Woke up at 7am. Closed eyes for a second. Woke up again at 8.30am. So much for getting into Philadelphia by 9am. Decided as we were already late not to bother rushing. Had breakfast, put a washing on and then set out at around 10.30am. Due to our late start, we flipped our plans. Headed first to Battleship New Jersey.
Our second military ship of the holiday proved, in our minds anyway, a far superior visit than that to the Intrepid in New York. Had a drink, got our tickets and then got onboard. We were greeted by a man in a uniform. He told us we could go to the end of the ship and then when we were ready just follow the green line. So we did.
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| Ship |
The green line descended below deck and then weaved its way around the ship. There were information signs all the way around informing you about the history of the ship and what life was like onboard. Info highlights were:
It took part in WW2, Korea, Vietnam and in the gulf.
It is the most decorated US battleship ever.
Admiral Halsey used it in WW2.
It has been mothballed four times in its life.
Only one person died on it during its forty years of service.
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| It said try out a bunk for size |
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| Look at that mouse! |
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| Library |
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| Dentist |
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| Shells |
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| Corridor |
Luckily below decks had air conditioning, so in the main it was not too unbearable. We have previously been on ships over here that have been absolutely roasting, so this made a nice change. Eventually we made our way back to shore and the shop. Bought a magnet. The Black Dragon Cafe which was advertised was basically a food section in the shop. We still managed to find some stuff and sat to eat it in the cool. We deliberately sat as far from anything/anyone we could but still, amazingly, people just kept coming up and standing by us. One guy had a pair of shoes on which both had 'Fuck you' written on in big letters. Resisted the urge to ask him who they were aimed at or why he felt the need to have obscenities on his trainers.
Headed back to the car to make some decisions about what to do next. Also took a picture of the beast to share with you all. Had to use a wide angled lens to fit it all in.
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| Unit |
It was nearly 3pm so we did some quick research before paying $6 to cross a bridge as we made our way into the old city. Parked underground by the Independence Visitor Centre and then set off on a mission. Went straight to the Liberty Bell but there was a massive queue so just carried on walking. Ended up at the Museum of the American Revolution. It seemed to have a very anti Great Britain agenda to it.
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| George Washington stopping a fight |
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| Bloke |
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| Boat |
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| Horses |
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| That's more like it |
I have commented before about how American museums in general just have very good displays and information (although sometimes the info is very simply written). This was no exception, a very good museum. When we were done Ann wanted to go to the cafe. It was shut as the museum was closing in fifteen minutes. Nipped to the shop for a magnet and then headed outside. It had rained. Ann's glasses steamed up as we exchanged the air con cooled museum for the muggy streets.
A quick march back towards the car and the queue outside the bell had gone. Hoped to sneak in as it was also about to close. Got in and through the angry security. Saw the bell. It was a bell.
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| Bell |
No where did it really say why the bell was important. Googled it when we got home. It was cast as a commemoration bell and was installed in the Pennsylvanian State House. It has an inscription from the bible about liberty. It got a crack in it. It became a civil rights and suffrage symbol due to the inscription. Now it's a famous bell. Had to leave as it was closing.
Walked back to the Independence Visitor Centre. Bought a bell magnet. As initially planned we validated the parking just under the two hour mark which meant we saved on paying for all day parking. Managed to negotiate getting the bus out of the underground carpark.
Stopped at a Trader Joes on the way back as Ann said she wanted to get some bags from it. Apparently they are hot property right now in London. They didn't have any. So that was worth it.
Drove back to the house. Avoided running over the dog in the drive. Ann wanted to get some eggs from their hen house as we had been told we could. Walked down, open the hatch, moved hens and took eggs. Sorted out the wet washing.
Had tea and now I am typing this at the crazily early time of 10.30pm. Ann is not asleep.
States visited - 3
Bells seen - 1
