June 24-26, Philadelphia, PA

The McGrath boys and Gracie and Owen checked the crab trap this morning in Delaware City. No crabs. Bummer. We are moving on to Philadelphia this morning and cruise up the Delaware River, going a total of about 30 miles. It is cool (70's on the water) and pleasant. We pass Wilmington, DE, and see lots of industrial activity along the way including about 20 large ships. Some are underway, some at anchor and some are loading and unloading cargo. Pretty sight to see all the shipping activity.




We arrive in Philadelphia about noon and go to Penn Landing Marina in the historic area of Philadelphia. We are tied up across the marina from several large ships available to tourists. There is a Dreadnought type cruiser OLYMPIA, launched in 1892, a submarine, BECUNA, of WW II vintage and a modern day four masted tall ship, the MOSHULU, all right in our marina. The MOSHULU has a black hull and is painted up as a 18th century Man-O-War. Very impressive.



We start our tour of Philadelphia today (much warmer, in the 90's, on land) and see several groups of costumed folks portraying citizens in the 1770's. The costumed players are doing crafts and have some good stories and generally make history come alive for all of us. There are several games, ring toss, and one with two sticks where you throw the ring with the sticks to develop "grace" in young lady's. Julie and all the McGrath's love this one. We view the outside of several buildings where our founding fathers worked. Jefferson wrote the Declaration here and Franklin was here with his printing office. We saw the exhibits surrounding the Liberty Bell and then the bell itself. Very impressive.



Walking back to the boat we found an Irish festival in progress on the docks at Penn Landing and listened to some Irish music before returning to the boat. We return to the festival after dinner and stay until 9PM when the band stops playing. Fun to celebrate the McGrath and Horner Irish roots. Most everyone buys a T-shirt and proclaims their Irish ancestry.


Monday we awaken to a rainy day but the radar shows clearing by about 10 am. We head off mid morning with rain gear (cabin fever was beginning to affect the crew) and never need it. The day is overcast and that is a welcome condition compared to the heat of the day before. We visit the hall where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted!!!!!!!!!!!!


We have a "philly cheesesteak" sandwich for lunch in an historic building. We go to the US Mint (Philadelphia: where they make coins and commemorative coins and medals) and then watch a movie at the visitors center and then go to several locations to hear more "stories" by costumed story tellers about the early days. All in all we have a nice day.

Jack

Tommy, Julie and Gracie

Ryan, John, Christopher, Jack and Tommy (front)

Tuesday we continue touring on a trolley and head to the "Rocky steps" in Philadelphia. The steps are where the hero (Sylvester Stallone) in the movie "Rocky" has a triumphant scene where he runs the steps and decides he can win (this upcoming fight). Lots of tourists come here and "run the steps" like Rocky. The movie made quite a connection with many americans.

Tommy, Christopher, Jack and Ryan after having "run the steps".

Ryan, Jack and Christopher in front of the "Rocky" statue, with Gracie and Tommy behind.

There is always lots going on in a big city.

Window washers work high on a building

Someone being interviewed by TV camera on the street.

And lots of tourist things to see and do in Philadelphia!!!!!

Jack

Gracie and Ben Franklin

Tommy

Dinner for the crew aboard KOKOMO II as the adults get ready to go out.



Our last evening in Philadelphia John and Julie and Linda and Owen go on a "date night" to the restaurant Buddakan. Great furnishings including a large golden Budda, spectacular food and very crowded with young professional people. There is no recession in Philadelphia.
Wednesday morning McGraths are leaving and driving back to Hickory, NC. Weather in Philadelphia is forecast to be 94 today and an extreme heat warning is in effect. It looks like a good day to be in an a/c car or on the water. We will miss everyone.