It's a scam!

Recently, I almost got scammed out of $2499. The scam started in Facebook market place and moved to PayPay, actually someone claiming to be PayPal. While I did some stupid things, I stopped the scam just in time and didn't lose any money.  But, I had to close all my bank and credit card accounts, open new ones, change passwords, etc. Eventually I closed my PayPal account, too. The whole ordeal was very stressful and inconvenient. 

Everybody needs to watch the 2024 movie The Beekeeper -- and learn from it. I had forgotten the lessons. In the movie, Jason Statham kills all the bad guys. In the real world, scammers usually get away with their crimes and the legal scams continue without oversight or consequence.

Seventeen years ago, I paid to have leaf guards installed over my gutters. You can see the leaf guards on the garage gutters, but they weren't visible on the house (unless you climbed on the roof). I assumed they had been installed. But they aren't there. Where did they go? The company (Gutters for less) said the roofers probably took them off. I had a new roof installed two years ago. The roofers didn't remove the leaf guards. Where did the leaf guards go?  Perhaps, they were never installed. Did they scam me!

Fourteen years ago, my dumb-ass brother talked me into investing in gold and silver. He directed me to a company in California. Recently, I got an appraisal to see how much my investment was now worth. Well, not much compared to the initial investment, especially when you consider it's been 14 years. My investment would have earned much more if I had invested the same amount of money in the stock market. Even just keeping the money in a savings account would have yielded as much, if not a higher return. 

The main reason for the poor return is because the company charged me way too much money for the coins I purchased (in 2012). In other words, they scammed me. The California company went out of business several years ago. Surprise! Hope my brother suffered the same fate. Should have never listened to him. Stupid on my part. Being in love with money (him) doesn't make you knowledgeable about the financial markets.

Now I think everything is a scam. Of course, there are plenty of legal scams out there (e.g., tipping, credit card fees, etc.) to go along with the illegal ones. Government and business are just as guilty of scamming as the "criminals." My radar is up. Trust nobody and nothing.

Battle of Cedar Creek

Before today, I knew nothing about the Civil War Battle of Cedar Creek -- or at least nothing I could remember. Mom and I had seen a sign for it when we were driving 81 North after having visited the Manassas (Bull Run) Battlefield last week. So, we went today. It was a fairly scenic drive through the Virginia Countryside. On the way, we stopped and ate at a tasty Greek restaurant in Berryville. 

National Park stamps

The visitor's center was located in a strip mall (that was a first). Sadly the AC was on the fritz -- and it was a very steamy day. The park ranger on duty was very friendly and informative.  We enjoyed talking to him. There were few visitors so we were able to monopolize his time. An electric map detailed the battle. The battlefield itself spans several counties. We did a bit of the driving tour. 

Electric map of battlefield

Sheridan arrives

Important spot

The Battle of Cedar Creek (also called Belle Grove) was fought on October 19, 1864 near Middletown, Virginia. It was a decisive victory for the Union. After a surprise dawn attack from Confederate General Jubal Early put the Union army into a chaotic retreat, Major General Philip Sherman rode in from Winchester, rallied his regrouped troops, and launched a powerful offensive that crushed Confederate forces. The battle proved to be pivotal, as it ended Confederate resistance in the Shenandoah Valley, crippled Southern supply lines, and provided the morale boost needed to get Lincoln reelected. 

Fatal halt

Miller property where Confederates made their last stand

Belle Grove Plantation served as Sheridan's headquarters. The property was at the center of action during the Cedar Creek Battle. Initially, Belle Grove was the home of Revolutionary War Officer Major Isaac Hite and his wife Nelly Madison Hite, sister of President James Madison. Today it is part of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historic Park.

Belle Grove Plantation, c. 1797

Belle Grove was the largest slaveholder in the Shenandoah Valley

Historic mansion influence by Thomas Jefferson

Enslaved burial ground

Historic marker:  Pioneer settler of the Shenandoah Valley

Two Civil War Battlefields in One

The year Dad died, Mom and I visited many Civil War sites. We've been back to Gettysburg many times since and Antietam once or twice. Not sure why we hadn't visited Manassas National Battlefield Park (in Virginia) yet. It's not much farther than Gettysburg. So we went today. Unfortunately it's not the most pleasant drive (maybe that's why) since it's so close to DC. I tried to go back roads on the way down, but took a wrong turn. We took 66 and 81 on the way back. We had dinner at the "world's oldest" Long John Silvers. Ugh!

National Park stamps

Also known as the Battle of Bull Run

The visitor's center was nice, though not very accommodating to people with disabilities. There was an informative museum, gift shop, and 45 minute film. We learned much. I left Mom in the gift shop, while I explored the grounds (Henry Hill) a bit. Afterwards, we drove to a few places. I'd like to go back to do the whole driving tour. Maybe, take Ty with me. 

Henry House (built after war, c. 1870)

The Henry House on Henry Hill was the epicenter of battle in the first battle of Manassas. Refusing to leave her bed, an 85-year old invalid woman (Judith Henry) became the first civilian casualty of the Civil War. Her grave site is in front of the house. The original 1812 dwelling was destroyed in the war. A new structure was built on its foundation in 1870. It served as the park's initial visitor's center.

