Raining when we got up--first time on this trip. Soon quit. we loaded up and went to the Submarine Museum and the USS Nautilus. I remember the Nautilus well--also remembered a lot of other stuff about the subs. We went thru the Nautilus--small and everything compact. In the galley they had an ice cream machine--a soft serve machine made by Taylor Freezer in Rockton, north of Rockford. I used to audit Taylor at Peat, Marwick. The controller now is Arlen Molln who I've known for several years--played softball and still play cards with him. I took a picture to show Arlen. After the museum, went to a memorial for all the subs and peraonnel lost in WWII. 52 subs and over 3600 men.
Kept on driving--out of Connecticut, into New York, and finally into PA. Stopped at Scranton PA.
NY map is worthless--no mileages, no exit numbers. really a poor job.
Stats: 2456 miles; 22.3 mpg; 110.2 gal; 66hr, 48 min; 36.8 mph.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Day 11
Left hotel--took 83 thru Boston. It was early enough we sqeaked thru without any trouble. Drove south to Plymouth. Nice lady in the vistor center showed us what to see. We had heard the Plymouth Rock wasn't worth it, wrong again! Someone had told us it had been moved, so it wasn't where it should be. The Rock had been moved, but it was moved back and a nice structure built to house it. Years and years ago, people chipped off a piece of it for souvenirs. As far as we are concerned it ws worth the trip.
Saw the Mayflower 2. Some volunteers sailed it over to Plymouth in 1957. They had a reunion in 2007--all are in their 70s now! The Mayflower seemed small to hold 102 passengers and 35 crew.
Went to the Howland House--he was one of the Mayflower passengers. Had 10 kids who survived and 85 grandchildren--his descendants are all over Plymouth. Our guide thru the house one of the descendants. The house was neat, with changes as it had additions over a period of years. It's the only house in Plymouth that a Mayflower passenger actually lived in--although he bought it years after they arrived.
Outside of Plymouth is a statue. It is a monumnet to our forefathers and is the largest statue in America carved from a single piece of granite. An osprey has built a nest on top of the statue's head--it looks like a crown of thorns.
Drove into Rhode Island--another state. RI is narrow--we didn't even have a rest stop--no map or anything. On to Connecticut--another state. Spent the night in Groton CT. This is where the submarine base is located and where subs are now built--although we learned that in WWII some subs were built in Manitowoc, Wis.
Stats: 48579; 2206 miles; 22.3 mpg; 99.1 gals. 61 hrs, 22 min.; 36.0 mph.
Saw the Mayflower 2. Some volunteers sailed it over to Plymouth in 1957. They had a reunion in 2007--all are in their 70s now! The Mayflower seemed small to hold 102 passengers and 35 crew.
Went to the Howland House--he was one of the Mayflower passengers. Had 10 kids who survived and 85 grandchildren--his descendants are all over Plymouth. Our guide thru the house one of the descendants. The house was neat, with changes as it had additions over a period of years. It's the only house in Plymouth that a Mayflower passenger actually lived in--although he bought it years after they arrived.
Outside of Plymouth is a statue. It is a monumnet to our forefathers and is the largest statue in America carved from a single piece of granite. An osprey has built a nest on top of the statue's head--it looks like a crown of thorns.
Drove into Rhode Island--another state. RI is narrow--we didn't even have a rest stop--no map or anything. On to Connecticut--another state. Spent the night in Groton CT. This is where the submarine base is located and where subs are now built--although we learned that in WWII some subs were built in Manitowoc, Wis.
Stats: 48579; 2206 miles; 22.3 mpg; 99.1 gals. 61 hrs, 22 min.; 36.0 mph.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Day 10
First: Stats for day 9: 48169; 1785 miles; 22.4 mpg; 80.3 gal; 50 hrs, 11 min;35.8 mph
left Comfort Inn at Ellsworth--so fr our only two day stay. Following US 1 along coast. Still seeing lots of Dunkin Donuts. Went across a neat new bridge and toured Fort Knox--named after Henry Knox--just like the other Ft. Knox. This is a newer fort--all made out of granite.
stopped at L.L. Bean in Freeport ME. having a dog event of some sort. We got free chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches from Bean's--for the event. Didn't find anything to buy.
