Day 2 at Valley Forge

The day started off a little rough. Our bus was late picking us up, so while Jonathan was dreaming up an alternate plan, I decided to go back to my dorm to use the bathroom. Upon leaving my dorm, I went to catch the elevator to return to the group. I waited and waited for the elevator. I heard it go past the doors several times. After waiting for five minutes and hearing it pass me by again and again, I decided to take the stairs. When I reached the foyer I found my group had left me! Except for my loyal daughter who went to look for me (and ran into the same elevator problem) and Dave. We caught up with our group who was waiting on the bus for the boxed  lunches.

We were finally on our way! We reached the park and what a beautiful park it is. There were a few log shelters that were recreated to show the conditions that the soldiers lived in. The cabins were actually very well built and cozy and comfortable. The soldiers took pride in their work.

While driving through the park, we saw deer at several spots. We were reminded how many deer it would take to feed the thirty thousand soldiers at the encampment. There wouldn’t be enough venison  in the area, and at the time of the war, the countryside was farmland, not wilderness.

Visiting George Washington’s headquarters was especially exciting. It was a beautiful rock home that was rented for the temporary purpose of orchestrating the war. The fact that the staircase was original was very thrilling. I actually touched the handrail that George Washington, Martha, Von Stueben, and a host of other patriots had held onto!

Speaking of Von Stueben, I loved the story that Bill told us about the genius Major General. This German officer was made a U.S. citizen. While on his campaigns throughout the colonies, he collected dirt and saved it in a trunk. When asked why, he said that when he is buried in his homeland Germany, he wanted to be buried on American soil.  This a very touching story whether it’s actually true or not.

It’s hard to believe that such a peaceful, beautiful place as Valley Forge was the stage of so much suffering and death.

Day 1 in Philly

DAY 1 in PHILLY

 

What a day! What a place! Our first day in this historic Wonderland was spent in town square. The moment I entered Independence Hall I felt a lump grow in my throat. I became surprisingly emotional. To realize what went on two hundred thirty years ago right where I stood was very humbling and entrancing.

 

Thomas Jefferson’s walking stick was lying on the table where he sat debating the future of our country. His actual walking stick! The Presidents’ Chair (a.k.a.) the Sunrise Chair was at the center of the room. This is the chair where George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, among others, had sat. Their actual bottoms were in that very chair! Just to think of the cast of characters present in that room at one time. You could almost feel their presence, energy, and power in that room. It was almost a spiritual experience.

 

Another powerful experience was sitting in Christ Church. Again, the people I shared a pew with are incredible! I wanted to touch the 600 year-old baptismal font. It boggles my mind to think of something that old still in beautiful condition, and still being used today. It’s enough to lay my eyes upon it.

 

It seems that today’s experiences will be hard to top, but I’m sure the rest of the week won’t disappoint!  

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