Layghing in the rain

Linda finally understood what Bea had endured during our drive from the airport—thanks to a navigation mishap that sent us wandering through Pennsylvania’s back roads, with Google Maps deserving at least some of the blame.

We started the day with a leisurely breakfast, learning more about the family tree before heading out to Bushy Run. Although it's only a little over an hour from Linda's house, this was her first visit.

Google Maps seemed a bit confused about exactly where Bushy Run was located, and my navigation skills didn't help matters. On the bright side, we got to see more of Pennsylvania's lesser-known back roads. Eventually, Waze came to our rescue and was promptly promoted to chief navigator for the remainder of the day.

It rained most of the day, but the rain stopped whenever we got out to explore. At Bushy Run, we visited the small museum and watched a short film recounting the battle, giving us a better appreciation of the history that unfolded there. We visited the first battle site where the memorial statue was located.

Our next stop was Fort Necessity. I found it interesting that, although he was not a British officer, George Washington, serving as a colonel in the Virginia militia, fought the French alongside the British. It was also fascinating that, only a few years later, the French became our allies in the Revolutionary War.

No road trip is complete without dinner at Cracker Barrel. After more miles in the rain and some spots if very dense fog we are comfortably settled in at Frederick.Read more