We dropped Teensie in our Maryland campground and headed for Fort McHenry, guardian of Baltimore's harbor. When it held off the British during the War of 1812, its raised flag at dawn following a night of heavy bombardment inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the words of what became our national anthem. The fort is now a shrine and national historical site, and its new (as of March) visitor center is fanatastic. Our favorite part was the orientation film, full of battle drama, ending with the screen rising to reveal windows overlooking Fort McHenry, just a hundred yards away. President Truman signed a Presidential Proclamation that the flag should fly over the fort 24 hours a day. Flags are changed based on the weather forecast...the largest, 42x33 feet, can lift a handler off the ground in a gust of wind--that happened last weekend, the ranger tossed against a wall but not seriously injured.
Tomorrow we'll head west to Harper's Ferry, just across the state line in West Virginia. It sits at the confluence of two major rivers, and from the train, it's a beautiful place to behold (Stan and I passed through it when we journeyed to D.C. by train years ago). Back on the Maryland side of things, our campground sits in the middle of horse country, with big pastures and a practice race track nearby. Yet another lovely state to enjoy.
Trouble with pics tonight...will post today's tomorrow!
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