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Tuesday 25 October 2011

American Trip Part 3.


Part 3
Montreal.

5th and 6th Stayed at the Comfort Inn Boucherville. This Hotel did not have a dining area. We had to get Breakfast from Reception and take it back to our room. A room with patio doors to open and allow the sunshine in. sit outside with an orange juice.  We then went to Longueil to catch the metro into Montreal. The Basilica was nearby. 


Whilst some went in to view the windows, we went to the historic quarter. The Old town is very French in appearance with shutters and courtyards. We dined in the square at Subway and went on to Chinatown. 


We bought some cookies in a bakery. We met up again at 2.00pm and went to Downtown Shopping, very expensive and a waste of my time. We returned to the subway. The trains ran on rubber tires to reduce noise. Back in Boucherville the houses are quite different to the USA. The scenery in Canada is wonderful. Toronto people were friendly and came up to us as we looked at the tourist maps offering to assist and mentioning things of interest. In contrast people in Montreal were rude and not at all helpful, what a difference. So back to the US of A. We went looking for a Waffle House but found Perkins instead at Plattsburg. I enjoyed a Waffle with blueberry topping and whipped cream. Pat had a Walnut and Banana Muffin. Then onward to the Adirondack Mountains. The colours were amazing. Rivers, gorges, waterfalls, trees, ferns, ravines and many lakes.





Mind you we had already been through the thousand lakes area in Canada. We stopped a few times to view the Ausable Chasm and also took a short walk. We eventually arrived at our hotel and registered.

Lake Placid.

7th and 8th Stayed at the Econolodge The laundry was tackled, then to the pool for a swim, workout in the fitness room and the Jacuzzi Tub. Dined at The Arena Bar and Grill on Main Street. http://www.arenabarandgrill.com/bottled.html   We had a lie-in and breakfast at 9.00am. I then drove to explore the Adirondacks. Twisty roads, up, down, this way, that way. Exciting fun.  Our first stop at  Saranac Lake Farmers Market.

 We tried some rhubarb pie. Breads, Cheeses, pumpkins, all lovely. The sun was shining, boats plying across the lake, properties nestled against the shore, launching ramps, trees of all colours, what a place to enjoy.

Then onward to Tupper Lake, Lake Madeleine, Long Lake, Catlin Lake, Rich Lake and  Harris Lake. We stopped for a coffee break at White Birch café, but after seeing the menu stayed for lunch. Roast beef sandwich and shrimp in a basket. The café was a log cabin decorated with snow shoes, harpoons etc. Travelled on through trees, mountains, lakes, all super. Then found Sportys Bar Minerva. http://www.sportysirondukesaloon.com/  Check it out on the website. 


 Vintage Harleys and lots of old Harley gear. Horse shoe ring pit, Fire pit, hillclimb and burnout pit.

On the way we saw a Cessna Float Plane taxi out onto the lake, and then take off.

 Another was pulled up on the beach, what a life. 

Back through’ Schroon Lake and the Keene Valley to the pool for a swim and workout in the fitness room. Met and chatted to two bikers told them about the bar and they went the next day.

Albany.

9th and 10th Stayed at the Quality Inn Albany. We breakfasted at 8.00am and were on our way out of the Adirondacks. The area is one we would like to explore more. Westport was another idyllic spot. We visited Fort Ticonderoga http://www.fortticonderoga.org/   which covers a large area on a bluff overlooking Lake Champlain. 3 wars, 5 battles and 1 fort. French, British, Various tribes of Indians and early Americans.


The Coffee Stop was at an apple orchard, bags of apples plenty of varieties.  We lunched at the Adirondack Family Diner; the Waitress’ mother was a war bride from Birmingham. Clam Chowder Soup and a burger. The log cabin decorated with Wolf Pelt, Lamps held by Antlers. A Stuffed Bear, A bees Nest. Out of the mountains. We dined at the Golden Corral. All you can eat grilled to order for one price. http://www.goldencorral.com/menu/  .Lovely Steak and shrimp. 

Monday, Breakfast 8.30am. Wal-Mart and JC Penny. We had a coffee at Wendys. http://www.wendys.com/food/Menu.jsp  and then wandered over to the Mohawk and Hudson River. Lunched at Vivians Diner. Very friendly people and good food. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vivians-Diner/163056660387611

We went to Colonie Preserve Park by the river. The city of Albany is doing a lot to bring the river areas back to life.