Went on--crossed the southern tip of New Hampshire, I forgot or never knew that NH has a shoreline on the Atlantic.
Into Massachusetts at 4:40 Stopped at CI in Woburn Mass--just outside of Boston.
Stats: 2045 miles; 22.3 mpg; 91.6 gals; 56hrw, 48 min; 36.0 mph
haven't seen any comments on the blog--is anybody listening????
left Comfort Inn at Ellsworth--so fr our only two day stay. Following US 1 along coast. Still seeing lots of Dunkin Donuts. Went across a neat new bridge and toured Fort Knox--named after Henry Knox--just like the other Ft. Knox. This is a newer fort--all made out of granite.
stopped at L.L. Bean in Freeport ME. having a dog event of some sort. We got free chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches from Bean's--for the event. Didn't find anything to buy.
Went on--crossed the southern tip of New Hampshire, I forgot or never knew that NH has a shoreline on the Atlantic.
Into Massachusetts at 4:40 Stopped at CI in Woburn Mass--just outside of Boston.
Stats: 2045 miles; 22.3 mpg; 91.6 gals; 56hrw, 48 min; 36.0 mph
haven't seen any comments on the blog--is anybody listening????
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day 9
today is the Acadia National Park. We still get to use our lifetime National Park pass that we got for ten dollars last year. So far we have used it for 6 national parks and two national monuments.
You can see that the tide went out--the difference is easy to see. Acadia is a mixed bag; lots of trees and then occasional shore sites with rocks. Mom gets a little hyper when I walk of the road to shoot pix.
At Jordan Pond we bought a book "Blueberries for Sal" Helen had this book as a kid, so we got it for Eli and Mira.
Stopped at Champlain Precipice. A volunteer had a telescope set up and you could see a Peregrine falcom on a ledge. I took a picture and we might be able to enlarge it and see the falcon--couldn't see it with the naked eye. The volunteer said he was digesting his day's food. They catch a bird a day in flight and bring it back to eat at home. Not really a nest, just a "scrape" which is just that--a scraped off place on a ledge. There was a .9 mile trail to the summit, but Mom didn't want to try it.
stopped at an overlook. A seagull landed on the rock fence and let us take his picture--from about five feet.
Lunch was at Chowdah's on Main Street in Bar Harbor. We then went on the other half of the island and saw several shore pulloffs which were pretty.
Stopped at Bass Harbor Lighthouse-built in 1857. Used to be manned, but now it is automated--the only lighthouse you can drive to in the area.
Back to the Comfort Inn. I did email while Mom went next door to the L.L. Bean outlet store. Decided we will definitely stop at the real store tomorrow. They are open 24 hrs a day.
You can see that the tide went out--the difference is easy to see. Acadia is a mixed bag; lots of trees and then occasional shore sites with rocks. Mom gets a little hyper when I walk of the road to shoot pix.
At Jordan Pond we bought a book "Blueberries for Sal" Helen had this book as a kid, so we got it for Eli and Mira.
Stopped at Champlain Precipice. A volunteer had a telescope set up and you could see a Peregrine falcom on a ledge. I took a picture and we might be able to enlarge it and see the falcon--couldn't see it with the naked eye. The volunteer said he was digesting his day's food. They catch a bird a day in flight and bring it back to eat at home. Not really a nest, just a "scrape" which is just that--a scraped off place on a ledge. There was a .9 mile trail to the summit, but Mom didn't want to try it.
stopped at an overlook. A seagull landed on the rock fence and let us take his picture--from about five feet.
Lunch was at Chowdah's on Main Street in Bar Harbor. We then went on the other half of the island and saw several shore pulloffs which were pretty.
Stopped at Bass Harbor Lighthouse-built in 1857. Used to be manned, but now it is automated--the only lighthouse you can drive to in the area.
Back to the Comfort Inn. I did email while Mom went next door to the L.L. Bean outlet store. Decided we will definitely stop at the real store tomorrow. They are open 24 hrs a day.
Dinner was in Ellsworth at the Union River Lobster House. Mom had a whole lobster and did it justice. no dessert.
had enough--forgot to get the stats--will add tomorrow.
