Worldwide Wanderers

Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Fed, Mint - Sept 25, 2022  Today we walked across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to New Jersey and found Camden and saw their Rudkins University location. It was a challenge to find the entrance to the pedestrian walkway. From Google maps, we could only tell that it was near the Benjamin Franklin park, which walked through another day. It had a fountain, putt-putt, and a merry-go-round. Trying our best to follow our GPS location and map, we finally found a sign saying where to go. The first entrance was closed, but I saw an under the highway walkway (first thought it may be the entrance to the bridge), which did go to the other side, which was side.    Views of the Delaware River.  Philadelphia skyline After the walk back, we wanted to find lunch on South Street known for its restaurants. Well, it either had a rough covid time or only open in the evening; from what I can tell, a combination. We did not find anything for lunch. Getting bac...

  Valley Forge - Sept 25, 2022 I thought the first Jeep with flags and loud and being obnoxious. Then we saw many, and they lined up for a parade, cool. We passed this walking to catch the bus to Valley Forge. Valley Forge was at the end of route; we are alone at the end.  Revolutionary war guns and gun powder horns that the owner had decorated with carvings. The Visitor Center announced the movie starting in the next building in ten minutes, so we went over to watch it. It was very informative because before I knew very little about Valley Forge's purpose.  We planned a hike around the loop. Redoubt to watch for and help block out the enemy.  Good view from the Redoubt.  The Americans were training over the winter of 1777-78; they built 1,500 of these huts for shelter. There were 12,000 soldiers and 400 women and children. It became the fourth largest city in America. Information from the National Park Service map.   Travis testing the hut bed for us....

Mutter Museum and Eastern State Penitentiary - Sept 24, 2022 We had 10am timed-entry tickets to the Mütter Museum, so we were able to sleep in a little. We passed this art on the way.  Then we started the walk to the Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. There were others there before they opened. They came out to open and then closed the door back. We were like should we go in or not ready for us yet. Then he came back and said that they were open :). This museum did not allow pictures because it was specimens of real people and some with of their real names. I was worried this would be too disturbing for me, and we learned that lots of things can go wrong with the human body. It does give one a lot to be thankful for. Some was disturbing, but I just looked away. It was also interesting. It was definitely different than anything else than we have visited. The Medical History Library was open the day that we were there -- on weekends. Medical re...

Walking around and the Rodin Museum -- Sept 23, 2022 My grocery store bagel toasted with cream cheese was very good. We explored more of the Independence Hall area. Benjamin Franklin and wife's gravestone, and some good information about his life.  We went through Chinatown and to Reading Terminal Market for a pork sandwich for lunch. Travis liked it; I was not a big fan -- Philly cheesesteak was much better. Also, we got some chocolates from the candy stand at the Market -- dark chocolate peanut butter cups, dark chocolate coconut, and dark chocolate covered cashews. They were delicious; the peanut butter cups were the best.  We headed toward the art museum area through Logan's square and found the Amor version of the Love sign.  Rodin Museum. The Thinker and then the Gates of Hell.  Sculpture of Balzac and the seal that looks the sculpture below of the him as well.  Philadelphia Museum of Art. We did not visit but looked at the outside with the stairs that Roc...