Better Late Than Never

Ranger speaking in Independence Hall

I've been too tired for the last few nights to sit down and share with you the places we've been.  Because we are all so tired, we've decided to take a couple of days off from traveling and just stay in camp until Wednesday.

Last Friday we ventured into Philadelphia.  My Dad was from there and I can remember several trips back here to visit his family.  Things are not how I remember them.  I guess we rarely came into the actual city.  Maybe it was just the route we took, but  traffic was terrible and the people seemed harried, unhappy and short tempered.  This was not the quaint little eastern town I was expecting.    Eventually we did find a parking lot and walked to Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was voted on and signed.  Once we got into the grounds of the park, the rangers were friendly, happy and well informed.  Our guide was great and reminded Pete of a young Bill Cosby.

The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

Next we walked down the street to the Liberty Bell and then walked around the streets of old Philadelphia.  I was really happy to have Dad and Pete close by.  It wasn't the greatest area.

How Washington's men spent the winter

The last stop of our day on Friday was Valley Forge where Washington and his troops camped during one of the winters of the Revolutionary war.  We got there just before sundown and the grounds were peaceful and beautiful.

The cabins that the soldiers stayed in were bare and cold, and the home that Washington stayed in was lovely.  Rank had it's privileges even then.  We must have seen 50 deer that evening.   Even Dad says I'm not exaggerating on that one.

The home where Washington spent the winter

We spent another pleasant night in our campground and headed out toward New York on Saturday morning.  What a day that was, but Dad has decided he wants to tell you about that one.  That's it for now.  Loved your pictures from the family dinner last night.  Miss  you all and love you.

Mom

Dad and I having fun at Valley Forge!  You can see some of the deer in the background.