Day 8
left Farmington--heading across Maine in the center--I want to see the forest part as well as the coast. Mailboxes are interesting. They put an arm out from the post and hang the mailbox with chains at the front and back. ???? Maybe to let them swing when the snowblows throw the snow off the road?
Saw another haouse and barn all connected--Mom wonders how they keep certain little critters out.
10:45 on Route 1A. Turned over exactly 48,000 miles.
stopped in a parking lot on the north edge of Ellsworth to make reservations. Nothing available here--had to make a tentative reservation back in Bangor--40 miles away.
WEnt another mile and saw a Comfort Inn. Pulled in and they had a room--it didn't show on the Choice Priveleges computer. Took several minutes to book it through Coice so I could use our points. Guy on the phone at Choice tells me this Inn has no rooms. I tell him I'm standing in the lobby and they have a room. He finally calls the Inn and confirms there is a room--I'm still on the line listening to him on the Inn's phone. Ah, the joys of modern technology!!
The Inn let us check in at 12:10. we unloaded and went to Bar Harbor. Checked out the Whale Watch tour and booked the sunset tour at 4:30. Seemed a little pricey, but we decided to try it.
Got in line for the tour--thought it was early--but ended up being one of the first on and got great seats up in the bow. We went 25 miles or so out. Saw harbor seals on the way out. We thought we might see three or four whales. We saw something like 25-30 whales. Some of them were 30-40 yards from the boat. We were told we hit the season's first Grand Slam in Whale Watching. We saw humpbacks, fin whales, one called a "niki-whale" and about 50 dolphins. Several of the whales were close enough to throw a rock at. The tour guide counted at least 4 humpbacks, two juvenile humpbacks, several fin whales, a Niki, and all the dolphins. It was well worth the money and time. While we were all the way out there, my phone rang--Jenna was calling, and it came thru all the way out there. I called her back later and the reception was clear. The sunset on the way back was pretty cool, too.
Went back to Ellsworth to the Comfort Inn--glad we didn't have to drive to Bangor.
Stats: Odometer 48061; 1688 miles; 22.6 mpg; used 74.5 gal; 45 hr, 22 min; speed aver 37.2 mph.
Saw another haouse and barn all connected--Mom wonders how they keep certain little critters out.
10:45 on Route 1A. Turned over exactly 48,000 miles.
stopped in a parking lot on the north edge of Ellsworth to make reservations. Nothing available here--had to make a tentative reservation back in Bangor--40 miles away.
WEnt another mile and saw a Comfort Inn. Pulled in and they had a room--it didn't show on the Choice Priveleges computer. Took several minutes to book it through Coice so I could use our points. Guy on the phone at Choice tells me this Inn has no rooms. I tell him I'm standing in the lobby and they have a room. He finally calls the Inn and confirms there is a room--I'm still on the line listening to him on the Inn's phone. Ah, the joys of modern technology!!
The Inn let us check in at 12:10. we unloaded and went to Bar Harbor. Checked out the Whale Watch tour and booked the sunset tour at 4:30. Seemed a little pricey, but we decided to try it.
Got in line for the tour--thought it was early--but ended up being one of the first on and got great seats up in the bow. We went 25 miles or so out. Saw harbor seals on the way out. We thought we might see three or four whales. We saw something like 25-30 whales. Some of them were 30-40 yards from the boat. We were told we hit the season's first Grand Slam in Whale Watching. We saw humpbacks, fin whales, one called a "niki-whale" and about 50 dolphins. Several of the whales were close enough to throw a rock at. The tour guide counted at least 4 humpbacks, two juvenile humpbacks, several fin whales, a Niki, and all the dolphins. It was well worth the money and time. While we were all the way out there, my phone rang--Jenna was calling, and it came thru all the way out there. I called her back later and the reception was clear. The sunset on the way back was pretty cool, too.
Went back to Ellsworth to the Comfort Inn--glad we didn't have to drive to Bangor.
Stats: Odometer 48061; 1688 miles; 22.6 mpg; used 74.5 gal; 45 hr, 22 min; speed aver 37.2 mph.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Day 7
Our 42nd anniversary!
left White Water Junction VT and crossed Connecticut River into New Hampshire. Stopped at a Shaker Museum--didn't look like much so we didn't spend the $8.50 fee each ($7.50 for seniors like us).
