Monday, August 2, 2010

Crossing the Mason-Dixon

Frank and I set out for a northern adventure on Friday, complete with visits to Gettysburg, Vestal, NY, and the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Gettysburg was a surprise stop, we didn't realize we'd be driving right past it on our way to Vestal. We hopped out of the car and into the visitor's center for a bit, then drove out to the eastern side of the battlefield. After walking up a small hill we found ourselves on cemetery ridge, the position of the Union Army, looking down onto Seminary ridge which is where Pickett's charge originated.

It was neat to see the actual layout of the battlefield, though it seems impossible to comprehend 6,000 men charging from the other side of the field.

We decided to return at a later date, when we would actually plan to see the entire area - also maybe in the fall or spring when it isn't a billion degrees plus 100% humidity.

Back in the car we continued our trip up to Vestal. We were headed up that way to celebrate Aunt Pearl's 70th birthday with Frank's dad's family. It was fun to see everyone, most of whom we hadn't seen since the wedding. It was a really nice gathering, complete with a performance by a female barber shop quartet (one of AP's favorite hobbies)! We got to hang with the family a little longer at Aunt Rene and Uncle Rick's after the official party.

Frank and I called it an early night, though, and headed back to the hotel to get ready for the next day's adventure: Cooperstown!

We drove to Cooperstown to the Baseball Hall of Fame around 9am. It was a nice drive through the mountains and a few cute towns. Cooperstown (technically a "village") is adorable! Clearly exists only for the Hall, but the stores and restaurants are well kept and tourist friendly without seeming too tourist-trappy.

The Hall was pretty cool - we got the AAA member discount of $1.50 off - full of old memorabilia and educational displays. The two upper floors are a baseball museum; pictures, letters, bats, paychecks, and jerseys everywhere. It was really neat to see the evolution of the game right there in front of you. The actual Hall of Fame is on the first floor and holds all of the plaques. I was amazed at how consistent the plaques seem to be, even though they have been in production for so long!

It was a great day, and a great weekend, but we were glad to be home after that 8+ hour drive!

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