Sunday Was Not As Planned

Throughout our vacation we had been blessed with cool weather, beautiful days and a modicum of rain while we slept and one day in Maryland as we rested. But Sunday morning, preparing to make our leg to visit daughter and family in Danville Kentucky, began with an ominus awakening. Making ready to collapse the trailer and load the Jeep still hitched and ready to pull us on the road, I was startled to notice something wrong. Stupid me I forgot to lock the Jeep and had left some valuable equipment aboard as I was tired and done after a very busy and productive visit to Adam's County. Then I noticed my laptop computer was gone, also my new Cannon digital camera, my portable XM satallite radio and our very helpful companion and navigator "Jane" the voice of my Tom Tom Go700 GPS. Well, it was early Sunday morning in a small rural river resort town and by the time I was able to get a sheriff's deputy to write up my theft it was noon before we left in a most dejected manner our final stop in public facilities. Never in 35 years had I lost anything camping like the sudden loss of that day. But that wasn't the end of it.

Not having much further to go in Kentucky we headed toward Lexington, then around to the US68 and KY33 south. A light rain was beginning, but the Jeep was doing fine pulling the trailer as it had through mountains and valleys for two weeks without any problems. But then as we began the winding twisting road southwest of the city we slowed to almost stopping at several places and then, suddenly, we were out of control sliding across the highway, off the shoulder and finally stopped by a granite bank. The road was slick and wet and we simply hydroplaned, unable to brake at all. But the rig was almost stopped, enough that the air bags did not deploy and we neither suffered any damage nor bruises, climbing out down on the passenger side and finding the trailer still upright and hitched, though the front bumper of the Jeep was hanging down by the wheels. We called 911 immediatly and got two sheriff deputies and two tow trucks, called Sheri who got there in about 30 minutes and by 4 pm the Jeep was on its way to a Chrysler/Jeep dealer in Nicholasville and Sheri's neigbor had our trailer in tow to her house with his truck. Of course there was much more to be done and many loose ends to clear up, but we were safe, unhurt and it can all be fixed. So we have much to be thankful for and we are!

Came home on Wednesday in a rental, left the trailer in the driveway until we can come back get the Jeep and take it to the manufacturer, which just happens to be on the way in Knoxville, TN. We'll leave it for its repairs (minor but significant) and get it sometime later. By then we'll be ready for a nice quiet trip to Guntersville State Park only 45 miles away.

The Moore Pioneers On the Move

Friday morning, the 16th of June after a breakfast of eggs, sausage and toast, we struck out again on Interstate on our way to Ohio, picking up US50 at Clarksburg and crossing the river at Parkersburg. Then we dropped down on OH32 to the Lazy Dog Camp-Resort 4 miles east of Jackson. This was a neat camping stop with a lake, well run facilities and clean pull-through RV sites. We also got there early and enjoyed an afternoon of relaxation at the pool and the gazebo with the rocking porch swing by the lake. Then we went into town for a nice dinner at an Irish Resturant/Pub. Refreshed we left early Saturday for West Union in Adam's County, the next Moore stop and our final geneological destination.

Arriving at the Adam's County Geneological Society building and Heritage Center a little early we enjoyed another beautiful day while waiting for it to open for my research. We were expecting Bart's family to join us in the afternoon and take us on a visit to the old Burkitt Cemetary near Brush Creek and the area that Aaron's son Hosea and his family came to live. This they did after I had some time to puruse the rich store of records and files on the Moore's of Adam's County. They were among the first residents, Hosea having been given a land grant for his war service. Son Newton David married Rebecca Burkitt and remaining today is the cemetary where Hosea, Isabelle his wife, son Newton and wife Rebecca were buried. All the grave markers and monuments are in good condition and the cemetary still in good maintenance. A Moore reunion is planned for July 9th this year, unfortunatly after we will have gone. But it was still a very interesting visit, and great to meet a cousin decendant from my great-great grandfather Newton. His son John moved to Cole County Illinois to a farm bought by his father for him near to Mattoon where my grandfather Thomas Moore became a business man in the early 20th century. We sincerely enjoyed Bart and family, including Uncle Bill and his wife who shared the old Moore family Bible and other records with us.

