Day 29 – July 17, 2019

I think we may have this blog thing all wrong. This should be Ashley’s blog and maybe she could let me write it sometimes.

As we began our day, Peaches the cat made another appearance. Again, Ashley made a plea to catnap him. But Peaches is an outdoor cat, most happy when he is keeping the mouse population under control at the campground. So we left him to prowl.

We were about an hour outside Philadelphia. It would be fun to visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. We thought we could just park near the sites and have a great time.

Alas, Philly was beyond crowded. The traffic was rediculous and the parking was worse. We were not getting that loving feeling and we were ready to bid the whole state of Pennsylvania a fond farewell.

We continued down the freeway and made a stop in beautiful Wilmington, Delaware. A quick check of the weather revealed that the temperature was 91 degrees. But the 80% humidity made it feel like 106!

We found a sign for soft serve ice cream and ran toward it. Ashley ordered a birthday cake flavored swirl in a waffle cone. She had to eat it quick because it was melting.

We took a walk along the riverfront but the heat was a beatdown and the only air conditioning was found in the restrooms and in the van.

We continued south into Maryland. We stopped for lunch at a service plaza.

We had a family meeting to decide what to do next. Kathy wanted to go to Fort McHenry in Baltimore. Ashley and I were sick of the boiling heat and thought the idea of kicking back in a hotel room had a nice ring to it.

We parked at Fort McHenry at 3:30. The heat was starting to decline slightly, but we spent the first hour and a half in the visitors center looking at exhibits, working on the Jr. Ranger packet and watching a terrific movie about the War of 1812 and how Francis Scott Key came to write the Star Spangled Banner.

As the film ends, a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem fills the auditorium and the screen rises revealing the fort and the massive American flag that flies above it. It’s an awesome moment.

At 5:00, we left the comfort of the visitors center to see the flag lowering ceremony.

As the flag was lowered, the ranger invited all in attendance to help gather and fold the flag. The wind was blowing hard so this was no small task.

Kathy had the honor of the final fold.

With the task completed, we were allowed to hold the flag for a photo op.

While in the fort, Ashley finished up her booklet. We scampered back to the visitors center for badge number 8.

The wind continued to howl and now dark clouds were overhead. Just like yesterday, a thunderstorm was brewing.

Thankfully, it did not start raining super hard until we got to the hotel. We still got drenched even though we parked near the front door.

Within an hour, the rain and accompanying lightening and thunder dissapated. Little frightened Ashley calmed down.

We cranked up the air and settled in for the evening.