Valley Forge Park along the Schuylkill River

[handmade34]

took a hike at sunset last night...



an old encampment...



most of the deer I see are alive but I found this one very interesting:

[Scuba]

1. What? No boathouses all lit up? n/t

[Eddie Haskell]

2. I remember those

I built a number of those "soldier's huts" for the bi-centenial. The locations and designs were historical ... right down to the horse hair in the mortar and the tools we used.

[handmade34]

3. love the history

http://www.nps.gov/vafo/historyculture/index.htm

"...When the army moved into the small farming and forge community of Valley Forge to set up camp, there was very little housing available. All soldiers, nearly every officer, and many of the generals spent the winter in log cabins built on site by the rank and file. Even though some generals did obtain housing amongst the civilian population in and around camp, they were probably better able to handle their administrative duties when housed in a log hut near their men. Moreover, some of the officer cabins were quite commodious and comfortable. One general’s hut measured thirty-two feet in length, had three fireplaces, a kitchen, dormitory for servants, and a stable. We can perhaps imagine the commanders pouring over army paperwork by the fireside of one of these cabins and, occasionally, engaging in one of the “frolics” or informal dinner parties that built camaraderie..."

[Adsos Letter]

4. I remember visiting my daughter in Philly, and going out to Valley Forge for the first time.

Only my second trip to the East Coast. The entirely different surroundings from my California home, and the historical resonance of the park, made for an overwhelming experience, even in Summer.

From your lovely photos I can see that winter is even more emotive.