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Philadelphia, PA to Lancaster, PA via Valley Forge, PA Exton, PA– 8,400 KMS

Oct 09, 2013



The planned tour of Valley Forge didn’t happen compliments of the Federal Government shutdown because this is a National Park. Interesting that it is called a National Park so one would assume they belong to the ‘Nation’ rather than the politicians but apparently not. So here we are at the main gate to the park.



And a sign at the closed off road which was repeated on signs around the perimeter of the park.



A little further along the through road we found the George Washington Memorial Chapel in the hands of Private Operators and we pulled in and found it to be a very peaceful and beautiful place and appreciated some of the history we heard from a volunteer then walked along the road to discover a little more of the history.



And this is a memorial above the battleground across the road from the Chapel



A short distance from the chapel a log cabin built on the site of one of the originals built to shelter Washington’s troops. It was a brutal time here with 2,000 men dying over the two years and not from battle but starvation, illness and the cold.



The plaque on the cabin.



And another cabin further along the road in memory of some of the regiments which served there.


We continued our trip onto Lancaster and saw huge evidence of intensive agriculture along the way as well as evidence of much involvement of the Amish community but as the day progressed I became more and more aware of a really tight and painful lower back and later in the day Norm did also. That’s the worst of being such a couple of old crocks so bottom line by the time we got to Lancaster the need for a chiropractor was clear and so I googled Chiropractors in Lancaster then the closest one to our hotel and found Dr Kevin Long who was kind enough to stay back to treat us both which we greatly appreciated. We both feel more comfortable tonight and have been icing the sore bits and hope a good night’s sleep will see us more comfortable in the morning as we have a big day ahead of us. We finally figured out tonight what the trigger was for our back trouble. The hop on hop off tour was in a bus with little to no suspension and the roads around Philadelphia were appallingly rough and jarring with many times of jarring compression of our frames, a couple of times in particular.



On our way back from seeing the Chiropractor we passed the Franklin & Marshall College athletic ground and found students hard at training so thought a picture was in order.



And some student accommodation across the road.

Bits and Bobs:



Interested to see that there is reverse parking here, this is the first place we have seen it.

Last 2 night’s Accommodation:



Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel
235 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106 - 2813

A welcome and gracious building to retreat from the city. Lovely comfortable bed, helpful staff and charming room. We have found the first hotel to have 2 luggage stands (about time). Included continental breakfast and also coffee / tea and biscuits in the comfortable lounge / lobby each afternoon. Walking distance to lots of great sights and car parking just around the corner. Good value for money.

Last 2 night’s Dinner:

CUBA LIBRE – A Cuban restaurant and a recommendation from our hotel and just around the corner. The ambience was great as it was decorated like it was in a Cuban courtyard and it looked fabulous and the food didn’t disappoint. It was beautiful and reasonably priced. A great night!

The Continental – A beautifully restored and decorated Diner which is now a Cocktail Bar and Restaurant. Another recommendation from the hotel and across the road from last night’s choice. The ambience was quirky, the service good and fun and the food absolutely delicious with lots of choices of small and large plates and combinations to share and good value as well. Another great night.


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