PA - Gettysburg - Day 8

When we think of Gettysburg in our family, we think of Phyllis and Denny, Kate’s aunt and uncle. Our planned biking route today went about a quarter mile from their home, so we made a surprise visit.

Denny, knowing of my interest in birds, took us into his bird house where he keeps homing pigeons, something he has been doing since he was a child.

This homing pigeon, before it injured its wing, won a 400 mile race averaging over 50 mph.

Of course, our biking route also went through the Gettysburg battlefields. Denny said that when they first moved into their home, a very old neighbor down the street was a blacksmith as had been his father and grandfather. His grandfather was there when the confederate troops marched down this road before the Battle of Gettysburg.

It is impossible for me to imagine what it was like from July 1-3, 1863. The death toll between the Union and Confederate soldiers was over 7000 with total casualties of over 45,000.

On a less somber note, our 50 mile loop today visited 3 covered bridges. This was our first, shortly after we left Thurmont MD, our starting point for the day.

Almost all of our riding today was through farmland.

Our second covered bridge was after biking through the Gettysburg’s battlefields, but before our visit with Phyllis and Denny.

Today was another spectacular day on the bike. We had fabulous weather, quiet and beautiful roads, the Gettysburg Battlefield, a wonderful visit with Phyllis and Denny, and covered bridges.

Just before the end of our ride, we came to our 3rd and last covered bridge.

One final ride tomorrow in Tarrytown NY, then back home tomorrow night.