Day Ten

Didn't sleep much. Wasn't helped by a television being on very loud at 5am somewhere in the hotel and staying on until 7.30am.

Left hotel and drove 20 miles north east. Arrived at a meadow.

It really is in the middle of nowhere. Just a field which will now remain infamous for the rest of time. Total respect to those on board United 93 who showed true courage and selflessness in order to prevent hundreds more deaths. It is a very fitting tribute, beautifully designed and we were glad we made the effort to get there in order to pay our respects.

Next we started to head east. We stopped for lunch in a small diner called The Little Dipper in Chambersburg. Another great meal and even cheaper than last night.

We carried on our journey and eventually reached Gettysburg, the site of the most famous battle in the American Civil War. I wasn't really sure what to expect. I had no idea how big the site was or how you would get to see it. We went into the visitor centre to weigh up the options. You could get a coach tour, have a guide travel with you or just guide yourself around. We decided to buy an audio guide which was a third of the price of the other choices.

Met someone famous.

Abe the Babe

Went back to the car and put the cd in. It told us what to do and we followed.

It took you on a chronological tour, starting with what happened on day one through to day three. It guided you around the various battlefields and mapped out the movements of the troops.

Climbed up a tall tower to get a better look.

High Tower

It lasted over two hours and was fascinating. Now realise how the car in the Dukes of Hazzard was a history lesson. General Lee being the defeated commander.

Devil's Den

Having finished the tour of the battlefields, you end up in the Soldiers' National Cemetery. Went and saw the monument that now stands where one of the most famous speeches of all time took place, the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln. Only 272 words long but is considered a masterpiece.

Having been thoroughly impressed with the tour we headed towards our hotel for the night in Pine Grove. Listened to more radio. Heard a song called 'Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off'.

Thoroughly tired now. Tomorrow is a slightly less busy day.

States visited - 8