---continuing my travels and ancestor tracking...
Left Silver Springs, MD, and with the help of my GPS made my way through Rockville , MD Rockville Potomac river and was immediately at Harper’s Ferry National Historic Site and the KOA Kampground where I had a reservation.
 |
| Potomac River bridge |
 |
| Shenandoah River |
 |
| My campsite home - 1st night in van |
The campground office closed at 2pm (still winter to them) but I made it in time to check in and check out their elaborate facilities of a store, gym, pool, laundry and many camp spaces. Not a lot of people competing for spaces. There were many big Motor Homes, no little Conversion vans like mine. I had a place by myself in the tent section since I didn’t want electrical (silly me!) or water hook-ups – I decided to go “Cold Turkey” and see how I did in my van. Cheaper that way too. There was a blue tarp used as a shelter for the one Appalachian Trail hiker in the “Appalachian Trail hiker’s section. Unfortunately it rained later as I headed to the nearby Visitor’s Center of Harper
 |
| On the streets of Harper's Ferry, WV |
 |
| John Brown's Fort - (fire house) |
 |
| Church rennovation Harpers Ferry |
Very few people visit Harper’s Ferry in the rain, I discovered. I was amazed to see just what Harper’s Ferry is. I thought it was something to do with John Brown’s body and the start of the civil war. I expected to see a working ferry boat. Well, I learned that John Brown led a revolt here to eventually free the southern slaves, and captured a US armory here in 1859. After 36 hours, and his supporters did not materialize to help, he was captured in a brick fire engine house and his much planned revolution ended with his hanging. This is credited with galvanizing northern sentiment to accepting a war between the states. Harper's Ferry was a thriving industrial town due to the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers providing abundant power for mills and machines. Today the town has been somewhat restored as a historic site, after eight times changing hands in the civil war and burning and after many devastating floods through the years. It is far more interesting that I had imagined and worthy of a day or two of visiting.
For dinner I went to the nearby Golden Corral in Charles Town, WV and enjoyed their feast. Because of the rain, I drove the van from my “camp site” to the restroom – no use getting wet. Then came the test – how would I sleep in the van? My first night!!! Well, I slept very well, although it became somewhat cold during the night. Tomorrow night I’ll sleep IN the sleeping bag, instead of on top of it with just a poncho liner on top. Sure does get dark. You notice the dark when you don't have electricity for a light.
