Monday, August 31, 2020

Harrisburg, PA

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We settled in at our campsite 20 south of Harrisburg to the north, and Gettysburg to the south.  Nestled in the rolling hills and small mountains, our camp was primarily a holiday/vacation resort.  There were over 150 travel trailers permanently hooked up for long term stays.  At first, we thought they were primary residences, but when no one came home at the end of the day, we figured they were all “mountain cabin” getaways.  Over the two nights we were there we were able to confirm our suspicion.  It amazes me that someone would purchase a trailer, then park it at a basic resort and pay $350 a month plus utilities.  Although, if it was a mountain cabin you sought, this might be the less expensive option…and of course it is moveable.

We spent our full day driving to Harrisburg where we visited the state capitol complex.  We got a safe, private tour of the building.  Our tour group was limited to one guide and four guests.  And since we were not in the same family, the guide asked us to make sure we gave each other a full six-feet distance.  She reminded once again a bit later on.  And, we also were allowed to use the elevator separately.  It was a very large elevator and we decided to share it.  Already, some of our rules are getting relaxes…but that is the subject of another post.

The current capitol building is 120 years old and was elaborately decorated.  Set up as most, it had senate chambers in one wing and congressional in the other.  In-between was a magnificent rotunda with a glass and terracotta tiled dome.  Leaders of state departmental offices lined the hallways.  Throughout the building were remarkable applied canvas murals, sculpture, and cases of historical documents and artifacts.  Baroque columns, ornate niches, and stunning carved-stone cornices were eclipsed by unique chandeliers weighing over a 4,000 pounds each.







Outside was a memorial fountain surrounded by other state office buildings and the state museum.  The museum was closed due to the pandemic.  The downtown area was remarkably quiet; few folks were on the street and businesses appeared open but without customers.  Walking back to the truck, we decided to forego lunch and head out for some shopping.



On the way out of town we stopped at a large local supermarket called GIANT FOODS.  What initially looked like a big, discount box store turned out to be a really nice, well-stocked market, rivalling Whole Foods in every respect.  We stocked up on basics and fresh, and then discovered they were offering flu shots at the pharmacy.  We each got our seasonal quad-virus shot, free, and the staff could not have been more pleasant.  The pharmacist administered the shot in a private room.  We felt perfectly safe.

Returning home, we had an earlier supper and sacked in early.  Tomorrow is a 300 miles drive to reach Cooperstown.


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