Saturday, June 25, 2011

Beaucoup d'eau




A picture is worth a thousand words!
My sweet hubby on the Observation Deck on the American side
View from the Observation Deck
Johnathon Livingston on the American side

6-23-11:  American and Bridal Veil Falls:  Today we went from Grand Island, NY (where we are set up) to Niagara Falls, USA.  Stopped on the Niagara River at Fort Schlosser of 1814 to take in the view of the huge bridge we'd just been over, and the city we are heading to.  Even from this distance of a few miles, we can see the mist of the falls rising up.  The water is a beautiful green.  Niagara State Park is what we were looking for. We weren't 100% sure where to turn, and we saw some guys standing on the corner furiously waving orange flags,  holding their hand up as if to stop us, and pointing for us to turn to the right.  So we turned to the right.  As soon as we did that, we realized they weren't holding their hand up as a gesture to stop. Rather it was a gesture that meant $5 parking.  We are such tourists. So we turned around and found our turn into the State Park, which was $10 parking, but was right there.  The first thing we did was hang around on the observation deck going “wow!” over and over.  Amidst the gorgeous green water, and white falls, were some brilliant rainbows.  We tried to imagine how it must've looked to the early explorers!  (and in the winter!) Etienne Brule was prob the first non-Native American to see them in 1613.  He is recorded to be the first of the white missionaries to visit the Neutral Indians along the banks of the Niagara River. Wow, again. I've been  told by several people not to get in a barrel here (I do love props).  I actually learned today that the first person to go over the falls in a barrel was a 63 year old former teacher, Annie Taylor!   Annie was hoping to capitalize on this.  She survived with only bruises, but died about 20 years later in poverty.  What teachers have to do to make ends meet, right?? 


Boarding the Maid of the Mist (Rainbow Bridge in the back)
Heading to the Falls on the Maid of the Mist
Maid of the Mist 
Maid of the Mist heading into Horseshoe Falls, Canada
After the ride
We  boarded the Maid of the Mist.  They gave us a raincoat and boy did we need it!  They took us slowly up the river and as close to Horseshoe Falls (Canadian) as it could get.  The water was pounding down from the Falls and mist was drenching us.  David and I were standing at the front of the boat so we got a great view.  They just let us drift there for what seemed like a long time – but was prob 5-10 minutes.  It was wonderful.      
         
American Side of the upper Falls
American and Bridal Veil Falls from Goat Island with the Observation Deck and Rainbow Bridge
View from below at Cave of the Winds
Becky heading on up to Hurricane Deck
Hurricane Deck got it's name for a reason
David on Hurricane Deck
Rainbow Bridge
Upper Horseshoe Falls from American side
Footbridge over Niagara River
  Went over to Goat Island and did Cave of the Winds. This makes me want to see that Marilyn Monroe movie, Niagara, again.  This is where the big chase scene took place.  Now, when you go to the Cave of the Winds, make sure your toenails are done.  They make you take off your walking shoes and put on their sandals – even if you have your own sandals or flips!  They also passed out raincoats – but it did practically no good.  We walked up to the top deck, called Hurricane Deck (for a reason) and got drenched.  It was so windy and wet.  I was amazed that some folks were putting their small children up there for pix.  Looked like they could easily get blown off the deck!  David and I, on the other hand, were well anchored. LOL. Evidently, these stairs and decks are rebuilt every year!  The winters take a toll on them.  This area is also, officially an IBA – Important Bird Area. You'd think it'd have a more scientific name.  It's a habitat for thousands of gulls. And right now is fledgling season, so we got to see the fuzzy young ones, too.  Cute!  After a walk along the USA side of Horseshoe Falls, we went across the footbridge to Three Sisters Island, then caught a trolley and headed home.  What a great day!






(Just before we got here, there was a rescue of 2 cops who very nearly went over the Falls when trying to rescue 4 teens – at night – in the fog.  You can google that newstory.  Pretty intense!)