Went by dead pines. Helen asked what killed them--I replied "Boredom" too many pine trees, hard to really see the scenery.
Drove by the "World Famous Ruggles Mine"--will have to look up what they mine there.
Stopped in Bristol for coffee and a stretch. saw our umpteenth "moose crossing" signs. Also saw a bear crossing sign. Moose signs outnumber deer crossing signs about 4 to 1.
Crossed into Maine at 1:30 drove on thru White Mountain National Forest. Saw a house completely connected to the barn. Several fences made of rocks--many stacked up neatly without mortar.
In Bethel. Cheri Hogland called. Mac died sometime since noon yesterday. He was fine when she was there at noon on Tues. She came today and he was gone. She is taking care of his removal. Mom is really upset, although Mac went quick and didn't linger. He was 29 which is pretty old for a horse.
Finally found a covered bridge--no sides and not red like what we know from Parke Cty.
Stopped at Comfort Inn in Farmington Maine.
Stats: 1529 miles; 22.8 mpg; 66.9 gal used; 40 hrs, 28 min; 37.8 mph average.
left White Water Junction VT and crossed Connecticut River into New Hampshire. Stopped at a Shaker Museum--didn't look like much so we didn't spend the $8.50 fee each ($7.50 for seniors like us).
Went by dead pines. Helen asked what killed them--I replied "Boredom" too many pine trees, hard to really see the scenery.
Drove by the "World Famous Ruggles Mine"--will have to look up what they mine there.
Stopped in Bristol for coffee and a stretch. saw our umpteenth "moose crossing" signs. Also saw a bear crossing sign. Moose signs outnumber deer crossing signs about 4 to 1.
Crossed into Maine at 1:30 drove on thru White Mountain National Forest. Saw a house completely connected to the barn. Several fences made of rocks--many stacked up neatly without mortar.
In Bethel. Cheri Hogland called. Mac died sometime since noon yesterday. He was fine when she was there at noon on Tues. She came today and he was gone. She is taking care of his removal. Mom is really upset, although Mac went quick and didn't linger. He was 29 which is pretty old for a horse.
Finally found a covered bridge--no sides and not red like what we know from Parke Cty.
Stopped at Comfort Inn in Farmington Maine.
Stats: 1529 miles; 22.8 mpg; 66.9 gal used; 40 hrs, 28 min; 37.8 mph average.
Day 6
spent last nite at an Econo Lodge in Shelburne VT. Basic, but still a lot better than the Rodeway in Niagara.
We started a list of the forts and battlefields we have seen. Quite a few, actually.
Question: did Cathy and Jenna see the Liberty Bell when we went to DC in 82?
went to waterbury to Ben & Jerry's for early morning ice cream . Went on a tour and watched them make and package "Snickerdoodles" Then sampled Mint Chocolate Chip. It isn't green cause B&J use only natural ingredients. Even the cows have to swear not to use growth hormones. After the tour we got cones: I had Bonnaroo Buzz and Mom had Heath Bar Crunch. The computer for the cash register was down so we ended up getting the ice cream for free! Clean living does it every time!
went back to Waterbury to the Green Mountain Coffee Company exhibit in a historic old train station. we learned all about coffee cherries and the coffee beans. Coffee is grown around the world in the band between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
called Dick Armstrong--he called during one of the tours--found out Jenna had jury duty--we still are not on Facebook.
Then went on to the Rock of Ages Company and their exhibit in Barre, VT. (pronounced with a long a and an e (bari). The Co is a quarry and a manufacturer of granite products (95% are memorials--that means tombstones and mauseleums) We went to the quarry--they have enough granite to mine for 4500 years. After the tour we went to Hope Cemetery where they have lots of unusual granite tomstones. Saw a small airplane, a large soccer ball, an almost full-sized NASCAR racer and a farm wife comforting her farmer husband.
Called Pat Morrison who used to live in Rockford and go to First Presby. Had dinner with her at 3 Tomatoes. She and Mom caught up on all the mutual friends.
