St. John High School Washington DC Trip 2021 – Day 3

August 1, 2021—This morning, we had breakfast at the hotel and then boarded the bus for a two-hour ride to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Our first stop was the museum at Gettysburg National Military Park, where we watched a film and cyclorama about the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. (click on the photos for the full-sized version)

Next, we had a picnic lunch followed by games in a local park.

Then, we took a two-hour tour of the battlefield, led by our battlefield expert, Clay. He was very interesting and informative, and we learned a lot about the three-day battle and the monuments around the park. We heard stories of Picket’s Charge and learned the importance of holding the high ground as we walked around Little Round Top.

Once we returned to the DC area, we headed to Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia. After spending some time at the waterfront, we had dinner at Fish Market.

After dinner, we returned to the hotel to change and regroup before walking to National Harbor. This attractive little area features shopping, dining, and the Capitol Wheel, a giant Ferris Wheel that overlooks the Potomac River.

Several of the kids and some adults spent their time hanging out along the boardwalk and riding the Ferris Wheel, but I spent time walking around the streets, taking pictures of the life-sized statues that are part of The American Way.

Then, before we left, the kids took a group picture before heading back to the hotel, where they had free time to hang out or swim on their last night.

While the kids hung out, I spent some time exploring the hotel with Wendy (the St John sponsor) before turning in for the night.