One of the places I like to hike near me is Valley Forge Park. The rolling hills and the open spaces allow you to enjoy the blue skies we so often get, even in the depths of winter. With blue skies, even when cold you get the warmth from the sun. Generally where ever you are in the park, if you are on the walking trail that loops around the park you cannot miss seeing the tower from the Washington Memorial Chapel. I have posted many photos of it over time, on sunny days, foggy days, snowy days as it stands as a beacon above the park.
That being said, and having walked past it numerous times this Saturday I had gone for a hike with the intention of looking inside if there was no wedding or ceremony taking place. As I approached I looked up and noticed for the first time below the flag on the tower the eagles standing guard on the corners of the tower.
There are multiple ways to enter the chapel, but the color of this door caught my attention. I love the architecture of the chapel and the Gothic windows that are either side of the chapel in the cloisters are superb.
As I mentioned my intention Saturday was to look inside, little did I know what I had been missing. I have walked around the outside several times, I have even been in in the small cafe that sits behind the chapel and as yet not been in the used book store attached to the chapel and walked through the cemetery behind the church. But never had thought to enter the chapel when there was no service or ceremony taking place.
I am so glad this Saturday I was motivated to go in and enjoy the peace and tranquility that was there. From the carved pews to the stained glass windows show scenes of the founding fathers and the soldiers who were at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78 there was so much to marvel at and enjoy. Whilst it is dark inside the hanging flags and burning candles give a real sense of solemnity as you enter the small sanctuary which reminded me of so many old English churches back home.
After enjoying the chapel and the grounds I continued my hike, finding a new path to walk above the Schuylkill River and over to Mount Misery, having walked over Mount Joy to get to the chapel, a total of 6.75 miles. If you are looking for any hiking suggestions around the Tredyffrin Easttown, Main Line area contact Nick Vandekar, Selling the Main Line with Long & Foster Real Estate Inc., office 610-225-7400, cell or text 610-203-4543, Nick@VandekarTeam.com, www.SellingTheMainLine.com.
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