Sunday, September 28, 2008

James Madison's Montpelier

Thursday, the kids and I went on a field trip to James Madison's Montpelier in Orange, Virginia. It was a cold and rainy day, but we had fun and learned much.

Before our guided tour started we had a chance to take in the exhibit of personal items of the Madison family, they have Dolley's engagement ring and a pair of earrings (you know I was all eyes for those!). We had an opportunity to tour the house, and learn its history, then headed outside to learn about the slaves and indentured servants that were at Montpelier. Next came our ecological exploration in the James Madison National Landmark Forest.






They have an archaeology dig in progress on the grounds.




I thought this was interesting - the wholes in the leaves are due to a recent hail storm.


This looked like a huge growth on the tree - but just where the tree is "healing" itself.



This big old tree will not be standing for much longer.


Our tour guide










After our tour was over, we walked quickly through the gardens because the rain was really starting to come down. All I needed was a nice comfy chair, a good book and oh yeah - no rain!



1 comment:

lahbluebonnet said...

We were there on our vacation in Virginia in August! I blogged all about lovely Montpelier! We had a little rain that afternoon too! I like how you posted your pictures!
Blessings,
Laurie
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