We drive by the Old Stone House on our way to where we take our walk. This was not too long before sunset. As it turned, we didn't get a decent sunset, but the trip is always worth it. For Civil War history buffs, you can read all about this house and its connection to the battlefield at this link. I have added more. I won't share too much else about this part of our history but you will be able to click on those links where you will find more information.
Gregg looking at one of the many historical markers there.
We were not the only ones enjoying a good walk.
My doggy fix for the day, with said doggy enjoying his stride.
We have watched this tree get older since the first time we visited this place.
It is making a slow comeback as several years ago it was struck by lightning and almost split down the middle. The park people had wires attached pulling it back together and staked into the ground to mold it together and prevent it from falling. It seems their strategy is working. Now the branches need a chance to grow strong. I think we're all sending lots of good vibes in its direction. At least that's what we have done on every visit. We don't live too far away from here now. As a young married couple, we visited the area for the first time in 1975, when we lived in an apartment in Alexandria, Virginia.
We are enjoying the walk...
though we never did get as far as the Henry House, which you can see in the distance on the left. It's a reproduction of the original house. The white building behind it is some kind of utility building. I have often wondered why they didn't stain it like the old house. The obelisk on its right is the Patriot's Monument. More information can be found here.
The sun was going down and the skies were incredible. Our eyes were always looking up, and we wondered about the people on this plane.
Where were they were flying to? Dulles-Washington Airport isn't too far away.
It was getting on the chilly side and even though we didn't get the expected sunrise we were looking forward to, we were still given a lovely show.
We were satisfied and decided that we weren't ready to turn into popsicles. It was time to go. We will come back in the warmer weather. Also, if you click on the link below my post that says 'Manassas National Battlefield Park', you can see other visits we have taken.
it's been so cold here, we have not been going out. this looks like a lovely place to walk, the sky is so blue in all your images. looking at the sky can be so thrilling. the sunset does not have to be spectacular to be really pretty. i think you got a beautiful show!!
ReplyDeleteIt's cold here also now Debbie and we have not been far this week. Significant snow expected in a couple of days but keeping fingers crossed this changes. It is a lovely walk and always looking up at the skies :) Very true on that sunset. Doesn't always have to be spectacular as you say.
DeleteThe old stone house is sad. Your sky photos are wonderful! My favorite photo is the one where the sun has gone down on the house and tree. I am glad to hear you are walking better!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ginny, I appreciate that. As long as I have that walker with me, I can manage short distances and hoping this will improve as time goes on :)
DeleteThat was a lovely trip to this place!
ReplyDeleteThe tree was lucky to have been so well cared for and hopefully it will have many more years. The photos of the sky are simply fantastic!
Thank you for this report!
Hugs, Elke
Greetings Elke :) I hope so too about the tree. You are very welcome and thank you :) Hugs, Denise
Deletethe sunrise is still gorgeous, and looks much like ours have for the last few days, our part of Florida is colder than we like, but soon to warm up again.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ginny, I did not think the house looked sad when I looked at it but thought the word Stark, in the middle of that field, Stark was the word, but a second look I saw the sad Ginny mentioned. Maybe its because we know what happened in that field, a field of sorrow from the past. I love the saved the tree, and now am pondering why the house was built out in the middle and not closer to the tree line... LOVE the dog of course of course
Thank you Sandra, I was very pleased with it. I'm glad Florida is warming up for you. We are decidedly chilly here in our part of Virginia. It's going to get chillier too by all reports. This area is a place of great reflection for us, knowing what went on here. Maybe they built it in this spot because it was closer to water. There is a creek nearby.
DeleteWhat a wonderful place to visit, the photos are beautiful, love the sky and how about that awesome fence, don't often see those anymore, Denise.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret, those fences are all over the place in our part of Virginia, where there is an historical area, there are fences :)
DeleteWhat an interesting place to visit. I like the sky photos too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann, happy you think so and that you enjoyed :)
DeleteBeautiful views of the battlefield, love the skies too. Cute doggie photos.
ReplyDeleteTake care, enjoy your day and have a happy week ahead.
Thank you Eileen :) You too, wishing you the same :)
DeleteIt looks like a nce place on a nice day under nice skies. Do you like my extensive NICE vocabulary? 🤓
ReplyDeleteI do like your extensive NICE vocabulary ;)
DeleteIt is amazing, and dismaying, how many public parks and monuments celebrate war. And Trump wants to launch a few more.
ReplyDeleteI understand David. I haven't met one person in 50 years of married life, who celebrates war, and I met a lot of military people over the years. To Gregg and myself these grounds are not only historical but are sacred, and every time it gives us a feeling of great reflection. I am actually happy that they kept the land for those who fought and died here as a memorial, rather than build homes on these hallowed grounds.