Navy ship and a replica chaser the Half Moon Jaght to view.

A band stand, a restaurant and bar on a barge.  Set up with tables, benches and BBQ’s. We were entertained by a very lively Afro-American lady and her family. She talked non-stop for an hour and a half. She gave us all a massage too. Nearby was a Swivel rail bridge and reversing freights brought some life to it.


We returned to the hotel and went for a swim, workout and soak in the hot tub. Later we all went to the Ihop to dine. I ordered Tilapia but they brought pot roast so they knocked $4 off the bill for the mistake.

We left early to travel to our last hotel in Newark. We went on the Toll Expressway to yet another Shopping Mall. The Woodberry Common Premium Mall. Very Expensive Names, Jimmy Choo, Armani. Judy managed to buy a bag from Addidas 30% off. We all travelled on to Greenwood. An old type of town, we parked outside the Hardware Store (Buy Mulch) and went to Murphy’s Bar to eat. Pulled Pork and French fries.  At the lake the Marina was pulling all the boats out of the water, stacking them shrink wrapped.

They were also pulling out the floating moorings and stacking those too. The small Fire and Rescue boat was on its trailer.

 Once more the properties bordering the lake made me envious.  Wandered the byways and small roads to the Quality Inn on route 46 near Kenvil at Ledgewood.  Just before we arrived at the hotel we passed a bar advertising “Hot women, cold beer and free food” and “Why go anywhere else, you drink we drive” “Jell-O wrestling” “Go-go Girls”. We did not go in to check it out.

New Jersey.

11th and 12th Stayed at the Quality Inn Ledgewood. A bit scary with ghosts shining in the dusk light. Witches flying broomsticks.

No pool here. Well there was an outside pool closed for the season!  Last bit of laundry here. Later Wal-Mart and dine at Ruby Tuesday. http://www.rubytuesday.com/menu . Very Smart and a good choice. A lie in before breakfast. Bagels and a cheese omelette. The Morris lake and park was bleak too, the café closed. Good job too, did not sound friendly. Big notices stating CASH ONLY, No Credit, No Debit, and No Refunds.  We wandered over to the Morris Canal locks 4 and 5 for a look. http://www.njskylands.com/hs_leemuseum_082.htm  and Waterloo Village. http://www.njskylands.com/hslenape.htm . At lock 5 Dam we saw fishermen in waders fishing the river. A truck from the trout hatchery turned up to restock the river. It does this twice in the spring and once in the fall, how lucky were we to turn up at this time?

We returned to the hotel for a coffee before going for a dry run to the airport to check the route. We got close but! ----

We drove over the bridge into New York briefly after a mistake in navigation. We drove back to the hotel and on to the Mall. A little shopping at Target. http://www.target.com/ and dined at the Olive Garden. http://www.olivegarden.com/Menu/Specials/   13th  Lie in and a late start for the last day. We had a light breakfast and later for brunch at the Ihop. Excitement when the electric went off. The Main Cable in the road fell down from the pole. Lots of smoke, sparks and fire. Flashing lights, fire truck and police road blocks. What a send-off.






 Drove to Newark Int Airport. Returned the rental car to Hertz who drove us to the Continental Terminal door. Flight co20 seats 24a to d.  Flew back on a United Boeing 757. A 737 with problems in the queue 3 planes ahead held everyone behind for over an hour. The captain turned both engines off. We eventually took off, made up some time and landed Manchester at 8.00 am. Then two mechanics had to fix the ramp before we could de-plane. Straight through immigration and customs and the taxi was waiting so only 15 minutes late away. Back to Blackpool, pick up the car, visit mum and drive home to a couple of hours sleep after 27 hours on the go. Then up for 6 hours , followed by 12 hours sleep. Get up and switch to normal mode.

American Trip Part 2.

Seeing the power of Niagara Falls was awe inspiring, but more was yet to come on our adventure. Sunday I drove to the Eirie Canal at Lockport. I took loads of photos. 



We had intended to take a boat ride through the locks but it was so cold and wet we retired for a coffee. There were some historic truck people passing . 

