Somerset.

We enjoyed a few days in Somerset. Based at Travelodge Ilminster. We took a look at the remains of Chard Canal. The museum was closed for the winter period. We went onto Taunton and Bridgewater at Maunsel. Some good walks around here. The centre of the universe and the planets laid out on one walk. The children have Mister Men book figures to discover. We purchased some gifts from Perrys Cider and viewed the museum. The local village, Dowlish Wake, is one not to be missed.
We toured Bath and its Golden Stone buildings. The bridges and Dundas aquaduct  were worth a visit and the remains of the Somerset coal canal. Onward to Bradford on Avon, Then Rowde Devizes and Caen Hill Lock Flight.

 We went into Devon to Lyme Regis, Axemouth and Seaton. Before heading up the Fosse Way towards home.

                                 Caen Hill.

                                         Moonrake Lock

                                                  Cottage at Lyme Regis

                                         Perrys Cider Mill.

Saltisford and Hatton Lock Flight.

We have enjoyed a weekend touring Warwickshire. The museum in Warwick market place is well worth a visit. Social History, Huge Stuffed Bear, Coins, Fossils, A Stag Skeleton, roman remains, paintings and more. The Saltisford Canal Basin jam packed. Lovely Gardens Too. 

Leamington Spa has plenty to offer as well. The main Regency Parade held a Christmas Fair, lots to enjoy. Hatton Lock Flight, The Stairway to Heavon some said! 21 locks and heartache some may add. Lock 2 cafe worth a visit. The Waterman Pub was not allowed the captain stated.

We finished off with a visit to Stratford and Bancroft Basin.

American Trip Part 3.

Part 3

Montreal.

5^th and 6^th 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.

7^th and 8^th 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.

9^th and 10^th 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.

11^th and 12^th 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/   13^th  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.

3^rd and 4^th 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.