Leaving West Union we headed to a campground on the Ohio River advertized in the Adam's County Visitor Guide. It was convenient and pleasant, but little did we know what was ahead.

Aaron Goes West and So Do We

Leaving Prince George's County Maryland we headed out the Beltway west to I270 then north to Frederick in Washington County where Aaron and Mary Prather Moore made their way with wagons and mules or horses. We didn't make any better time with the traffic than they but once we left I495 we made good time. Frederick is where Hosea was born on Christmas Day in 1763 as his family headed toward Springhill Township, Fayette County Pennsylvania. Actually we traveled on I70 & I68 through Northwest Maryland and West Virginia, up and down the Appalachians to Morgantown were we made camp by noon at Sand Springs Camping Area, a rustic campground in the mountains and trees northeast of the city. That gave us the afternoon to detach our trailer and take the Jeep north into Pennsylvania on 857 (same CR in WV & PA). Crossing the state line in just a few miles we were greeted by a sign stating "Springhill Township, Fayette County" and behind it "Welcome to Pennsylvania." Now we had to find "George's Creek," the only identification I had of Aaron's farm. Then crossing over to US119 at Smithfield and taking the road to Ruble Mill we continued to find a bridge over a good fresh running creek and next to it a municipal plant sign declaring it as "George's Creek." After taking our pictures we crossed the bridged and followed the gravel road along the creek for several miles, viewed an old abandoned house (Aaron's??), then back to the 857 and our traveling home. It felt good having been at least in the area of Aaron's property where he raise his family and called home as he fought in the Revolutionary war for the new republic of America that his father George had given to his decendants.

We had a quiet evening with no TV to interupt the sounds of night in the Appalacian mountains before heading west again next morning.

Our Last Day in PFC & DC

Well, the plan was to go up the Washinton Monument today, since we couldn't get into the White House, but to no avail. It too was sold out for advance tickets and we didn't arrive in time for same day, so it was a good time to visit the National Archives. Good thing we were early for by the time it opened at 10 the line was out on the sidewalk around the corner. We were the 7th & 8th people to get in and enjoyed the exhibition that included the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independance, Constitution and Bill of Rights. Then guess what, Nelda wanted to go back to the Natural History Museum (third time!) to get a copy of the Hope Diamond Necklace. I don't quite get the facination, but glad to make her happy with such ease. We skipped the Atrium, had a smooth last trip on the Metro system and got back to the campground early. Tomorrow we leave for Morgantown, WV and a visit to Springhill Township in Fayette County, PA. That's where Aaron son of George migrated to before his son Hosea moved to Adams County Ohio, our stop on Friday. More on that later. It's been a good trip here to Prince George's County. Excellent campground, wonderful new friends, mind boggling informational overload and lots of fun. Someday we'll have to come back to refresh our experience and do some things in more depth that we only touched on the surface. Glad we still have another week of vacation.

The Capitol Tour - Days Four & Five

Our plan was to take a day off to take it a bit easier on Monday and the weather cooperated very nicely. We had been having clear and mild weather making our walkathons as pleasant as possible. Monday we awoke to rain that lasted until mid afternoon, perfect for catching up on laundry and rest. Also called Senator Sessions' (Alabama) office to request a tour of the Capitol. Told to arrive about 10 a.m. we were a little early allowing time for our bus/subway trip into town. We became experienced Metro riders, even transferring from the Green to the Red line and ending at Union Station, closest to the Russell Senate Office Building. Union Station is a shopper's delight, but we were satisfied with some good coffee after an hour plus riding. When the other two families arrived we left the office with the secretary and three interns going to the basement for a ride on the Capitol underground tram. That was a fun beginning to an informative tour including the Old Supreme Court Chamber, the Rotundra of course and the gallery of the senate which was in session, but very limited participation. We thoroughly enjoyed an hour and half tour then ventured back to the Natural Science Museum to get some gifts for our girls (Nelda saw them before, but of course didn't get them while there). After another lunch in the Atrium then walked over to the White House Visitor Center to see if we could get into the White House tour on Wednesday. But it takes six-weeks advance notice for a security check so that was out and we headed back to the Metro, this time leaving from the Archive building stop. Tuesday evening we met Jim & Madeliene again when they came to the conference center in the campground for sqare dancing with their group. Jim had brought me more material for my geneology study. He is the most informed person on early Maryland, the Moore's and others of interest and the local sites and history of the area in and around DC. Again a blessing to our trip.

