Page 37 - April Banner 2018_Neat

Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com www.TheCatoctinBanner.com The Catoctin Banner Newspaper April 2018 Page 37
A Trip Worth Taking

Adventures
from a
Traveler’s
Notebook

(left) Visit “Cool Spring,” a
by Lisa C. historic home on the grounds.
Cantwell

(below) Take a walk along the
banks of the Shenandoah River
that borders the abbey.

Warm and blooming, April lures us outside to take in all the
wonders of spring. This month, I’ve chosen a holy site. Far more than
a destination, it is a place that invites contemplation, with scenery
that delights both city-bound and nature-lover alike. Civil War buffs Ridge Mountains at sunset,
will also be drawn to this secluded place along the Shenandoah River, the river sparkling at last
seemingly a world away in time, but only 57 miles from Thurmont. light. I said aloud, “Oh, you
beautiful farm!” I pray it’s
here forever, but the number
of monks these days is small,
Holy Cross Abbey and Cool Spring there are few converts.
Besides the pastoral
Farm, Berryville, Virginia setting of the farm, another
lure of this place is history.
I found this peaceful place three retreat center is appreciated. I didn’t Cool Spring has been farmed Sunday, beginning at 3:30 a.m. A
years ago, when searching for a find the “shhhhh” aspect of the place since 1730, and was the site of beautiful, yet unadorned chapel
quiet place in the country from awkward at all, and I had plenty of a significant Civil War battle in is open in the retreat house for
which to write for a few days. opportunity to visit with other guests 1864. The manse, built in 1784, guests who desire independent
A friend recommended it to me, while on walks about the grounds. still stands and houses a spare contemplation. There is also a
and even though I’m not of the These recollections from my travel interpretive exhibit of the Battle library for guest use.
Catholic faith, I knew that some journal highlight the “why” of such a of Cool Spring. The second floor The last attraction of Holy Cross
monasteries welcomed the public to getaway: of the house contains a collection Abbey is its gift shop. A barefoot
stay overnight, attend service, walk “I had such joy walking through of tools and arrowheads made by monk in a plain brown robe will
the grounds, and even take meals the quiet of the monk’s cemetery and Native Americans found on the greet you and help you choose
in the dining woods. Lured place. Although there is no marker the perfect icon, statue, baked
room. Holy Photos by Lisa Cantwell on by the site on the farm that commemorates goods, flavored creamed honey,
Cross Abbey is of an old barn the battle, there are several in the or my favorite, a brandy-fused
such a place. and silo in the region, the nearest being on the fruitcake. I was never a fruitcake
Located on distance, I took Castleman Road approach, off fan until I savored a piece made
1,200 farmed a dirt path all Rt. 7. According to the Civil War by these humble monks. Store
acres along the the way to the Trust site, over 13,000 Union hours vary, so check the website.
Shenandoah river bottom, and Confederate soldiers clashed For more information about Holy
River, just past cornfields, on July 18, 1864, at Cool Spring Cross Abbey and Cool Spring
outside Angus cattle, Plantation over attempting to Farm, visit their website at www.
Berryville, and a show- cross the Shenandoah River. The virginiatrappists.org/retreat-house/
Virginia, Holy stopping cast commanders were Major General or call 540-955-4283.
Cross offers of birds, like Horatio G. Wright, Union, and
lodging and red-wings, General Jubal Early, Confederate.
meals in its meadowlarks, The battle was considered a
comfortable Outdoor Chapel, Holy Cross Abbey. bluebirds, Confederate victory, although both
Monastery cardinals, and sides suffered similar numbers of
Retreat House. Baltimore casualties: 422 Union troops fell,
A simple, but clean, single-occupancy orioles. Near the river bank stood compared with 397 Confederate
room, with a private bath and a an old frame, Federal-style home, troops. The house is open to the
view requires a $50 deposit. Rates once proud, now abandoned, but still public.
are determined by you, as the donor, awash in faded yellow paint. I stood Another possibility for a new
but an offering of $150-$300 for the and watched it glow there as I could experience while visiting the Abbey
weekend is suggested. It costs the go no further, its approach entangled is a rare view into monastic life.
monks $75 per night to operate the in vines and brush. I tried to imagine Although the quarters of the monks
retreat house. Three daily meals and who lived there and how many boats are private, and they are mostly
snacks are included, complete with they waved to, going up and down silent, guests are invited to attend
flavored honeys and fruit cake, with the Shenandoah. An old orchard, scheduled services in their church
just a hint of brandy, made by the barn, smokehouse, and springhouse throughout the day and night. Holy
Cistercian monks who live there. The spoke of a vast amount of time the Communion is offered to Catholic
only stipulation is that meals must be family must’ve spent gathering and guests at the services. The monks
taken in silence, and quiet within the preparing. I took photos of the Blue pray five times daily, six times on