Among the plethora of reasons to go down to Virginie was to play golf.  Mid May, at least this year, was a good time to go down.  The leaves were just starting to unfold, and trees were in bloom.  

Among the flowers that bloomed in Virginia was the dogwood tree.  These were often found in the woods lining the golf course, roads and highways. Often in concert with a purple flowering tree (possibly a crab apple). 

Among our group was a Historian specializing in American History and more specifically the Civil War.  As a result we visited a number of historical sites and were informed of more details and context one might normally expect.  The Shenandoah Valley was the site of several battles during the American Civil War; the city of…

It was in the basement of the main house, on the right behind the log cabin, where the residents spent the battle.  The front line was just 100 meters or so past the house.

The log cabin (as seen in yesterday’s post) was used as a work shed where wagon wheels were made.  The tools of the trade are hung on the walls.  

A view of the farm complex from the Confederate lines.

The fence marks the Confederate front lines.  

A view of the battlefield from the Union lines.  In the background are the farm houses, just slightly down hill.  On the day of the battle this was a field of mud exaggerating the difference in elevation.  It is said that the mud was so thick that Confederate soldiers lost their shoes as they charged…

An awkward shot taken in the museum.  It may be Col. George Patton as he did died of wounds from battle, although not from this one. 

Another house on the Bushong Farm

The Skyline Drive continues for some 105 miles north-south in Virginia.  It boasts 75 outlooks.