View of American and Canadian Falls from Rainbow Bridge
David at Horseshoe Falls in Canada
Johnathon L made it to the Canadian side
Becky in Canada at Horseshoe Falls
6-24-11:  Canadian (Horseshoe) Falls:  Everyone has told us how much prettier the Canadian side is than the American.  After yesterday, we just couldn't believe that.  But we grabbed the passports and headed on over there anyway. Could've walked across Rainbow Bridge, but decided to drive it instead because the weather isn't quite as great today.   As soon as we got through the border, I could see what people mean about the Canadian side.  Wow!!  Just seeing them all from this perspective, straight on, was amazing!  The parking was nearly twice the price over here as the USA, but worth it.  Great views above the Maid of the Mists as they eased underneath Horseshoe Falls' heavy mist.  Lots of beautiful French being spoken around us. Yesterday, in America, it was the beautiful languages of India.  (now and then we heard English) 


Scow hung up in Canadian Rapids
There is an old rusty scow hung up in the Canadian Rapids. Such an amazing story.  I googled it and you can read it at:  www.niagarafrontier.com/scow We did the Journey Behind the Falls.  A couple of field trips were in the tunnels with us, so it was loud.  (Visited with the one of the teachers and I think Toronto teachers feel about the same way we do in TX.  It's the same everywhere I reckon).  Got pretty wet on deck.  Nice views.  But this is prob not worth the $ if you've done the American side activities.  If I were going to spend time in Niagara Falls, the town, I'd want to be on the Canadian side. Much more inviting!  The Falls is a great trip with lots to do for the whole family. 


Back in Grand Island, we stopped at Brick Oven Pizzeria.  Boy oh boy, these New Yorkers know how to make a pizza pie!!  Best ever!!  Love the thick New York accents!!  I can't understand them, but I love to listen to them!  Really warm, friendly people here in Western NY. 


Old Fort Niagara
Old Fort Niagara Lighthouse
6-25-11:  We visited Old Fort Niagara today.  Wonderful, well-preserved fort with some pretty important history.  And a great lighthouse!  It is on the Great Lake Ontario. 


Old Fort Niagara entrance
David at Old Fort Niagara
David in one of the lookout towers at OFN
Looking Out
Bunker at Old Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario
Armed and Ready
The French Castle at OFNSP
Becky and Soldier before the firing of the musket
Toronto skyline across the bay at Lake Ontario
Becky at Old Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario
 It changed “garrisons” a few times and finally ended up in the hands of the USA on Aug. 11, 1815.   If you ever visit the Falls, make time for this excursion as well.  Across the bay from the fort, is the Canadian town of Niagara on the Lake.  Our Canadian friends, Wayne and Barb, recommended this, but we just ran out of time.  Another trip..........




After spending a couple of days in Campbell, NY, we will head to PA to see places such as Lancaster, Gettysburg, Hershey, and Scranton.



Until later, 
Jim and Pam
(gotta be an Office fan to get that one!)

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The Heart of it All!


Hello Youins!!  (that's Eastern Ohio for Hey Ya'll)

Indiana Wants Me
We left the beautiful Amana Colonies and headed to Ohio.  Crossed through Illinois and Indiana – both beautiful states with great farmlands and very full rivers – including the Mighty MIGHTY Mississip. And some rough riding on the interstates in Illinois. Worth avoiding if you are pulling a camper!  The time zone changed to Eastern at the Illinois/Indiana line.  Ohio is beautiful!  Lots of green and beautiful hills, which I felt should have a name, but not seeing one on the map.  Most of the roads we used in Eastern OH, were 2 lane hilly, winding lanes that occassionally will have a canopy of oaks. We saw some jet black squirrels and lots of woodchucks.  But we did not see them chucking wood, so do not know the answer to the big question.

6-1-11:  Arrived in Cinci and set up at Winton Woods Campground.  It's in the city & very nice!!  Lots to do there.  And it's only about 10 minutes from Cousins Karen and Roger.  So excited to meet all of David's Ohio and Kentucky cousins for the very first time. Karen and I have been email buddies for a few years now.  It's been about 40 years since he has seen them!

Cousin Karen and David
Bec giving Atl Atl a try
6-2-11:  Karen took us to Fort Ancient – a very interesting museum with lots of historic and prehistoric Native American info and artifacts, as well as many mounds.  I got to try my hand at “atl atl”.  That would take some practice – I managed to not only send the spear flying, but also the stick that is supposed to help it go farther.  We went up to a beautiful scenic spot there overlooking the Little Miami River and Valley.  Then Cousin Karen introduced us to Cinci's famous Skyline Chili.  They serve a yummy “3-way” dish of spaghetti noodles, chili (seasoned with cinnamon and cocoa), and shredded cheese.  Very different from our hot-as-heck TX chili.  But very good!
6-3-11:  Our Andrew's 4th bday.  Man, time flies!  When we called him this morning, they were all making cupcakes for the party.  His little brother, Asher,  thinks it's his bday, too.  They are a hoot.
6-4-11:  Taught Karen how to play Pennies from Heaven today. She's used to playing Hand and Foot and beat us pretty bad.  Met Roger at Logan's (great burgers). Loved visiting with them! She told us about a Michigan delicacy called Pasties.  Meijers (pronounced Myers) is a groc/dept store like a big ole Walmart and they carried them.  So David and I picked some up to try later.

