8/2/15 - Hatfield, PA

Today we drove to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.  This is an early 19^th century iron plantation.  It had a blast furnace, the ironmaster’s house, and several other structures.  Iron stoves were produced here.  We saw a demonstration of sand casting and blacksmithing.  Then we drove to Valley Forge National Historic Park.  This was where George Washington and the Continental Army had their winter encampment in 1777.  We went through the house Washington used as his headquarters.  We also saw the Washington Memorial Chapel.  Then we drove to Victory Brewing and had a beer and pizza there.  Today is the 30^th anniversary of our first date.  We stopped at a grocery store on the way back to the Casita and picked up a few items.  Jim and I sat outside and ate some chocolate ice cream for dessert.  Then he went inside to research a place for us to stay tomorrow and the next door neighbors came over and talked to me while I sat outside.