 It was raining very hard and we went indoors at two different superstores.  We lunched at Friendlies. We then went onto Boulevard Shopping Mall. I bought a sweatshirt and jumper in the sale at J C Pennies. Lovely and soft and all for £27.88.

On return to the hotel Judy and I went to the pool for a swim. I had a workout in the fitness room first, then a swim. We all went to Bob Evans for dinner.

The following morning we left Buffalo and paid a last visit to the Falls on our way.

We headed down the QEW to St Catharines. We came across the Welland Canal at lock 3 by chance just as the Pine Glen Motor Vessel http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/pineglen.htm

a 220 *22 foot boat ,drawing 27feet,  was travelling from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic. A road lift bridge was raised to allow it into the lock.


Electronic boards showed how little room was left between the gates. 0.5 metres at each end! 


There was another lift bridge to negotiate when it came out too. The canal museum was informative on Indian Lacrosse and history.


Also the Slave Underground Railroad. Slaves escaping to Canada. http://www.stcatharines.ca/en/experiencein/StCatharinesMuseum1.asp We went into town for lunch at a diner. We drove onto Toronto. Took ages and loads of traffic pouring into the metropolis. That evening we ate at a bar opposite the CN Tower all illuminated in blues and green.

There was an old Steam Engine Round House and Turntable with Old Engines and coaches on display.


Toronto.

3rd and 4th Stayed at the Comfort Inn Scarborough. No pool here so make do with a shower. The following morning we parked at Eglington Go Station and caught the train to town. 



The Go trains are what all trains should be. Train Operators take note. A day pass for multiple trips at CN$4. 40.or £2.29 each. Double deck so we sat upstairs for the view. A smooth ride to Union Station. The Food Hall at the station was unbelievable. Bakeries, fresh fruit, eateries of many types. Other shops underground as well.  Judy and I walked to the harbour whilst The others went shopping at the Eaton Center. Sailing around were police rescue craft, ferries, yachts.

The Airport was on an island and we watched planes arriving and leaving.

The sun was shining and the world is great. We made our way back to the station for lunch. Later we returned to the train and travelled further to Guildwood Park by the Bluff. Views of Lake Ontario.


That evening we dined at The Stone Cottage Pub which we found on the web. http://stonecottagepub.com/ . There was a Harley Meet on there as well. What a chance encounter. Wednesday off to Montreal. We stopped at Tim Hortons for a hot choc and relaxed in large armchairs. Service areas should be like this in England with Woodland Walks, clean and pleasant. I drove onward to Rockport on the lake. A lovely spot in the thousand lakes region. We dined at the Ships Galley Rockport. http://www.rockportcruises.com/dining.asp . There was  an old style General Store. Boat sheds too. 




David then drove onwards to a truck stop where I bought the Tee Shirts. I then drove on to Montreal. It was awful. It did not help that road signs are French, the roads and bridges were work sites and diversions in place. Took ages to get through the tunnel to our hotel. We dined that evening at Harveys. 
More in Part 3.

Sunday 23 October 2011

American Trip 2011

We enjoyed a great deal of exploration and education on our recent trip to America. The escaping slaves on The Underground Railroad with "Moses" Harriet Tubman. The Civil War and Gettysburg. The Native Americans or Indians and how few survived massacre. The numbers who came from Bolivia or further afield, oppressed peoples settling in Lancaster County. So much more to investigate yet. Here is a flavour of the trip.

American Trip 2011.


Manchester to Newark NJ.

Awoke at 4.30am ready to prepare for our trip to America. The taxi man phoned at 5.00am and arrived at 5.30am. An easy drive to Manchester.  Flew out 09.25am on Continental 757 co21 seats 22a to d. Arrived at 12.15pm local time. Cleared immigration and went on the Air train to Hertz to pick up the rental. We upgraded to a Chevy Tahoe 5.3 litre v8. Very comfortable. We collected it early which affected our last day as we had to return it at 1.00pm and we were not due to fly out until 7.40pm.  We then drove over to Philly.

Philadelphia.

22nd and 23rd September Stayed 2 nights at the Rodeway Inn Springfield. We dined at an Ihop  http://www.ihop.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31  and then off to bed. A long day at 22 hours on the go. Awoke after a disturbed night at 7.30am. After breakfast we visited the Liberty Bell.

