Gettysburg to Smithsonian Annex - Historical Review

Log Entry #15

Monday September 7th I headed toward Pennsylvania on the way to Gettysburg from Bativia NY via the Hwy 19.

With light traffic in the early morning, great roads and perfect weather the riding was great through NY.

Called it a day in Carlisle Pennsylvania. The next morning it was a leisurely ride to Gettysburg NP and by 10:00am was on the tour bus to view the battlefield.

The 3 day battle between the Union and Confederate armies was described in great detail by our guide.

I was able to visit the site on which the Gettysburg Address was delivered by President Lincoln to a crowd of 20,000 people in just over 2 minutes.

The historians have done a magnificent job of preserving this site and though not part of my original tour plan, I am happy to have been able to view this awesome park!

Wednesday I called another audible and headed to the Smithsonian Annex to view the Air and Space Museum in Virginia.

Only 45 miles out of my path it was well worth the effort.

It's hard to imagine how they fit all those planes in the hanger.

I spent 5 hours in there and it felt like 20 minutes!

Moving on towards Blue Ridge Parkway in the afternoon rain then called it a day in Waynesboro Virginia.

Tomorrow I head to the Parkway!

Little Round Top Hill looking down into Devils Den. Many lives were lost trying to hold this position. In the end the Union army held this hill and went on to drive General Lee's troops into retreat.

The original oil painting from Cyclorama was restored and is on permanent display at the visitors center...

It's is a stunning work of art laid out in a circular configuration measuring 40 feet high and over 300 feet long. 

There are thousands of canons here.

The replicas do not have serial numbers on the muzzle.

Keep that in mind when your shopping for a cannon!

On these grounds President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.

This is a fantastic National Park!

Changing gears and on to the Smithsonian Air Museum Annex in Virginia.

SR - 71 World record holder, LA to Dulles International Airport in 1 hour and 4 minutes! "Smokin"

This B-29 is notable for another reason.

Although these planes my look like exhibits, they are real!

Lookin for a shuttle, yep they have one of those too!

Final destination for the "Discovery"

This titanium bad boy is my favorite!

If you are ever in the neighborhood you should see the "Annex"