This series is of pictures taken around the MD, W VA area. Although I've lived in the North Country of New York State for more than half my lifetime, I still consider myself a southern boy at heart. Yous guys is not proper English...........y'all is. When I travel home at various times of the year, there is usually at least one camera among my luggage.
A few of these are from negatives that I've never been able to get satisfactory prints from in the dark room. Imagine my delight at being able to draw out pictures on a PC that I had given up for lost.
My favorite camp site in
the world. My dad first introduced me to Rocky Run leanto as a boy. As teens,
my friends and I would hike the section of the Appalachian Trail that leads
to this Shangrila as often as we could. Some of my very fondest childhood
memories were here.
Washington Monument State Park is a few miles north of Rocky Run on the Trail. From the top of this tower, which sits high on the mountain, you can see east into Middletown valley and Frederick County, MD or to the west into Washington County, MD
Walking south on the trail, where MD,VA and WVa
all come together, is the little town of Harpers Ferry. This is also the
point where the Shenendoah & Potomac Rivers join to become the mighty Potomac.
Maryland Heights can be seen rising up in the backround. For well over 150
years the trains heading north through here cross the Shenendoah and travel
straight through a hole cut into the solid rock.
On dry land across Harpers
Ferry town, huge tressels were built to keep the trains moving on the level.
During the Civil War, Harpers Ferry was a main site for the Union Army for
both producing and storing ammunition and weapons. Reliable transport
of both arms and troops were of vital importance to the cause.
To the west and slightly
north of Harpers Ferry lies the little hamlet of Sharpsburg, MD. The surrounding
area is today known as Antietam battlefield. This was the sight of the bloodiest
single day of battle throughout the whole of the Civil War.
To the East and slightly south of my hometown is our
nations capitol. The District of Columbia, with it's monuments, museums,
parks and office complexes is a neverending source of things to do and see.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
At the upper end of the Veterans Wall stands a statue
dedicated to the men who fought there.
A short way down the path is a new monument dedicated
to the women who served in the Vietnam war.
Just south of Washington is the Arlington Nation Cemetary.
At the top of the cemetary hill is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This
sight is guarded by a Military Honor Guard 24 hours a day, every day of
the year.
In Middletown, my home town, this a view of the Sanctuary at Christ
Reformed Church. Middletown grew up as a farm community where Church and
School were the centers of community life. The last 30 years has seen much
growth throughout the whole region with the influx of people and business
into the D.C.-Baltimore area. The many churches in the valley have thrived
from the added population.