 There are copy bells in other parts of the country to celebrate Liberty and Freedom. After all so many have died, and are still being killed in the world, to help the cause of Freedom.



 It was raining heavily. We went on to the visitor centre and purchased Trolley Bus tickets for a guided tour with an excellent commentary. The Chinatown Gateway was quite impressive.



 As were the Dragon Sculptures.



There was a statue of Stallone to remember his Rocky movie at the top of the steps of the museum.



 We went to a deli for eats. Then retrieved the car from the car park and visited the Franklin Science museum. We saw the world’s first stainless steel airplane built in 1931 by the Edward Budd Co. to demonstrate its capabilities. They went on to produce Stainless Railroad Coaches.



 There were some spectacular Murals on the walls of buildings.

The death of the steel industry caused a decline in the city and an effort is being made to kick-start the economy. The free library is a  large building with stone columns.





 The Eastern State Penitentiary Was built to give prisoners their own space but meant they were effectually in solitary confinement for years.



We saw a replica Paddle Steamer on the river. We left Philly fairly early and drove through Lancaster County and the Amish People. Buggies and simplicity. There are all types of buggies, open and closed to suit different needs.



 We passed through a covered wooden bridge.



 We went to an Antique Mall, fascinating. The Amish are a contradiction of beliefs. Their life is simple but embraces modernity. Their simple horse and buggy is bolstered by use of friends to offer a lift in a car to shop. They also sell furniture and quilts etc. to boost funds.

We arrived at a Thomas the Tank day at a preservation railway and saw some large engines of the Nickel Plate Railroad.



 The Capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg and the largest city Philadelphia.  Onward to Gettysburg. The Battleground and memorials made us emotional! A large area and many viewpoints.



Lots of information on where differing units were from and how many were killed thought provoking. Some men were re-enacting parts of battle.



. Washington

24th to 27th Stayed 4 nights at the Quality Inn Laurel. Dined at Dennys.  http://www.dennys.com/en/  We drove on to Laurel, booked in and went to dine. On Sunday we drove to Union Station in DC. A spectacular building, wonderful. Soaring roof, columns, sweeping Staircases, Statues.


 We purchased two day tour bus passes and toured the city. The city was laid out in 1791 by Pierre L’ Enfant. The White House, Lincoln Memorial, WW2 Memorial, Embassy Row and much more.

We took a boat trip on the Potomac and saw Watergate and impressive bridges.

 There were rowing crews, surf board paddlers, fire boats hosing, boats passing, planes and helicopters.

 Back on the bus for the FBI buildings and museums. Freedom, slaves, Native American history.

 There are many, many statues and churches. We passed over the Chesapeake and Ohio canal and by the lock keepers cottage.


There were several places when tree branches and overhead wires brushed the heads of the passengers. Hundreds of photos. Back to the hotel. Monday back to Union Station and the bus. The U-Haul Rental trucks poised on the edge of the roof advertised themselves.

 Elsewhere they were displayed on a rotating pole on the roof. Could have stayed all day at The Indian History Museum, so much to take in to the memory banks. The Aymara Reed Boats, Canoes, Beadwork, Violins, boats to weapons. Beadwork to modern art. Inuit to Bolivians, So many tribes killed to oblivion.




 On to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Time from the Wright Flyer to the current pilotless drones used today in Afghanistan. Ice Planes to pedal power. Amy Johnson, Howard Hughes, DeHaviland, Lindbergh and Lockheed. Aircraft carrier planes, Spirit of St. Louis, Ford Trimotor and the doodle bug.

 Later on the plane home I watched Night at the Museum 2 which was based here and at the History museum and National Archives which we visited next.

 American history continued with steam engines, greyhound buses, Harleys, model T and A  Ford, Packards, overland, Trolleys, Whale boats and Teeth.

 Our education continued on Slavery and Freedom. We saw the brand new statue of Martin Luther King.

I took a walk up to the US senate and saw plate Vermont 1.  We were flagging somewhat so made our way on the bus to Union Station. Tuesday we went to a Shopping Mall, Penneys, Sears, Macys and others. It was too expensive at all the Malls for us, although I got two Tee Shirts for 12 dollars at a truck stop later.