Sightseeing with Friends - Day Three

Two days on our own and now it was time to be treated to a guided tour. Our new friends Jim and Madelien picked us up at 8 a.m. Sunday for a drive to the National Mall. Parking was free, available and close to our destination - the Lincoln Memorial. On the way we visited the Vietnam Wall, which is one of the most visited memorials on the mall. Seeing the names in simple display is a powerful and meaningful tribute to the sacrifice of noble servicemen. Lincoln's statue enclosed with majestic columns is unsurpassed by the many other representations of this great president. From there we passed and viewed the Korean War Memorial on our way to FDR's and Jefferson's, returning by way of the WWII Memorial and a hot dog stand on Constitution Avenue near our parking spot. Next we drove down to East Potomac Park at Hains Point where we stopped to view "The Awakening," a statue of body parts representing a giant emerging from the ground - a facinating work of art in a rather bizarre fashion. From there we went north on the Potomac to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park for a view of the Great Falls and the old Canal Tavern and lock house. Though the water levels were down from lack of rain the rapids were still flowing sufficient to attract several kayak enthusiasts. It was interesting to see the preserved locks and the canal barge replica awaiting replacement for operational demonstrations. We ended the day with chinese takeout and several games of Train dominoes. Our thanks to Jim and Madeliene for a great day to remember of our vacation 2006,

Mt. Vernon & Arlington - Day Two

Saturday we decided to provide our own transportation and took the Beltway in our Jeep looking for Mt. Vernon. We went East around to Alexandria and missed the off ramp to the Mt. Vernon Parkway, but finally found it - arriving at the home of our first President ready to enjoy our visit. But by then the line going into the mansion was half a mile long, or so it seemed. So we skipped that part and began walking the rest of the grounds. Actually we saw so much and enjoyed the scenary of the park and the Potomac enough to satisfy our interest. With lunch at the visitor center we were ready to find Arlington. This was a breeze compared to our earlier drive, taking the highway along the bank up to Alexandria then cutting over to Jefferson Davis Highway on up to the cemetary. After considerably more walking we made it to the Tomb of the Unknowns, then watched the army sentinel making his vigil of 21 steps in each direction followed by the ritual changing of the guard. It is a very moving and impressive display of military honor to unkown casualties from WW I, WW II and Korea. But again our feet and Nelda's knees were begging relief so that ended our visit and we returned to the campground for a swim and and jacuzzi bath.

Sightseeing in and Around DC - Day One

After spending my first day visiting Moore geneoligical sites, Nelda and I ventured out on Friday to explore The National Mall via the Metro system. The Metro bus from Cherry Hill begins in the campground and took us to College Station on the Green line for 60 cents each. Having bought two Senior Fare Passes for $10 each we entered the turnstiles for the subway and were soon on our way to the Metro station behind the National Archives building. Our first visit was to the Smithonian Air & Space Museum which was impressive if a bit tedious. From there we walked over to the Capitol steps and saw an openinng ceremony for the National Crime Investigators Runathon. A military honor guard, a solo rendition of the National Anthem and a welcome by Miss America provided a captivating show. Then we made the long trek back to the National Museum of Natural History where we had lunch at the Atrium before visiting the dinosaur boneyard and tributes to evolutionary theory explaining all ancient and historical lifeforms, compete with Neanderthals, charts and graphs as needed to support the presuppositions of modern science. Upstairs the star attraction was the Hope Diamond on display in a rotating glass case. Fortunately next door was the American History museum, afterwhich we dragged our aching feet back to the Metro station for transportation back to camp. With a transfer and as seniors there was no charge for the return bus ride so our total transportation cost was $2.90 apiece including the intial fee for the bus. Not bad when gas around DC is $3.11 a gallon.

