July 25-26 Wait, which time frame?

July 25 I had to remind myself I was back to 1776, no longer 1860's !!! Confusing. Valley Forge is a gorgeous National Park just off the highway. Forgetting my plans to run the 5-mile loop, running once more in Gettysburg, I opted for a bike ride at Valley Forge. (bike rentals right there!) This hilly terrain was loaded with exercise enthusiasts, day campers, and moms with strollers! Disappointed to learn everything was replicated!!!! Washington's headquarters may have been authentic - by the time I got there (off the main loop) I admired it from afar- really no biggy. What I DID find interesting was that his headquarters, while at Valley Forge, is at the base of a pretty steep hill - this surprised me, as he told his men to build their barracks on high ground as sanitation was a concern back then. So were all the soldiers waste streaming down to Washington's headquarters?? Eww. Actually the troops buildings were a distance from his. Took a picture of Baron Von Stueben, the Prussian drill sergeant (discharged from his own military) because my students find his story clever. Back on the road 3 hours or so later, it was rush hour in the Philadelphia metro area! Got quickly accustomed to one ways - William Penn's parallel road design helped!!! I left the baby Jeep in a parking garage. (Tomorrow, I'll see if she is still there.) First impression of Philly is 'smelly'. A combination of sweat, urine, and fried cheese steak. As I have explored the city for a day and a half now..... it's still smelly. The history is like non other - beats DC for sure. There are neighborhoods, a China town, gallery area, foodie area, museums, zoo, bridges..... all the same stuff as any big city...AND Rocky's legacy here lives on!!! So, all in all... This is a pretty cool place. The fact that our Founding Fathers were walking, talking, debating, and compromising here is THE BEST - I'd love to visit this stinky town again!! July 26 - After a long hot day touring, I showered off the sweat (not sure why) for round two... an early evening stroll down Chestnut. Once outdoors, I was greeted by swirling, black clouds, wind, dust, and dirt!!!!!! Back inside for the night :-) Finally, a needed storm to give this place the bath it needs :-)