We then drove on to Annapolis for lunch. This is where a meeting took place about independence. At the harbour there is a statue of Roots author Alex Haley. 

 Roots: The Saga of an American Family is a novel written by Alex Haley and first published in 1976.
The Naval College is based here where the Navy trains its Officers. Historical buildings and good marinas, some combination! There was a 2 dollar 50 Toll for the 5 mile bridge to Kent Island, more marinas and a State Park, beautiful.

Wednesday left Laurel and viewed Mountains and Forests. Miles and Miles of trees day after day. The rest stops are clean, well laid out, with grassy walks and trees.



 The autumn colours or fall colors are amazing. Leaf colours of yellow, orange, red, brown, light and greens. The blends have to be seen to be believed. Tucked between them, small clearings and a lot with a log cabin, a pickup truck and a boat.

 Place Names vary from familiar London, Brighton, and Newcastle to Blairsville, Altoona, Cessna, Greenburg, Hollidayburg. The houses are very different and vary too. Mostly wooden construction, some brick or stone. Trucks and cars, roads too. County, State, Interstate, Express, Town, Tolls, Highway to Dirt roads.

   

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Pittsburgh.

28th and 29th Stayed at the Quality Inn Gibsonia. We left early and parked at Mount Washington. On the Heights was a bronze of Senaca leader Guyasuta and George Washington who met in October 1770 to air their points of view.

 We took a road like the one in the film Bullet. Very steep with flat jumps at cross intersections. Opposite on the Ohio outside the Carnegie ground was a submarine to view.

Judy and I rode the train up and down the 1877 Duquesne incline.

The Skyline of skyscrapers and the River Monongahela. The Fort was built at a junction of 3 rivers and there is a small museum at the site. Known as the golden triangle and the point state park the rivers Allegheny and Monongahela converge and form the Ohio.


We saw a dinosaur outside the Carnegie music hall.

Opposite was the cathedral of learning. We wandered the grounds mingling with students pondering the meaning of life.

 On to the Arboretum to view wonderful plants and colours.







In Pittsburgh we enjoyed coffee and hot chocs at the Apollo  Café, Back for lunch later, it was so good, American serving portions are huge and it is not uncommon for people to ask for a takeout or to go box for leftovers. After lunch we went to Schenley Park Botanical gardens and Conservatory. Unfortunately we did not have time to do it justice. The greenery, trees and flowerbeds. So relaxing. Dined at Perkins. http://www.perkinsrestaurants.com/menu   Every day has been different. What a trip. We left early the following morning for Buffalo.



Buffalo.

30th to 2nd October Stayed 4 nights at the Comfort Inn Amherst. We drove to the coffee stop at Perkins and then I took over the driving. We went through’ many small townships and hamlets in this wine district. We were surrounded by vines for miles. It was the Chautauqua Allegheny Region. We stopped at a family restaurant called Aunt Millies. Lots of old photos of the family abounded. The food was excellent and the cakes and cookies were unbelievable. Some families asked for spare plates and shared meals and still asked for to go boxes. We booked in to the hotel and headed for the swimming pool. Later we headed to Niagara Falls. The power of the water has to be seen close up to begin to understand and value. 

We went many times to the falls, even again on the way to Canada.

That evening we went to Bob Evans for dinner and did not need any rocking that night to get to sleep we were so tired. Breakfast at 8.00am and on to the Falls at 9.00am. We went for a ride on the boat Maid of the Mist and we have the waterproofs and Judy has the hat to prove it. Super, Super, Super.

The power of nature puts us in our place. The roar, the power, the crashing water, the mist, the rainbows, all so close.

 Awe inspiring, time and again. After a coffee to warm up we went over the bridge into Canada to view it all again. We ate at Tim Hortons and then we attended the six nations pow wow. True First Nation Indians in National dress. Dancing, singing, music, fashion Show, Art and crafts, jewellery, deerskins. Inspiring.


We went back to the Falls again, more photos yet again.


Back across to the USA and back to the hotel and the pool to relax. Dinner was to be at TGI Fridays. But the waiting time was too long so we went to Applebees and got senior discounts.  At the hotel it was Laundry time. It was Midnight by the time we retired and so tired. We slept in and breakfasted at 9.00am.

The next part of the trip will follow in Part 2.