I've taken some pictures you might find interesting. . .
The Cumberland Gap
This sign is at the "Saddle of the Gap". It marks the highest point on the gap.
More of the Saddle
At the Saddle looking back toward Tennessee. Note the cliffs on the left side; there's a mountain on the right side, too! The gap is not very wide here, but it allowed thousands of settlers to pass through to the west.
Tri-States Peak
The peak in the center of this photo marks the boundary between Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. No, I didn't hike over to it!
Shots from the Pinnacle
There is a wonderful overlook called the Pinnacle in the park. It is reached by a winding mountain road; scary, but the view is worth it! The valley at the base of the mountain is the Gap.
Looking Southwest. . .
This shows Harrogate, Tennessee, in the distance with a bit of the city of Cumberland Gap, TN, in the lower right corner.
Looking Northwest. . .
This shows the city of Middlesboro, Kentucky, which is just north of the Gap.
The Cumberland Gap Tunnel
Until 1996, traffic passed over the Gap on a highway called "Massacre Mountain" for its high death toll. The Cumberland Gap Tunnel was opened that year, making travel through the Gap much quicker and safer. The tunnel is almost a mile long and is shared by the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
The Grand Tetons in western Wyoming. They are just about the most beautiful natural sight on the planet!
This photo was taken at Muir Woods in Northern California. The tree is a redwood which fell in 1930. Look at the events listed on the ring to see just how old redwoods can be.
Williamsburg, Virginia - colonial capital
This is a replica of the Virginia State Capital building in Williamsburg. On this site, in a building just like this, the House of Burgesses heard Patrick Henry's fiery speeches and voted for independence.
House of Burgesses
This is the meeting room of the House of Burgesses. Imagine George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry here. . .
Getting around in Williamsburg. . .
This is high-tech transportation in 18th century Virginia.
The Governor's Palace, Williamsburg
This was the home of Virginia's governors until the American Revolution.
Peyton Randolph's house, Williamsburg
Peyton Randolph was president of the Continental Congress until he died unexpectedly in 1775. John Hancock was elected in his place. Had he not died, would he have written his name so large on the Declaration of Independence? Would we be talking today about someone signing his "Peyton Randolph"?
Monticello - home of Thomas Jefferson, Charlottesville, VA
View from the "Little Mountain"
Monticello is Italian for "little mountain". This photo was taken from Jefferson's side yard.
Another view. . .
This shows the visitor center at the mansion. There's a much larger visitor center farther down the mountain where tourists catch their buses to Monticello.
Mulberry Row
This road ran beside Monticello and housed many of the activities necessary for life in the main house. For more information: http://www.monticello.org/site/plantation-and-slavery/overview-mulberry-row
Going in for the tour. . .
Look at a nickel. See the house on the back? That's Monticello. We're entering the house on the opposite side of the house. Unfortunately, we can't take photos inside the house, but you can see what I saw if you go to http://www.monticello.org/site/house-and-gardens/monticello-house.
The Northwest Piazza
The word piazza means terrace in Italian, and this long porch is
connected to the northwest side of the mansion. James and Dolley Madison visited Monticello so often that one bedroom was named the Madison Bedroom. This piazza is right outside that bedroom -- which means that James Madison (along with Thomas Jefferson) saw the view you are seeing right now.
connected to the northwest side of the mansion. James and Dolley Madison visited Monticello so often that one bedroom was named the Madison Bedroom. This piazza is right outside that bedroom -- which means that James Madison (along with Thomas Jefferson) saw the view you are seeing right now.
The nickel shot
So beautiful!
The view from the porch
TJ sat here. And, yes, there's grass growing on part of the porch. And, no, I don't know why, but it's pretty cool and unusual (just like Jefferson)!