Stats:1293 miles; 23.2 m/p/g; used 55.6 gals; time 33hrs 7 min.; ave speed 39.0 mph
We started a list of the forts and battlefields we have seen. Quite a few, actually.
Question: did Cathy and Jenna see the Liberty Bell when we went to DC in 82?
went to waterbury to Ben & Jerry's for early morning ice cream . Went on a tour and watched them make and package "Snickerdoodles" Then sampled Mint Chocolate Chip. It isn't green cause B&J use only natural ingredients. Even the cows have to swear not to use growth hormones. After the tour we got cones: I had Bonnaroo Buzz and Mom had Heath Bar Crunch. The computer for the cash register was down so we ended up getting the ice cream for free! Clean living does it every time!
went back to Waterbury to the Green Mountain Coffee Company exhibit in a historic old train station. we learned all about coffee cherries and the coffee beans. Coffee is grown around the world in the band between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
called Dick Armstrong--he called during one of the tours--found out Jenna had jury duty--we still are not on Facebook.
Then went on to the Rock of Ages Company and their exhibit in Barre, VT. (pronounced with a long a and an e (bari). The Co is a quarry and a manufacturer of granite products (95% are memorials--that means tombstones and mauseleums) We went to the quarry--they have enough granite to mine for 4500 years. After the tour we went to Hope Cemetery where they have lots of unusual granite tomstones. Saw a small airplane, a large soccer ball, an almost full-sized NASCAR racer and a farm wife comforting her farmer husband.
Called Pat Morrison who used to live in Rockford and go to First Presby. Had dinner with her at 3 Tomatoes. She and Mom caught up on all the mutual friends.
Stats:1293 miles; 23.2 m/p/g; used 55.6 gals; time 33hrs 7 min.; ave speed 39.0 mph
Monday, August 9, 2010
Day 5
forgot the stats at the end of Day 4.
963 miles; 24.2 mpg;39.8 gals used;total time 23hr, 12min; speed 41.4 mph
Off to Fort Ticonderoga. The route was thru the Adirondack National Forest. Mom has trouble telling when we're going up vs. down. She can only see down. Met at least 100 bicycles--some cruising, some struggling. we thought they might be circling Brant lake. Crazy!! I had trouble convincing Mom that if they started at a point on the lake and went around to the same point, they go up exactly as much as they went down. Finally prevailed.
Followed a group of six motorcycles. we have decided we are getting a bike and then joining a nice motorcycle gang. They surely have senior membeerships just like other organizations.
Fort Ticonderoga is another fort guarding a passage to the inland. started by the French and taken over by the British and then the Americans. The French under Montcalm with 3,500 men held off 15,000 British soldiers under General Abercrombie (must have been before he met Mr. Fitch)
We watched a fife and drum group and saw them fire a musket and a cannon.
In the Revolutionary War, Ethan Allan, his Green Mountain Boys, and Benedict Arnold walked in and took the fort easily--just demanded it be turned over.
The view of Lake George to the south of the fort was beautiful.
The fort was going to ruin and was bought by William Pell--his family did the restoration--in the early 1800s. we wonder if the Pell grants in education loans are any relation. They had a house (later a hotel) with neat grdens which were formally used by the soldiers. The gardens are neat, but the house is suffering. they are starting to plan what to do and how to raise the money.
After the fort and the garden we drove to a ferry and crossed over to Vermont for $9,00. We were on the ferry with a few cars, a motorcycle and a motor home pulling a car. The ferry goes back and forth--takes about 10 minutes to cross. At this point we are on Lake Champlain--lots of history in the early wars.
This part of the country is pretty, but not picturesque (so far) Actually reminds us of Parke County Indiana with a little bigger set of hills.
In Middlebury VT we saw Middlebury College and a double wide coveered bridge.
Stats: 1153 miles; 23.8 mpg; used 48.4 gals; 28hr,38 min; speed 40.3 mph
963 miles; 24.2 mpg;39.8 gals used;total time 23hr, 12min; speed 41.4 mph
Off to Fort Ticonderoga. The route was thru the Adirondack National Forest. Mom has trouble telling when we're going up vs. down. She can only see down. Met at least 100 bicycles--some cruising, some struggling. we thought they might be circling Brant lake. Crazy!! I had trouble convincing Mom that if they started at a point on the lake and went around to the same point, they go up exactly as much as they went down. Finally prevailed.
