Monday Evening, December 13
I have but eight miles to go and if all goes as planned I should arrive at the Ocean's edge around 11:00. It is supposed to be only 20 degrees so this should speed me along my way.
In Hammonton, New Jersey
Sunday, December 12
I awoke to a hard rain but decided I need to keep moving. Therefore I covered my cart with a tarp and headed out. After a short while the rain abated a bit but the sky was gray and the rain threatened to begin again at any moment. I made it to Hammonton and got a motel fairly early in the day for there are no other facilities until Egg Harbor. I took advantage of the extra time by blogging, doing my laundry, going to the store, and making some overdue phone calls. Hopefully tomorrow the rain will be gone. I seem to be finally in the New Jersey countryside and have taken a few pictures.
Goodbye Pennsylvania - Hello New Jersey
Saturday, December 11
Well, after saying goodbye to the guys at the fire station it was time to cross the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and enter my 11th and final state - New Jersey. Now I know that New Jersey bears the brunt of a lot of jokes but I wish to reserve judgment and let it reveal itself to me without preconceived notions. As Atlantic City is but 60 miles away, it will have to happen fairly quickly for I plan to finish in the next three or four days. Having written a lot tonight and wishing to go to bed, I will keep these last two posting brief and to the point.
I had enjoyed myself in Philadelphia but as it was time to move on - I crossed the Deleware River with mixed emotions. Wheeling up the pedestrian ramp onto the bridge was an easy matter in Pennsylvania but arriving at the New Jersey side of the river I was nearly thwarted by steep stairs. Again - deal with things as they arise and I found myself having to lower my cart carefully one stair step at a time. Just off to the south was Camden Field. I think somehow it is a famous baseball field but I can't remember why. Perhaps some more knowledgeable fans can fill me in on its significance. After conquering the bridge and stairs it was on to playing human dodge ball on the freeway. I did not want to walk through the maze of Camden, New Jersey's streets so I chose to stay on Route 30 the entire time which put me in a dangerous position - literally. I made it all right but probably aged a few years in the process. Finally in Collingswood, Route 30 begins to release the strain and traffic slows down a bit. As I am motel hopping - motel locations will determine where I stop and tonight finds me near Atko, New Jersey.
A Visit to Constitution High School
Friday, December 10
Constitution High School is a public charter school located just blocks from Independence Hall. Having a select student body, all applicants must have good grades, excellent attendance, positive behavior, and complete an essay and personal interview.
The School’s mission statement is:
By engaging students with an appreciation for history and an understanding of the democratic principles embodied in our country’s Constitution, this college preparatory high school will develop the next generation of engaged citizens and civic leaders in government, public policy, and law.
The school was founded by the current principal - Thomas A. Davidson, ESD.
This excellent high school is the school Tim McShay’s two sons attend and I was asked to visit. May I mention that former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Conner visited and spoke at the school last year? Now we can say - so too did Ray Brown, AKA "A Son of Liberty!" I am overwhelmed with honor. I spent three hours visiting and interacting with the students. It is one more Philadelphia experience I will always remember.
Saved by Ladder Two - Philadelphia's Finest Firemen
Friday, December 10
Nearly frozen, I found my way to the fire station and knocked on the door. Unsure of who I was but permitting me entrance - I told them that Tim McShea (a fireman and friend of Marty Kelly) had arranged for me to stay at the station for a night. Hearing this, I was immediately welcomed and given a cup of hot coffee and asked to rest myself - which I sorely needed after my cold march into Philadelphia. A fireman there by the name of Don Adams was particularly kind and sat listening as I told him and others about my mission of walking across America. Being fatigued and cold - I was overwhelmed emotionally by the kindness and support shown by everyone. It was as if I just been admitted to a fraternity.
Soon, Tim McShea showed up (whom I had never met) and he turned out to be the nicest man to interact with. He welcomed me to Philadelphia and asked many questions about my journey. Tim had taken the day off and was prepared to take me wherever I wished to visit but had only one favor to ask. Would I be willing to talk to the students at his sons’ school - a charter public high school located two blocks from Independence Hall? He had told the principal about my arrival and the school was interested in hearing about my trip and its purpose. The school’s name? Constitution High School! Could it get any better than this? I felt I was in the middle of a dream!
Leaving those details for later let it be said that following my school presentation (which he attended) Tim took me to the National Constitution Center, the Philadelphia Firemen’s Historical Museum, the Firemen’s Union Hall, and any other place I wished to visit. He would not let me spend a dime of my own money and everywhere we went he introduced me to people as if I were his long lost brother. I cannot tell it all in a blog post but I am still reeling from the kindness he showered upon me.
I ate breakfast at the fire station, I ate lunch at the fire station, I ate dinner at the fire station, and I slept in a bed at the fire station. The fireman would not accept a donation for food, let me wash a dish, or clean up in any way saying I was their guest. During the night the alarm went off twice and the driver even told me I could’ve sat behind the seat and gone out on a run with them. Do you believe this? It is all true! These guys at “Ladder Two” as the station is called, were the best ambassadors the city of Philadelphia could have ever asked for. They actually adopted me for a day and I was given a Philadelphia Fireman’s sweatshirt and a tee shirt to boot! In addition - Tim wanted to hook me up with other firemen in New Jersey if possible to “take care of me” along the way. He said they have contacts in Atlantic City (my destination) and wants me to call daily letting him know where I am and when I am scheduled to arrive.
This post may seem like crazy rambling but so too was my experience. Let me say this clearly - I have met many people in my journey across America but nothing can top the Philadelphia Fireman at Ladder Two on 4th and Arch Street. I owe them big time with a special thanks to:
Marty Kelly, Don Adams, Ray Vozelli, and particularly Tim McShea!
If you're ever at Independence Hall, stop by and tell them what great guys they are. It's quite easy to find.
Independence Hall
Friday Morning, Dec. 10
Leaving Lancaster Avenue with relief I next had the downtown streets of Philadelphia to conquer as I sought my way to Independence Hall. Though I had visited two year ago, I wanted to see it again as well as the Liberty Bell. Utilizing both the streets and sidewalks to wend my way in the cold I eventually found Walnut Street and after many city blocks suddenly there it was - Independence Hall. I tried pushing my cart in front of the building for a photograph and was sternly told by a guard to take it across the street which I totally understood. Who knows? Perhaps I was a terrorist with a cart full of dynamite trying to blow up our national treasure! They had no idea who I was and I promptly heeded his demand. Once on the other side a big beefcake of a guard for the National Park Service came over to find out who I was and what I was up to. In our conversation he determined that I was “all right” and his demeanor lightened and he provided directions to the fire department on the corner of 4th and Arch - my temporary home. I took a couple of pictures that turned out grainy due to the early morning's lack of light. Now nearly frozen, I took off to find the fire station and get warm.
Note: Independence Hall is under repair and is currently surrounded by scaffolding.
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