Fall in Valley Forge

Most of these leaves have probably fallen by now 

since my visit to Valley Forge National Park was a few weeks ago. 

 

This was the site of a Revolutionary War encampment 

of the Continental Army under George Washington. 

The park is beautiful any time of year - 

but most beautiful in fall with so many vibrant colors. 

National Memorial Arch

I have come to realize that being a Philly suburban girl 

really does have advantages. 

This field really was like a painting.
I edited with Topaz Impression to enhance that feel. 

In about an hour I can be at the beach to the east 

or mountains to the northwest. 

I can make a day trip to New York City, Baltimore Harbor or Washington DC. 

And the history - there's so much history!

Washington's Headquarters  

I just have to remind myself of these things 

with every traffic jam I encounter.  

To Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice 

Valley Forge National Park is definitely worth the visit. 

You can drive, bike or hike through the roads and/or trails. 

There is a six mile loop that hits most of the sights. 

1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA 19406

My photos of the park can be seen here. 

When Two Worlds Collide

Love #1 doesn't usually tag along when I go out with Love #2. 

But for some reason Love #1 decided to tag along 

with Love #2 this past weekend. 

As much as I love #1, and I really do, 

this usually isn't a good mix.  

Husband (Love #1)+Photography (Love #2)=Frustration 

Love #1 is like the energizer bunny.  

Going, going, going. 

He never stops....seriously, never. 

Did you ever see a great photo from the energizer bunny?

 No, because good photos take time.

Love #1 is usually wandering ahead 

while I compose a shot with Love #2.
Above, I waited until he stepped into the doorway of this shot.
Love #1 always walks into the shot. Always.

Love #1 gets bored and is ready to leave 

when I am just getting started with Love #2.



I dare not complain though.
Love #1 fully supports Love #2.
He even gives gifts for Love #2.
Now that is saying somethin',
don'cha think?



Wink, wink.

Somehow we both managed to balance the two loves on Saturday
and left happily-ever-after.
Now that's a first.

Historic Mt. Holly, New Jersey.

A Blue Day for the Colonists

The Battle of Germantown 1777 

A little redcoat

October 4 marked the anniversary of 

the US Revolutionary War Battle of Germantown. 

Germantown was an outlying town of Philadelphia.

The latter was the colonists' capital city and in 1777 the British were in control of it.

Today Germantown, now part of Philadelphia, is in need of serious revitalization.

It has such a rich history

but the beautiful architecture is falling into disrepair

and the area is riddled with crime.

But back in 1777 the battle was between
the independence minded American colonists and the British.  

The colonists, led by George Washington, 

made a pseudo - surprise attack on the British forces led by William Howe. 

Yeah, I was that close. My ears were ringing!

The heavy fog in the morning led to confusion, delays

and miscommunication. 

But the colonists advanced and forced the British 

to take cover in the Chew House which still stands. 

Even with Canon fire

the colonists were not able to breakthrough the barricaded house.

Both sides suffered heavy losses and

the colonists eventually retreated.

Firing on the colonists. 

It was after this battle that the French began to help the colonists

who took winter refuge in Valley Forge, PA.

 Hessian Re enactors

 The colonists were poorly outfitted and poorly trained. 

A sorry sight against the red coated British soldiers

and the gleaming Hessians. 

 With renewed fervor 

and the help of the French 

the colonists eventually won the war.

And today we are 

a Democratic Republic called 

The United States of America.

The Redcoats are Back in Town

1/400 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1000 

A US Revolutionary War Re-enactment in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA 

The Redcoats were the British 

who fought the rebelling colonists. 

The Medicine Cabinet

I visited Hope Lodge in Ft. Washington, PA 

for their annual Revolutionary War Encampment. 

These bottles belonged to the field doctor who said 

that the doctors actually received more training 

and were therefore more respected than the surgeons. 

Scary if you needed surgery!