Day 34 - Thursday April 14th, 2005
Thurmont MD to Greenmont PA
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| Day 34 - Thursday April 14th, 2005 Thurmont MD to Greenmont PA |
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We left our gracious hosts from Thurmont, and set out on a chilly yet sunny Spring morning. The walking was fast as we meandered along the highway, ever watchful of the oncoming parade of speeding cars and trucks. The day soon warmed up and the morning clothing layers were peeled of, as we walked our 18 mile day into Gettysburg.
Along the way the abuse flew thick and fast, inaudable babble flew out of the speeding traffic... "get a job", "G-- d--- Liberals", and so on and so on! Sometimes it is hard to understand how a bunch of colourful and peaceful walkers can provoke so much hatred and fear, but I guess thats the kind of society we are brought up in.... one built on fear and intimidation, one propped up by war. At one of our breaks, Chihiro (a Japanese walker) rested his flag against a post on the side of the road. As we were resting a red car screached to a halt and stole the flag he had spent many days making. Chihro was very upset, as the flag was his prayer for peace and all the walkers and communities had signed it. Luckily, someone caught the licence plate number and the police were informed. The flag was returned later that day to a greatful Chihiro by the local police. Our route took us through the center of the Gettysburg Battlefield, the scene of one of the bloodiest conflicts of the civil war and the place where Abraham Lincoln gave his legendary speech, the Gettysburg address. The wide open fields are criss crossed with wooden embattlements, and the countryside is littered with monuments and old armorments. The area looks like prime farming land, but look a bit harder, scratch beneath the surface and you can see the battle unfold in front of your eyes..... this place is not at rest and there are many spirits here. I sat on the fence looking out at the scene wondering what they were thinking and who they left behind to grieve.... and hoping that our presence and prayer could give them some rest. Since the Civil War we have been involved in many, many wars.... I don't think we have learnt our lesson yet!! I was glad to leave the battlefield and enter the township of Gettysburg to our stay place, the Prince of Peace Episcopal Church. The Church is a beautiful stone structure, it was built 25 years after the battle as a symbol of peace and houses memorials to both sides of the conflict. Inside it's belltower are 120 engraved stones dedicated to both Union and Confederate soldiers, members of the families paid 20 dollars each stone to raise the money for the church. In monetery terms these days each stone would be worth thousands of dollars, as $20 was a small fortune back then. The church was built in the spirit of reconciliation and peace and to this day the pastors and congregation continue in every way to be active in welfare, social justice and peace activities. It was a great priviledge to be hosted here amongst such kind and peace loving people. On the way into town we were met by a young man named Jake. He is the owner of a local cafe called the 'Ragged Edge' and wanted to offer us free drinks after we finished walking. Most of the walkers took the opportunity to drink fresh juices and coffee at Jake's cafe. Later that night we had an open mike at the cafe with some locals, we shared performance and songs for many hours and some of the people who attended came and walked with us the next day. It was a great way to end a long day of walking and many thanks goes out to the kind people of Gettysburg for making us so welcome and comfortable... it was a truly memorable day. Peace, Bilbo. |
Day 35 Nuclear Time-Line Post Cards |
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