Intercourse, PA-Gettysburg, PA 9/30 66 driving miles; 20 battlefield driving miles; 12 walking miles

Because we spent the majority of our day touring the Valley of Death, we met no "best" humans today. We did spend much of our day with heads bent at the feet of monuments. We walked the ridge where the army of Northern Virginia held their ground, we gazed across the wheat field where Pickett led his charge, we stood atop Little Round Top staring right across the Devil's Den where sharpshooters on both sides positioned themselves among the rocks. We circled much of the  battle area on a driving tour, but we barely scratched the surface. The Gettysburg battlefield is literally speckled with monuments to the fallen. 170,000 soldiers fought for three days. In those 72 hours, 50,000 were dead or wounded. Unfortunately, our ability kill or maim each other had surpassed our ability to heal, which meant many died of infection, and those who didn't suffered horrifying cures such as amputation without anesthesia to name just one. I've had the opportunity to visit one other Civil War battkefield: Shiloh. Shiloh emitted a sad and somber feeling, almost sacred. Maybe it's the vastness of Gettysburg, but to me, it felt empty and hollow. Historically, Gettysburg was the turning point. If the South had won here, I can only imagine what form America would have taken. It's impressive, and it's surely right to honor the fallen. I guess my rose colored eyes just wishes that we humans could learn the art of compromise. Finally, never have I been more grateful to be American. Even though I'm here soley as an accident of birth, I'm grateful for those who gave their lives so I can live free. It makes me realize more than ever that life is good, especially today.

Art shot of the day: The cost of war.

Brigader General Warren, who was killed by a sharpshooter, as he stood atop Little Round Top.

Cannons stand guard on every knoll.

Death captured head...

to hand...

to toe, to painful bootless toe.

Too many civil war buildings to capture, but this is typical.

Edwardo in his Dirty Harry glasses (1860 building).

Gettysburg town square.

Abe Lincoln conversing with a modern man.

This monument stands where Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address.

Why does it take great sorrow to muster true compassion?

For certain the dead will speak no answer.