I am sorry about the dearth of posts this week, but I have been getting ready to go to Gettysburg for the sesquicentennial. I have been to Gettysburg several times over the years, including a memorable trip with my soon-to-be-wife in 2009, and must say that I have never been more excited about being there than I am for the 150th. Usually we make the drive to Antietam as well, but I think this year it will probably be all Gettysburg, all the time. Last year was the first year I felt I understood how the battle, the town, and even the region all fit together; this year I want to expand on that. I intend to take some of the extended ranger hikes and things like that. I am also planning on tracking the ground walked by the Florida regiments who fought in the battle, which is of interest to me because I grew up in the Sunshine State. This is a manageable undertaking because there only 2-3 such regiments, ideal for an afternoon of tramping. The trick in 2013 is to stay off-the-beaten-path because the crowds are going to be so big, especially now that the anniversary of the campaign is underway. I am intentionally putting off reading Allen Guelzo’s Gettysburg: The Last Invasion until I return. There may be a quick visit to Monocacy in there as well. I have always wanted to the site of The Battle That Saved Washington, and it happens to be on the way back to where we are headed the final day.

When I get back I will have a lot on my plate, including volunteering at Governors Island National Monument and my book proposal. It should be a fun summer. FYI, it will be light posting, if any, between now and the end of the month.