Saturday, August 15, 2015

A Getaway Weekend - 15 August - Saturday - Philadelphi

Once you enter Liberty Bell Hall, there is a very interesting display of posters, newspapers, and biographies of those who have helped achieve liberty for all citizens of the United States. Very nicely done and well choreographed. At the end of the exhibition you finally get to the main attraction.

We had reservations for a 10:00 tour for and it began precisely then. I have always been very impressed with the NPS Rangers. They are knowledgeable, articulate, and personable. Our guide this morning was no exception. Lots of history about the hall, the PA legislature, and of course the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Couldn't believe that when he asked about 17 September 1787 that no one else knew that it was Constitution Day. It's so interesting to hear again about the founding of our country and to marvel at how men from 13 different colonies could come together and work together without any knowledge of each other and manage to form what would become the greatest nation in the world.

 

 

Back to the hotel for a bit of a respite and some water before we headed out to Longwood Gardens. It probably wasn't the best of planning to go to the gardens with temperatures in the 90s and bright sunshine, but we forged on, lathered with sun screen. About the only thing one can say about the gardens, the home of Pierre Samuel DuPont, is that they are magnificent and photos do the scenery and grounds justice. I have never been to Longwood, but really want to return to see them in another season, preferably in cooler weather. The conservancy covers about 4 acres and even has a ball room, organ room, and piano room. The exhibits in the house are extensive and interesting. Even allowing 4 hours, we didn't get to see everything.

 

 
 

 

 

 

We ended the day with a delightful dinner with two of Earle's grand nephews and their families at Casey's in Ridley Park. Great conversation and a chance to see how a couple of boys have turned into men. They both promised to come visit in Pittsburgh.

 

Back to the hotel and catch some shut eye for a very early morning tomorrow.

That would have been great in theory except it took the Pirates 14 innings to beat the Mets tonight. But, they pulled it out 5-3 and we hope for a sweep tomorrow.

 

No comments:

Post a Comment