DeleteIt's rough doing that when it's cold but it looks like a fascinating spot to visit. I really need to visit more of our Civil War places (before the next one begins, which daily feels like "anytime now."
ReplyDeleteI have to drink at least 3 cups of hot tea to warm up afterwards :) Keeping fingers crossed that that's not the case Jeanie, praying hard.
DeleteShades of my childhood! I lived in Manassas from age 5 to 17, and then outside of town from 18 until 23, with one year in Alexandria. It became too crowded for me, so we fled to this far side of WV. The Old Stone House and that well full of amputated limbs.. or was that just a legend? But the Battlefield Park was the site of many, many family outings.
ReplyDeleteHi Granny Sue, yes it's very, very crowded here and I refuse to go on the freeways in rush hour. I'm tucked away where I live though and I do like being near all the amenities and so many of them to choose from. I try and pick times less traveled if you know what I mean :) I'm not sure it was legend or not, but it was a hospital, a private home first and then came the Civil War. I don't know if its original owners came back but someone subsequently bought it before it was eventually turned over to the local authority.
DeleteAs I recall, the old stone house was used as a hospital during the war.
DeleteMy sister Judy actually lived just down the road from there, in an old house she rented with her hubby when first married. The house was completely surrounded by thd battlefield. And our schoolmate Charlie Sharp lived in a house near or within the battlefield too, very near the Ben Lomond barn. I guess all of that is gone now.
Thanks for the info. All very interesting, especially knowing that your sister and your old school friend actually lived on the battlefield.
DeleteAmazing skies Denise. Great photos :-D The dog looks like a Wirehaired Vizsla. I had one called Marlowe (after the detective) but when me and my ex split in 2016 he took Marlowe and I got the cats. A friend of the exs still has him and I see his photos from time to time. He's an old boy now! Still love him after all these years of not seeing me him. :-D
ReplyDeleteHi Ananka and thanks for the id on that cute dog. Marlowe must have been a pretty dog. I'm not surprised you still love him, they get into your heart and stay there don't they?
DeleteWe lived in an apartment in Alexandria too but from our wedding in March 1974 to December 1974 when we bought our first house in Columbia, MD. The apartment was on Beacon Hill off US Route 1.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I ever walked the Manassas Battlefield. Isn't it also known as the Battle of Bull Run?
Hi Marcia, and yes but the Battle of Bull Run refers to two skirmishes Marcia, First and Second Bull Run, one in 1861 and the other in 1862. Confederates won both.
DeleteLovely photos
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine :)
DeleteA lovely show in the sky and what an interesting place to walk with so much history. Hooray for the tree surviving.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellen, it is and yes, hooray for the tree :)
DeleteThe stone work on the house is breathtaking. We took a tour of Gettysburg years ago.
ReplyDeletePlaces like Manassas and Gettysburg will make us all appreciate those who came before us..
Hugs cecilia
Beautifully put Cecilia, thank you :)
DeleteThese photos are beautiful. I love it.
ReplyDeleteThat wonderful! Thank you so much Regine :) Hugs, Denise
DeleteLovely photos. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne, much appreciated :)
DeleteI enjoyed your post and photographs.
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice one of Gregg looking at one of the many historical markers.
Have a good week.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan :) much appreciated. You have a good week too and all the best, Denise
DeleteEs un bello lugar. Me gustan las fotos del cielo. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDelete¡Muchas gracias! Me alegra mucho que lo hayas disfrutado. Te deseo que sigas teniendo una semana estupenda y te mando un beso.
DeleteWhen I lived just a short distance away when family and friends came to visit we always took them for a hike there. but I do wish you had been our tour guide. Much more info than we received from placards there. :-) Then of course said friends and I would go to the winery just a smidge down this road to end our day. All that hiking made us thirsty you know (was it bull run winery?)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds very pleasant finishing up at the winery. I'll have to see if it's still there. We have several not too far away now. It would be a great place to take friends, for those interesting in history and for the good exercise. Finishing off with a trip to a winery would be lovely.
DeleteThere's lots of wide open spaces for a walk. And you've also got some wide open blue sky.
ReplyDeleteIt is, this doesn't show half of it :) The park has over 40 miles of trails with lots of loops.
DeleteBeautiful photos, especially of the sky.
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated Yvonne and thank you :)
DeleteSo glad that you could get out for a walk even though it sounds like it got cold later. It is an interesting, historical place to walk.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Diane and considering what went on all those years ago, it is one of the most peaceful places around here.
DeleteThat looks like a lovely walk and even though it was cold the skies look so beautiful. I hope that the tree survives.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to virtually share your day out at the Manassas National Battlefield Park. Thank you, Denise.
Thanks Beverely, I hope it survives for many, many more years :) Glad you enjoyed.
DeleteI’ve been there many times. It hasn’t changed much over the years.
ReplyDeleteNo it hasn’t :) Thank you Linda.
Delete