Slower Night than Expected on the Seminary

6/30/06 Seminary Ridge

Friday night did not bring out the crowds that a holiday weekend normally does. But with no reenactment this weekend I guess a lot of folks stayed home. 28 brave souls joined me for one of the most comfortable nights I've had on tour in quite some time. A nice family from Los Angeles enjoyed watching their young children see fireflies for the first time. That seems to be happening a lot lately! Some Granite Staters came along as well as folks from Missouri, Ohio, NJ, NY, and Michigan. I love it when New Englanders are in the group, they seem to really get my sense of humor. This probably stems from too many winters and bouts with cabin fever, but regardless it's always nice to see folks from up north. "Live Free or Die!" This was a really good group and we had a lot of fun.

Thanks to Mike F. for sending this photo taken by the Krauth House. Notice the orb in the upper left corner.

Just an observation...The Fourth of July week or weekend is always interesting in Gettysburg. Reenactors, buffs, and the curious tourist can be found everywhere. Battlewalks, the reenactment, living histories, and the carnival are all going on. Traffic is at its worst and most of locals go on vacation to get away from it all. But this year was different. There was less people around. Traffic is always bad on weekend nights over the summer, and of course the carriage rides still back up traffic for blocks! But I figured that there would be more people in town since the reenactment was cancelled. I thought people would have more energy since they didn't go the reenactment and spend all day in the sun. I've heard that there were tons of people on the NPS's Battlewalks, so maybe that's where everyone went. I can't wait to see what this upcoming weekend is going to be like with the reenactment and Bike Week both in town. Burning rubber and gunpowder in the air all weekend! Ear plugs anyone?

Sleep well...

"Rick Saunders"