Deleware 2016

June 16, 2016

Old Light Ship

It's cold and pouring outside! 68 degrees is just not want I thought this part of the country was going to show us!  It certainly will make a change in our plans for today.

We had planned to go to Lewes, DE and spend the day at the beach, but honestly it's raining way to hard for that, so, off to the outlet stores we go.   I need to return a pair of pants and of course look at all the other stores!!

Lewes, DE beach

We finish and head towards the beach so we can see the Overflash, a lighthouse on a ship.   It was once used in the harbor to mark shoals for incoming vessels.  Reminded us of George Peraults old tug, except for the light on top.

We then took the country roads back to the coach, as the rain in not letting up and I don't hae an interest in walking in the rain today.   Getting Old I guess!!!

Tomorrow we head to a new location, Stevensville, MD

June 15, 2016

Legislative Building

The capital of Delaware is Dover, 11 miles down the road.  Delaware is the first state to ratify the declaration of Independence and this is why it's called the First State.  Our first building was the Legislative Building (we'd call it the capital), it's a plain building but what did I expect from a building built to resemble something from the 1777. 

Old State Capital

They were not giving tours today, as they were having a group of high school kids practice becoming legislative representatives.  Some were in the Senate and others in the House of Representatives.  We watched them practice for a while, very impressive, sure some will go into politics.

Next was the Old State Capital Building.   This was the orginial building, it once again is very plain, wooden floors, plain walls, no fancy decorations, etc.  Nothing like the many other capitals we've seen, but it was the first one!   Most impressive thing we saw was a portrait of George Washington, first it was over 7' tall, it's a true replica of him and since he was over 6', it's huge.   We asked about the value as it's an original, but the guide didn't know.  It is electronically protected!

Dover Downs

We then took a walking tour around the area called the "Green".   It's like a lawn in front of the capital, here they held meetings, etc.  In fact the Independence of Declarations for Delaware was read here in front of the Capital Building.    We learned about the importance of The Golden Tavern (no longer a tavern), it acted like the capital while the true one was being built.  Our guide also told us about several of the other buildings and who once occupied them.

AMC Museum

Dover Downs Casino and Dover Speedway are just down the road, so that was our next stop.  The Speedway was not giving tours, due to the Firefly Event (supposed to be similar Woodstock).  They are anticipating 80,000 to attend.   We did take pics of the Monster Mile but that's all.   We then went to the casino to get a souvenir but they didn't have much for sale, few shirts.   Apparently they are changing vendors, why the actual track doesn't have a gift store is beyond me.

It's raining so we are making our last stop of the day the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Museum.   Here we had the opportunity to see many planes up close and personal.   In the museum you learn all about the AMC and how it's evolved over time and the importance it plays into today's defense of the USA.  It was fun to get inside the cockpits of the monsters!!!

June 14, 2016

Travel day, headed to Dover, PA, which is our destination for this leg.  I decided we'd take the back roads and avoid the tolls, boy was that a mistake!   We got to see the countryside but the roads are narrow, winding and not meant for this big beast!   From now on, we'll stick to the toll roads in this area.   One thing, we did cross the infamous Mason-Dickson line (border between Pennsylvania and Maryland).

We arrived at Killen Pond State Park, our home for next 3 days.  It has a pond in the middle of the park with a nice walking around it.