Prince George’s County & Washington DC (click for pictures)

Our 2006 vacation is well underway and haven’t had much time to update the old blog ‘till today. We arrived DC area on Wednesday to Cherry Hill Park, a very nice campground with onsite bus access to Metro system.

Thursday I spent the day with James Moore enjoying visits to places and properties where George Moore, my first ancestor to the American Colonies, is believed to have come. James has done considerable expert research on the Moore’s of Prince George’s County in the 17th & 18th centuries. The best reconstruction at present is that George, older brother William and younger John landed at Mt. Calvert on the Patuxent River with their parents, John and Mary Moore, sometime around 1695 when about 15. Visiting the site we saw the likely landing spot below the brow of a hill where Jim’s ancestor James Sr. operated an Ordinary (tavern &general store) a few years later. John and his family may have come from Barbados or the British Isles and stayed with James Sr. at a nearby property named Four Hills. John died within a short time of his arrival and Mary remarried Martin Faulkner, then after his death Hugh Ryley.

George apparently went on his own after 1703 and in about 1715 married Elizabeth Lucas. We visited St. Barnabas Church on Leland Road west of US301 northwest of Mt. Calvert. The current Episcopal/Anglican church stands where the older brick church was located at the time when George and Elizabeth were possible married there and where two or more of their children were baptized. Inside we saw the painting of the Last Supper and the Baptismal Font preserved from the old church that was there when George and his family attended.

Then we went to the Patuxent Research Refuge and were given a tour that came as close as we could go to the location of Moore’s Industry, a 100 acre property owned by George sometime before 1723. We couldn’t go exactly where the property was on the west bank of the Patuxant between Duvall Bridge and Cash Lake because it is currently in a Whooping Crane protective area, but looking down the river from the bridge I could picture it close by. We were guided by the Refuge director Nancy Morrison who very graciously drove us to a number of sites on the preserve, including the Snowden cemetery and nearby ruins of Birmingham, Richard Snowden III's home and whose iron foundries and land holdings were the source of the Snowden’s wealth and prosperity.

George obtained several properties from Richard Snowden, including Moore’s Industry and Moore’s Rest located on the western side of the Little Paint Branch (creek) about five miles north of Cherry Hill Road where our campground was located. Jim and his wife Madeline had taken us on a hike along the Little Paint near the campground on our first day here. I managed to walk into several patches of Poison Ivy along the bank while taking pictures, but with no ill effect after washing my legs with soap and water soon after.

There was more to the genealogical information, insight and familiarization than I can relate in this report, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all and cannot say enough about the help, guidance and understanding and documentation supplied by my friend Jim. He and his wife have been most hospitable and helpful in all we’ve done and seen while here in Prince George’s County – the home of my family’s American roots.

On The Road Again

Here we go again - vacation 2006. I know some people (you know who you are) don't think pastors should take vacations, but boy do we need it. Our people are great and gracious, but most of them know we need a break now and then and we really do appreciate it. Helps us to concentrate on the church the rest of the time.

Enough, this year we are taking our trailer in tow with our Jeep Liberty and heading toward Washington DC. Right now we are half way there, staying two nights at a KOA in Wytheville, VA. Left at little after 8 a.m. CDT and got here about 6 p.m. EDT for a total of 388.2 miles. Not bad considering Nelda never saw a rest stop she didn't like. At least I got away with ignoring her recognition of every Cracker Barrel along the way.

Today was a beautiful day for travel. Temperature in the 70's, blue sky with white cumulus clouds and wonderfully green terrain. Came up I59 and I24 to I75 then I40 to I81. We'll take I81 on Wednesday to I66 then the beltway I480 around to the north where Cherry Hill Park Campground is located. From there we will sightsee DC, visit some properties owned by the first Moore's in my family tree to migrate across the sea, spend some time with some Moore's who have researched our geneology and enjoy a week of living in our home away from home.

That's all for now. Tomorrow we just rest up for the next leg of 311 miles on the interstate dodging all the trucks. Nelda is fixing our dinner so here's to all our friends. Pickle, this one is for you as promised.