Day 3: Amish Country, Delaware, and Valley Forge

The first thing we did this morning when we woke up in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch country was head to breakfast at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord. As you can imagine, the food was virtually endless, so this wound up serving as breakfast and lunch. We had made-to-order omelets and pancakes, strawberry french toast, and fresh fruit. We also went to the general store downstairs which also seemed like a never-ending world of Amish trinkets. We got the impression that the PA Dutch are strong in their beliefs as there were crosses and Gospel tracts available everywhere. They were eager to share their faith. Though they practice certain customs that may seem outdated, they still confess Christ as the Savior of the world.


Their farms were beautiful and so very green! A man we met in a little red schoolhouse told us that Pennsylvania is the 4th largest milk producing state, a fact easy to believe among so many dairy cows. Someone's gotta supply Hershey! We drove through some farms and over a covered bridge before leaving Lancaster.

From Lancaster, we ducked out of Pennsylvania for a little while to visit Delaware. We drove toward Wilmington but never actually made it there. You see, the first city we encountered after crossing the state line was Concord, Delaware, a shopping wonderland with the words "Tax Free" on the store fronts. The men appeased mother and I long enough for us to check out Ann Taylor LOFT. That's pretty much all we did in Delaware, because we needed to turn around and head back into Pennsylvania to see Valley Forge before closing.

We arrived at Valley Forge National Park and watched their film on the historical significance of the sight. Here, Washington kept troops during a cold winter in the Revolutionary War to keep watch for British invasion and to train for spring battles. We walked around the museum and drove throughout the grounds. We saw little log cabins, a monument to Washington (erected 100 years ago today), the Washington Memorial Chapel and used bookstore, and a few deer. And also, interesting hats Part II.




We're getting up early in the morning for Philadelphia! So until tomorrow, goodnight all!
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Special thanks to MonicaC for her daily comments and fine example of setting up a blogger account. Thanks to everyone for reading, and Happy Birthday to Donna and Mary Margaret Mitchell!