Between Christmas and New Year, we made the 4+ hour journey on the turnpike (such quaint terminology!) from Pittsburgh to Lancaster County. The route climbs through the Allegheny “Mountains” before descending into the gently rolling farm land of Pennsylvanian Dutch Country. Along the way we counted several old red barns emblazoned with pouch tobacco signs.

Our first stop was Gettysburg where we hired a guide to drive our car around the Civil War battlegrounds. Wm (William) Martin was a direct descendant of a Civil War soldier and extremely knowledgeable. While some parts were much too detailed to absorb, his informative commentary certainly assisted in understanding the nature and scale of the battle and the impact on the citizens of Gettysburg. My history buff soon-to-be brother-in-law came away very happy.

Similarly, David’s sister was charmed by the farm architecture, covered bridges and winding roads in Lancaster county. Evidently it was laundry day as many homesteads that we passed had long lines of dark Amish clothing flapping in the wind (and rain). I didn’t get to take any photos but these watercolours by Henry Fiore (David’s second cousin) are typical images: