PA

What a beautiful time of the year to be in the US. The trees are all turning and the countryside is coloured reds, oranges, yellows and green. We have had to perfect days of weather to explore Gettisburg here in Pennslyvania.

 

We hired two cars in Washington and made the 2 hour drive North to Gettisburg, in the US state, Pennsylvania. We met our wonderful host Jean Lonie, and her friend Lela, at the visitor centre around lunchtime. We had met Jean at the CSC in England in February, so already knew we were in for a great trip here! Gettisburg is the town where one of the biggest, most significant battles of the American civil war in 1963 took place. It is a very special for all Americans, and they all know the history of the war very well. We had a look around the museum for the afternoon, and I am happy to be updated on my American history, and NOW Gone with the Wind makes a whole lot more sense. I am going to have to read it again now! The movie Patriot is also based on the same war.

 

So basically, the civil war in America from 1861-1865, was based on the southern states, banning together, rejecting the northern states and the American government (Ab Lincoln), and making their own government before starting war with the North. The main issue they disagreed with was Abraham Lincoln wanting to stop the use of slavery in the expanding Western colonies, but there was also a lot of other issues regarding ag produce and supplies. It sounded like a crazy and sad war, with so many people dying, and farms and buildings destroyed.

 

Today (Sunday), we were taken by Colonel Tom for a tour of the battlefield. They are restoring the area to its original state in the war, however there are monuments everywhere. It is amazing the interest, $ and love that Americans are putting into their history. I am impressed!

 

We visited the Colonels Cattle stud, and had some sandwiches for lunch at his beautiful farm. We then headed to a family farm and fruit and vegie shop. The owner talked to us about their operation, and the growth of the ‘farmers market’ shop. People really love shopping at the farm and being able to talk to the farmer. It is a major growth area! This farm has also taken to educating children on farming.

 

We then visited Russell Redding, a former PA secretary of Agriculture. Rus and his wife welcomed us with drinks, delicious cakes and desserts. We were very spoilt. A highlight for me was that Rus is on the AC21 committeee, formed by the Federal government to discuss biotechnology and co-existance!!!! I have been searching for someone to talk to about this committee and their he was. So I am going to be able to keep in touch and see some of the outcomes of their committee which will be great!!

 

Too many sweets for me, so I have skipped dinner and having an early night. Another busy day tomorrow which is fantastic, we have a really great itinerary for the week ahead that will keep us on our toes, but is exactly what we need!