Henry Hill

Judith Henry grave

Honoring the dead

First Civil War monument

The First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) was the first major (land) battle of the American Civil War. It was fought on July 21, 1861, just months after the start of the war at Fort Sumter. Troops on both sides were naïve and poorly trained and led. Their uniforms were all different colors. While people traveled from Washington DC to watch the war (from about 5 miles away), expecting a Union victory, it was after this battle that both sides realized that the war was going to be longer and bloodier than anyone thought. The human cost ended up being more than anyone could have imagined: 1.5 million casualties.

Henry Hill

Where he fell

Can you imagine?

The stone house survived the Civil War and was restored to its war-time appearance in the 1960s. During the first and second battles of Manassas, the house provided combat cover and shelter and served as an aid station and field hospital.  It was built somewhere around 1848 as a tavern for wagoneers and travelers. 

Stone House, c. ~1848

Old Stone House marker

Casualties were significantly higher in the Second Battle of Manassas. It was a decisive victory for the Confederates and cleared the way for Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North. Of course, we all know how that turned out. Union victories at Antietam and Gettysburg changed the trajectory of the war.

Site of fierce fighting in the 2nd Battle of Manassas

One of three monuments to New York troops

The Stone Bridge is one of several historical landmarks on the Manassas National Battlefield. Originally built in 1825, it was a critical crossing point and escape route during both the first and second battles. It was destroyed in 1862 and rebuilt in 1884.

Stone Bridge signage

Stone Bridge (c. 1825, rebuilt 1884) over Bull Run 

The other side of the bridge

The Sons of Confederate Veterans established Manassas Battlefield as a Confederate Park in 1924. Their purpose was to glorify the Confederacy. They turned the land over to the National Park Service in 1936 on the stipulation that the state of Virginia be allowed to erect a monument to Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson.  Jackson earned his famous nickname at the first Battle of Manassas, as his brigade made a firm stand against Union forces. The statue is considered to be historically and physically inaccurate.

The war over memory

Like a Stone Wall

This was the first southern battlefield I've visited. There are many more battlefields in Virginia to explore. Approximately 43 percent of all Civil War battles were fought in Virginia, due to its proximity to Richmond.

Another view of the lake

Mom and I have been to Raystown Lake several times. She and Dad used to go there. It was Ty's first time. We went for a Sunday drive; the three of us. The drive to Raystown Lake is nice. No interstates. I wanted to find a new view of the lake. I did:  Ridenour Overlook and Hawn's Overlook. The first one was very close to the parking lot. The second was a pleasant 600 yard out-and-back hike. Ty enjoyed the second. A chance to pee another ten times and poop. Mom waited in the air conditioned car. I shared the pictures with her when Ty and I got back. 

Ridenour Overlook

The dam

Stone marker

Headed towards the overlook
Watch a video of us hiking

Ridenour Overlook offers views of the lake and dam. Hawn's overlook provides 180 degree views of  the lake area. Ty was careful not to get too close to the edge. 

Hahn's Overlook

Raystown Lake

Ty enjoying the view

Lone motor boat on the lake     

Rocky Gap State Park

I had been wanting to go to Rocky Gap State Park for some time, so Ty and I went today. The temperature was supposed to be below 80 degrees and there was no rain in the forecast. And my schedule was unhindered. Ty was raring to go somewhere.

A rugged mountain wilderness and manmade lake

Ty liked the lake.

Opened in 1974, Rocky Gap State Park encompasses 3,000 acres and includes Lake Habeeb, Mount Evitts, and a privately owned resort, casino, and golf course. Lake Habeeb is a 243-acre reservoir fed by Rocky Gap Run. There are no natural lakes in Maryland. Only reservoirs and dams. I didn't know that. Mom's from Minnesota where there are 10,000 lakes!  The difference between the two states is their glacial history. During the last Ice Age, Minnesota was glaciated whereas Maryland was too far south to be glaciated, thus no natural basins to fill with water

Lakeside

Lakeside Loop Trail

Along the trail

Four!  - golf course along the lake

My hiking buddy

There is a moderate 5.3 mile Lakeside loop (hike) that goes completely around Lake Habeeb. Ty and I hiked part of it. I would like to do the whole loop, but we didn't have enough time today. Fall would be a better time (cooler). Maybe even prettier with the changing colors of the leaves. We hiked around for about two hours today. That was plenty for Ty and I. We don't like to overexert ourselves!

Lake Habeeb

Follow the orange trees

Wild Cherries

Ty's tree (I removed the E from the carving!)

Very blue

Purple flowers

Banks of the lake

There is a shorter hike (Canyon Overlook Trail) that offers views of the mile-long gorge formed by Rocky Gap Run and the limestone cliffs. Ty and I walked this one, but it was hard to tell if we were on the right path. We did an out-and-back. There was also a loop trail. We didn't see down inside the gorge (did we miss something?). Trees obstructed the view, but it was still scenic. You could see the gorge near the dam; hence, the picture.

Gorge

Evitt's Homesite Trail

Trail head (waypoint)

Ty at the overlook

On the edge

A lot of trees

Pine cone

Breathtaking view

Back in the water

Rocky Gap was a good place to take Ty. Lake Habeeb was easily accessible. The water was calm and clear. He went in the lake several times. People often ask me if Ty likes to swim. I tell them that he likes to play in the water:  wade in it (up to his belly), drink the water, and bite at it. Not swim. The water level of Lake Habeeb is unseasonably low due to drought (recent rains have helped), but there was plenty of water for Ty to enjoy.