The Great American Journey

GAP WALK JOURNALS - VII

Friday - September 12,  2008  Day 191   0.0 miles

Total New York miles - 33.2        Walking Days - 94

Washington D.C. miles - 4.6   Cumulative miles 1688.8

This was our Philadelphia day. After breakfast at the motel we
drove to downtown Philadelphia to park in the parking lot at the
Liberty Bell and Independence Hall area.  We spent some time
at the Liberty Bell then went over to get in line for an
Independence Hall tour, and got in on the 10:30 group.  This
was very informative, and we were glad to get into it. This is a
nice time of year because most of the places aren’t too busy.

Next we went to find a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of more
of the city. Our search led us to Lauren with Bee Bee, a
beautiful black horse.  After talking with Lauren we decided on
the longer ride. Our guide told us she was new to the job and
didn’t know a lot of the history yet, offering us the chance to go
with someone who knew more of the area. We said, “No, we
liked her and really wanted to go with her. Besides, you need to
practice, and were willing to have you practice on us.” It was
something to that affect anyway.

It was a delightful tour, and she even took us on a little longer
ride to make up for the lack of information. Now we thought she
did great, and we thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Afterwards we
got pictures of us, and of Lauren, and Bee Bee. We had told
Lauren about the walk, and when her supervisor came over we
told her as well. She asked for extra cards to take back with her,
and I was glad to do that. What a delight these people are. We
really had fun.

Next we got the car and headed back toward our motel, stopping
to eat at the Great American Diner in Bensalem. We then drove
on east a little ways, but with the rain we decided to just go back
to the motel and get a few things done. Before we went back
though, Norma said, “Starbucks!” and I instantly turned in at the
parking lot. She later told me “Congratulations on your swift
reaction when I said Starbucks.” I laughed. I guess the word,
“Starbucks,” does indeed cause an instant reaction in my brain.

Back to our room where I did bookkeeping after Norma
highlighted the dates on the receipts for me. That has been a
huge help when she does this for me - I shall miss her.  But then
maybe the next driver will also do that.

We had leftovers from our dinner last night, so we took it down
to the dining room here and warmed it up in the microwave, and
sat at a table there to eat and watch Hurricane Ike news.

Back to our room to do the journal, watch some TV, call Dave,
and then get to bed.