Camping amongst 3,400 ghosts!

After a very busy summer of work for both Johnny and I we were able to squeeze in a quick trip away with the kids.  We decided to try the Chesapeake Bay area since the weather was supposed to be amazing for mid-September.  We camped at a place called Point Lookout State Park in Maryland.  It is the point at which the Chesapeake Bay meets the Potomac River.  It was fun telling the kids this is the same water that passes by our house at Algonkian Park.  You could tell they were trying to figure that out.  We were so close to the peninsula that you could see the bay on one side and the river on the other.  It was nice to be able to see both as we explained the difference between the types of bodies of water.  They really liked that they didn't have to worry about the waves they are used to at the beach.

The peninsula was the location where over 52,000 confederate solders were imprisoned between 1863 and 1865 in the largest war camp in the Civil War.  Many of whom trekked there from Gettysburg!  There were between 3400 and 8000 soldiers who died right where our camp area was located.  It was amazing to think of how small the area was and how tight it must have felt with 52,000 soldiers.  This was very close to Dr. Mudd's house, which is where John Wilkes Booth fled after shooting President Lincoln.  So much history!  I can't say the kids completely appreciate the history yet, but they had fun regardless.

We climbed to the top of the Point Lookout Lighthouse which was standing when the prison camp was there.  The area at the top was SUPER small, hot and we found out later that was where the lighthouse keeper was found dead!  Eek!  Luckily she died of natural causes after taking over the responsibilities of the previous light keeper, her husband, after his death.  We were happy to be able to tour the lighthouse since it will be closed for the next year for renovations.

We also found time to ride bikes along the trails on the park, go swimming in the bay, go fishing and of course camp.  Unfortunately they didn't catch any fish, but they promise to try it again.The kids had a great time and we definitely look forward to going back when we have more time.  There were several other historic areas we wanted to be able to tour but didn't have time.

The only disadvantage of the trip was the crazy bugs!  Somewhat hard to tell in the pic of the kids, but they got eaten ALL over...including their faces!  Reagan is KNOWN to get eaten, so we keep spray in the camper and get it out as soon as we setup camp.  She was COVERED with spray everywhere except her face.  Watching her try to scratch her right arm is truly heartbreaking (lefty isn't strong enough to scratch).  Although I do have to give her credit - she gets very creative and rubs on the side of walls and tables.  We've also learned a lesson...it needs to get on the face or at a minimum in her hair.  We are also research alternative options for bug management :)  Like an industrial bug zapper!  The good news is that mom has gotten really creative with Calamine treatments.   I can apply many different designs including hearts, stars, polka dots and even Mickey Mouse ears.  It's all about making it fun right?!  And that we did just that...had a fun weekend just being with family. Feeling blessed...