We did have some stress arriving at Harrisburg PA due to the camper brake failure and some really rough roads. And a few more challenges, once we arrived.
On the road, our built-in microwave opened up, spit out the glass turntable to then shatter into a million small slivers. Then, once set up, our electric power was low voltage, causing my surge protector to shut off. Since it was 96 degrees, we quickly got with the office and then moved to another campsite.
Yikes! Well, after these things it finally settled down some and we got in a little sightseeing.
Harrisburg, PA
We drove into Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, on Thursday and just did a couple of things. They have a nice walk along the Susquehanna River. Across the old Walnut Street Bridge, now a footbridge, built in 1890. Some good view of this massive river.
We did see a pair of peregrine falcons (we think – any birders can confirm?) close by on this walk. Pat did some research and they flourish in cities swooping down on unsuspecting pigeons. Pretty cool.
The highlight was a guided tour of the capital building. The inside was the most ornate capital that I have ever seen. Okay, I have only seen maybe 5-6, but this one had more bling than a Catholic Church.
- designed by architect, Joseph Miller Huston in 1902
- completed 1906 in a Beaux-Arts style with decorative Renaissance themes throughout
- referred to as a “palace of art” because of its many sculptures, murals and stained-glass windows
- the hallways have 16,000 sq feet of Mercer tile telling stories
- the chandeliers are from 2.5 to 4 tons each
- the ceiling are all trimmed in gold
Gettysburg
We took a day trip about 50 minutes away to see this historic Civil War site. Bought tickets for the museum and the Gettysburg Cyclorama.
They were both pretty incredible. The museum tells the story of the famous Civil War battle. With many videos and interactive displays. And a huge number of artifacts.
The battle involved the largest number of casualties of the entire war and is often described as the war’s turning point. The two armies suffered between 46,000 and 51,000 casualties.
The 1883 Cyclorama is a huge painting of the 1863 battle. By huge I mean 22 feet tall and 279 feet long. It is hung in a round building wrapping all the way around. Very life like with actual props in the foreground. My photos did not turn out, so link here.
We are currently back in Virginia at the Shenandoah State Park, near Front Royal. It has been raining cats and dogs! We came into town for lunch and some time at a coffee shop to update this blog since the park has no cell service and no Wifi. We are here for three more days and then back in the NRV!
Take care and God Bless.
Sorry to hear about your problems with the rig – keep ‘em rolling. We visited Gettysburg when we were in PA last summer – PA is my state of birth!
Thanks! The few down days are way offset by the good! Gettysburg is such a significant historical site, I wish we could have spent more time.
Have always wanted to see Gettysburg … will get there one day. Thanks for the pics.
Robert
Another for your long list!
You may be in for lots of rain coming up from the hurricane approaching the Carolinas so keep watching the weather. Hope your mechanical and technical troubles are behind you. Your assessment of the capitol building is right on. It looks like quite a place to see. The artwork alone is amazing. Stay safe. Lorna
Thanks Lorna! Yes, we are keeping an eye on the storm while waiting for some upgrades to be done here in Virginia.