Been craving shrimp. So nice to be near saltwater again 😋

Takes 15-20 minutes to get to central D.C.

During the war of 1812, on September 12th of 1914, the British attempted to sieze Baltimore (having already captured Washington D.C. and burned the White House). Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer, was aboard one of the British ships attacking Fort McHenry. On the morning of September 14th, the British withdrew, having been unable to take the fort. The flag that was flying today was indentical in size and design that Key saw on that morning, inspiring him to write the poem that later became the Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem.

Fascinating visit.

Philadelphia was wonderful. I’d have to say that visiting Independence Hall for the first time was certainly the highlight of my visit and certainly one of the highlights of this trip. It was an amazing place – the actual building and room (not a reproduction) where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed.

But, time to move on. Today I drive to Alexandria, Virginia where I’ll spend the next four nights. For the three days there, I’ll take the Metro train into DC. It’s really a great way to visit DC. The Alexandria hotels are cheaper than downtown DC and the train ride is about 20 minutes or so. After a full day of walking, sitting on the train back to my hotel will be a welcome relief.

Since it’s a relatively short drive, I’m once again going to stop in Baltimore, this time to visit Fort McHenry.

Better weather today, no rain.

Once again, a few things closed – the interior of Christ Church and a sculpture, “Bicentennial Dawn” inside the Federal building, both due to renovations. Closures yesterday were due to time of year. Most sites are open seven days a week during the summer but only weekends after Labor Day. Some places of course, like Independence Hall, are open every day all year long.

Today I was able to visit Franklin’s grave, Betsy Ross’s house and grave and then various other small sights within the historic area around Independence Hall.

It seems that I collect grave sites when I travel. So for this trip, Lincoln, Franklin and Betsy Ross. Over the last two years, George Washington (at Mount Vernon) and Thomas Jefferson (at Monticello).

Another Philly classic – roast pork with provolone, horseradish on the side

Tapas and beers at a Cuban restaurant. This is yellowfin ceviche 😋

Somewhat of a disappointing day. Woke up to thunderstorms and heavy rain. Rain quickly lightened up but continued off and on most of the day. Luckily I brought PNW raingear.

Tried visiting the Edgar Allen Poe house – closed today. Tried visiting the grave of Benjamin Franklin – gravesite closed today. Tried visiting the portrait gallery at the Second Bank – closed today.

Ended up spending a couple of hours at the Museum of the American Revolution. This is a private museum, not part of the National Historic Park (run by the National Parks Service). It was ok, though I don’t think it provided a very coherent history of the war. Not horrible, just not great. But, it was out of the rain.

Had to have a classic cheesesteak – steak, cheese whiz, onions, mushrooms and sweet bell peppers, at Spataro’s in Reading Terminal Market 😀😋