as last crops are being harvested before the
autumn cool hits.
Trees were beginning to show some color change and all I
could think is that living in the tropical zone for the last 10 years has
spoiled me. It can’t be time for cold again. Wasn’t it just winter? I LOVE the
fall and always look forward to it, I only dread what comes after!
Harper’s Ferry is as quaint and perfect as I remembered it. Narrow
streets are lined with a mix of rock and brick Victorian and early American
styled houses that have been preserved well. Small yards display an array of
colorful flowers to complete the charm.
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| This is what I get when I say "Smile" (You should see what it "Cheese" looks like) |
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| "Stop taking pictures" |
We parked down by the water. Harper’s Ferry sits at the steep
rocky peninsula where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. No matter where
you are it is a breathtaking view. It is no wonder this sleepy down has a
rather long history.
Meriwether Lewis spent a large portion of his time preparing
for the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition in Harper’s Ferry. Because of the
strategic position on land and river, Harper’s Ferry was sought and fought over
many times—including the Civil War. As we
walked around we had plenty of plaques and monuments to read about Harper Ferry’s
history. The National Park Service has done a really good job making all of the
old historical buildings small museums where you can get a feel for life in
Harper’s Ferry during the 18th Century, complete with props and a
movie.
Harper’s Ferry is nearly the midpoint between Georgia and
Maine on the Appalachian Trail. So Lady, Lucky and I can all say we have now
walked on the trail…never mid it was only a 2 mile bridge over the Potomac and back...haha.
We were even able to stand on the bridge as a train rolled through.
One of the things that I liked the most about Harper’s Ferry
are the buildings. They are beautiful. Each house was built into to the black
cliffs in layers and atop of the city is the cathedral a beacon welcoming
people from all directions.
We shopped in the cute little stores and ate ice cream and
cookies that are homemade. It was fun to see how friendly and open people are.
You forget that when you live in the city very long.
The only thing we didn’t get to do is tube on the river.
That will have to wait until next trip when Lucky is older.
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