Arrived a day earlier than most for my Granddad’s funeral so…had a free day in Northern Virginia.

Woke early, hit the hotel gym, then off to Harpers Ferry National Park in West Virginia – approx 45 minutes away.

THE HISTORY OF HARPERS FERRY HAS FEW PARALLELS IN THE AMERICAN DRAMA.  It is more than one event, one date, or one individual.  Harpers Ferry witnessed…the arrival of the first successful American railroad, John Brown’s attack on slavery, the largest surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War, and the education of former slaves in one of the earliest integrated schools in the United States [Storer College].

Arrived 10 minutes before the start of a FREE ranger guided tour of the town.  Ya’ll know – FREE is for ME – so on the bus we climbed. Best way to see the Park & understand its unique history in a short amount of time.  Highly Recommended.  That said, think the ranger thought we were prepping for Jeopardy – whole lotta information 🙂

Summer’s already arrived in the Shenandoah Valley – sunny & humid but luckily, this day included a breeze.  Enjoyed spectacular views of the Potomac – rushing water still running high, early in the season.  Walked over the river via a pedestrian bridge constructed by the B&O Railroad.  Took pics at “The Point” (where Maryland, Virginia & West Virginia meet) & ate lunch at a local café before the heavens opened.  Rain cooled temps by 15.

I had been to Harpers Ferry years ago as a boy.  Seemed fitting to return before tomorrow’s funeral.  So much personal history, shared memories with my Grandparents.  Fun day but jeez, hard saying goodbye.

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