The Gettysburg time sent a photographer to document our start and follow us for a few blocks until the road turned a little north and headed into the open of the battle field, lined with plaques and stone and metal monuments. Even though the day was beautiful, clear skies, and a warm gentle breeze there was a somber mood as David, Bill and I made our way along the road.     Starting to walk on Earthday 2007

Off in the distance a group of people marched and ran through the green field, stopping only to kneel and fire invisible rifles. As the came closer we realized they were students and their teacher was having them reenact part of the Battle. We moved on. Highway 30 was busy with tour buses, cars and motorcycles out to enjoy the day.     Students and their teacher reenact part of the Gettysburg Battle

Students on the Battlefield

We had gone about 7 miles when Bills foot problems sent him hitching a ride back to town. He would come and get us at the end of the day. Old Route 30 made it way gently and quietly up the first of the mountains, and we were happy to make up some miles on a quiet country road.

A man on the lawnmower told us that we were on the right road and that the Confederate Army's wagon train of wounded soldiers stretched some 17 mile as they mad the retreat from the battle.

A little further Nathaniel Taylor invited us into the shade of his porch and offered us water and something to eat, saying that he say us walking back in Gettysburg and wondered how far we had to walk. Hospitality rained down on us in offers from people all along the way. Then the Old Route 30 turned into the new. We walked for 6 and on half hours and covered just over 20 miles. Bill saw us as we arrived at the large parking lot of a discount store, and brought us back to our hotel. It was a good first day walking, but we were very tired, and parts of our bodies were just a little bit sore     Nathaniel Taylor

Nathaniel Taylor