Our destination today was Appomattox. This quaint, turn of the century town was a wonderful place to wander and look at the beautiful old homes that line the streets. This 1854 Queen Anne mansion is complete with a characteristic turret.

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This intriguing 1893 Victorian has a flat top center tower and elaborate Queen Anne detailing. Senator Samuel Ferguson and his bride spent their honeymoon here in 1896.

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On April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee, commanding General of the Army of Northern Virginia, surrendered his men to Ulysses S. Grant, General-in-chief of all United States Forces.

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Grant and Lee sat in neutral territory in the parlor of Wilmer McLean's home to discuss the surrender terms. Grant asked only that the Confederates pledge not to take up arms against the United States. Officers were allowed to keep their side arms and horses. The generous terms began the process of reunification. Each confederate was given a parole pass which was printed right here in Appomattox Court House in the Clover Hill Tavern which still stands today. It was an awesome feeling to stand where all this took place so many years ago.

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Joel Sweeney was born in this house in 1810. He is attributed to popularizing the newly designed 5-string banjo while traveling the minstrel circuit with his brothers. During the Civil War, Joel's brother Sam served as Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's personal banjo picker.

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The building of Lynchburg presented an incredible challenge because it is a city of hills. In the early 1800's, businesses congregated near the river but, in 1813 the courthouse was built on the hill above the river. Initially dirt paths connected the two - today Monument Terrace is the connector. There are 132 steps, 10 landings and 11 markers and monuments along the Terrace. It honors not only those who have lost their lives in all of the major wars but also public servants who have died. The wreaths in the photo were in honor of 9-11.

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The Old City Cemetery, established in 1806, is one of the oldest public cemeteries in the United States that has been in continuous use since its founding. Nearly 20,000 people are buried here - most before 1925 - including political, religious, social and cultural leaders, veterans of every major American war from the Revolution to Vietnam. There are over 2,2000 Confederate soldiers from 14-states buried here.

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Our campsite is in a forest of oak trees which makes it a wonderful place to sit and read or possibly take a nap.

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We just never know when we're going to have an opportunity to do a little off-roading.

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I'm really not sure why I decided to put this on the website but after a relaxing day of doing nothing, I got this shepherds pie ready to go into the oven for dinner. See, I really can cook when I want to!!

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Turnip greens and mustard greens - hmmm we must be in the South!

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We have been watching this beautiful dogwood tree turn redder and redder every day we've been here.

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