Followed a group of six motorcycles. we have decided we are getting a bike and then joining a nice motorcycle gang. They surely have senior membeerships just like other organizations.
Fort Ticonderoga is another fort guarding a passage to the inland. started by the French and taken over by the British and then the Americans. The French under Montcalm with 3,500 men held off 15,000 British soldiers under General Abercrombie (must have been before he met Mr. Fitch)
We watched a fife and drum group and saw them fire a musket and a cannon.
In the Revolutionary War, Ethan Allan, his Green Mountain Boys, and Benedict Arnold walked in and took the fort easily--just demanded it be turned over.
The view of Lake George to the south of the fort was beautiful.
The fort was going to ruin and was bought by William Pell--his family did the restoration--in the early 1800s. we wonder if the Pell grants in education loans are any relation. They had a house (later a hotel) with neat grdens which were formally used by the soldiers. The gardens are neat, but the house is suffering. they are starting to plan what to do and how to raise the money.
After the fort and the garden we drove to a ferry and crossed over to Vermont for $9,00. We were on the ferry with a few cars, a motorcycle and a motor home pulling a car. The ferry goes back and forth--takes about 10 minutes to cross. At this point we are on Lake Champlain--lots of history in the early wars.
This part of the country is pretty, but not picturesque (so far) Actually reminds us of Parke County Indiana with a little bigger set of hills.
In Middlebury VT we saw Middlebury College and a double wide coveered bridge.
Stats: 1153 miles; 23.8 mpg; used 48.4 gals; 28hr,38 min; speed 40.3 mph
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Day 4
forgot to add tht we stayed the night at Lockport NY. Got up and went for a cruise--on the Erie Canal. Went through Lock 35 went up 65 feet. The canal goes up 363 feet in 363 miles--the differnce between the Hudson River near Troy NY and Lake Erie near Buffalo. Some pleasure boats went thru with us and reminded me of when we took the Houseboat up and down the Mississippi. The older girls and David Wartowski held the ropes holding us near the wall--we watched these people do the same thing. We rode on the cruise next to a lwidow lady (originally from England)who now lives in a motor home and travels around the country and visits her daughters who are in Louisianna, Austin, TX and Alberta, Canada. She pulls a car behind her and parks the motor home in a RV park and drives to whatever she wants to see. She has a little terrier who travels with her--even flies with her under the seat.
after Lockport drove to Rome NY for the night--tomorrow the Adirondacks--maybe we'll see the original chairs.
after Lockport drove to Rome NY for the night--tomorrow the Adirondacks--maybe we'll see the original chairs.
Day 3
left our "luxurious accomadations" at 8:38. Breakfast left something to be desired. Hotel reminded us of the Riviera in Crawfordsville. Stopped at a Gulf gas station. hadn't seen one in years. My car has never had Gulf gas before.
Went over to the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Totally different views. Walked up and down the walk. Met a ouple and their son who asked us to take their picture. Turned out they were from Chicago and used to live a block from where we went to Kirk Benson's wedding a week ago. talked to them for about 20 minutes.
These views of all three falls are different from the view on the American side--everyone needs to see both. Friar Hennepin described the Falls as "prodigious cascades".
Then drove to Niagara on the Lake. Had kunch in a little restaurant there--parking is tough. Drove up to the very north end (where the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario) and could see Toronto across Lake Ontario. also could see across to the US side and Fort Niagara--about 3/4 mile.
Drove back and took about an hour to cross the Livingston Bridge--Customs was the hold up. Watached a pick up in front of us get stopped and the three guys taken inside--they did look scruffy and disreputable. Called Jenna while we were waiting--they are shopping for a water softener.
We didn't have any trouble in either direction once we got up to the inspection point.
Went to Fort Niagara on the north end of the US side of the Niagara River. Really neat. The point controlled access to the river and the interior. It changed hands several times--French, British, and the US.
Went over to the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Totally different views. Walked up and down the walk. Met a ouple and their son who asked us to take their picture. Turned out they were from Chicago and used to live a block from where we went to Kirk Benson's wedding a week ago. talked to them for about 20 minutes.
These views of all three falls are different from the view on the American side--everyone needs to see both. Friar Hennepin described the Falls as "prodigious cascades".
Then drove to Niagara on the Lake. Had kunch in a little restaurant there--parking is tough. Drove up to the very north end (where the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario) and could see Toronto across Lake Ontario. also could see across to the US side and Fort Niagara--about 3/4 mile.
Drove back and took about an hour to cross the Livingston Bridge--Customs was the hold up. Watached a pick up in front of us get stopped and the three guys taken inside--they did look scruffy and disreputable. Called Jenna while we were waiting--they are shopping for a water softener.
We didn't have any trouble in either direction once we got up to the inspection point.
Went to Fort Niagara on the north end of the US side of the Niagara River. Really neat. The point controlled access to the river and the interior. It changed hands several times--French, British, and the US.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Going east
Day 2
went on thru Ohio and into PA. went thru Meercyhurst and looked at the new buildings--they are also working on modernizing the front gate.
got to Niagara at 3:30. Booked a hotel at the rest stop just inside NY. Bad mistake--clean but tiny and spartan. The guy at the rest stop did do us one favor. We booked an evening tour of the falls. Great choice. we did the American side tour. Rode the Maid of the Mist --with a little blue plasticponcho. We rode in the front of the boat and enjoyed the roar. We then went downriver and saw the whirlpool. goes counterclockwise thru the day. Then at night they divert part of the water for generating electricity and the whirlpool goes clockwise.
We then went back for a walk to Cave of the Winds right under the Bridal veil--the smaller of the two American Falls. had to put on yellow ponchos and little sandals--our shoes and socks went in a bag. We went down but not all the way. Stayed down there and watched the fireworks at 10--that was cool. Finally went back up and walked to Terrapin Point where we wer 10-15 feet from the edge of the Horseshoe Falls.
Had a real good tour guide--Leena. We ere Team Leena. She did a good job.
Total miles so far 473. 25.5 mpg, 13hrs, 57 min.
went on thru Ohio and into PA. went thru Meercyhurst and looked at the new buildings--they are also working on modernizing the front gate.
got to Niagara at 3:30. Booked a hotel at the rest stop just inside NY. Bad mistake--clean but tiny and spartan. The guy at the rest stop did do us one favor. We booked an evening tour of the falls. Great choice. we did the American side tour. Rode the Maid of the Mist --with a little blue plasticponcho. We rode in the front of the boat and enjoyed the roar. We then went downriver and saw the whirlpool. goes counterclockwise thru the day. Then at night they divert part of the water for generating electricity and the whirlpool goes clockwise.
We then went back for a walk to Cave of the Winds right under the Bridal veil--the smaller of the two American Falls. had to put on yellow ponchos and little sandals--our shoes and socks went in a bag. We went down but not all the way. Stayed down there and watched the fireworks at 10--that was cool. Finally went back up and walked to Terrapin Point where we wer 10-15 feet from the edge of the Horseshoe Falls.
Had a real good tour guide--Leena. We ere Team Leena. She did a good job.
Total miles so far 473. 25.5 mpg, 13hrs, 57 min.
Year 2 Go East!
Day 1
We finally got going--the office will have to get along without me. We drove to South Bend. I left Helen at Rosie's and i went to ND for a meeting with the people who help local clubs with scholarships. Good meeting--we can award several small scholarships.
Took Rosie to dinner and then left to head east. Drove until just shy of Toledo and spent the night in a new and different Comfort Inn. Nothing noteworthy--except that Rosie gave me brownies. Some things are sacred and can't be ignored. Also, we had a tieup on the tollroad--cost us almost an hour
342 miles today
We finally got going--the office will have to get along without me. We drove to South Bend. I left Helen at Rosie's and i went to ND for a meeting with the people who help local clubs with scholarships. Good meeting--we can award several small scholarships.
Took Rosie to dinner and then left to head east. Drove until just shy of Toledo and spent the night in a new and different Comfort Inn. Nothing noteworthy--except that Rosie gave me brownies. Some things are sacred and can't be ignored. Also, we had a tieup on the tollroad--cost us almost an hour
342 miles today
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