Ron, Sandy, and Jan
Roxanne and Emma
Sarah and Andrew
Jan, Karen, and Sandy
Twins, Craig and Andrew, Sandy, and baby Andrew
David  and his Cinci Cousins
6-5-11:  Wonderful cousin get-together at Roger's and Karen's today.   We got together with 4 of David's cousins, spouses, kids, and grandkids!  They are just an awesome family full of laughs and love!  We love them all!  They taught me a new card game – Sets and Runs!  Similar to Screwy Louie.

P-39 - Daddy worked on these in WWII
USAF Museum in Dayton
Dayton museum
Air Force Museum in Dayton
The Early Years at Dayton USAF Museum
6-6-11:  David and I went to the Dayton, OH USAF National Museum today.  This is the mother of all air museums!!  I understand it's second only to the Smithsonian. This one had the P39 which my dad worked on in New Guinea during WWII.  That was exciting to me because I'd only seen pix.  It's not too common to see it in museums.  You might google it – the P39, Aerocobra.  It was a little bit of a disappointment to the US military, but very interesting story.  My museum style is to zip through and then hit the gift shop.  David's style is to read ALL signs and info in the museum.  So once I'd done my part, I sat in the lobby and visited with some men who'd been in the Korean war and knew quite a bit about the planes.  I learned even more about the P39 from them. (Ate the Pasties – very tasty)

6-8-11:  Arrived in Carrollton, OH today – the eastern part of the state.  It's the home of the Civil War McCooks, whose home is now a museum on the square.  Such lush and green country, with amazing  hills and 2-lane farmroads – only.  Ron and Sherry, who we met in the TX Hill Country this past winter, are workamping here at the the rv park where we are staying. In fact, we are right next door to them. 

6-9-11:  Ron and Sherry introduced us to a typical Amish supper.  Trail bologna (beef), cheeses – set out awhile to become a little mushy – potato salad, slaw, crackers, pickled beets and hardboiled eggs, and watermelon. Yummy.  Evidently, sometimes the Amish eat popcorn and apples for supper.  Now, that's my kind of cooking!

Ron and Sherry at their previously owned restaurant in Zoar, OH
Ohio Amish Country
Sam the Amish horse in Sugarcreek, Ohio
Stand back! Hitching up the poo-poo catcher to Sam
Getting to know Eli
6-10-11:  Today R & S took us to the Ohio Amish Country:  Walnut Creek, Berlin, Sugarcreek. Gorgeous drive!  Landscapes were like paintings!!  Our first stop was Zoar – where Ron grew up and the 2 of them owned a restaurant there for many years.  Zoar was a colony similar to Amana, Iowa.  It was settled by The Separatists (instead of the Inspirationists) from Germany in the early 1800's.  The Quakers invited them over.  We stopped for lunch at Der Dutchman in Walnut Creek.  Delicious restaurant with the BEST Peanut Butter pie I've ever had next to my mama's.  Most of the businesses in this area are owned by the Dutch Corporation.  We took an Amish buggy ride in Sugarcreek.  It was short, but I got to ride up front with the driver and ask a lot of  questions!  We didn't catch his name, so Ron called him Eli.  It was a little rainy today, so we didn't get to see too many Amish farmers out working the fields, but saw plenty of Amish women working the gardens.  Aside from Swiss cheese, Trail Bologna is the #1 thing people come to the Ohio Amish Country to purchase.  We purchased some as well.  Yummy stuff!

6-13-11:  Played golf at Carrollton today – beautiful, hilly course.  Tonite I cooked supper for Ron and Sherry and really was happy with how it turned out.  But during the course of the conversation, Sherry mentioned that she authored a COOKBOOK a few years ago.  Sooo glad I didn't know that before I cooked for them.  I prob would've just picked up pizza.


Lehman's
The Town & Country clientele
Farm Equipment on the move in Ohio Amish Country
After the Auction
Hills are no problem for these guys
Ohio Amish buggy
trying to make a left
Amish buggy in Ohio
Our grandsons in the Amish hats we sent them
6-15-11:  David and I drove back over to Amish Country today to visit Lehman's store in Korbin.  Sherry used to work there and told us about it.  It's a huge store that specializes in non-electric items used in Amish households and farms.  Lots of modern stuff, too.  I picked up this week's copy of The Budget.  Amish from communities all over the USA – and even some outside the US, write in to this newspaper to let each other know what's going on in their community:  anything from deaths, weddings, births, trips, visitors, to little Micah scaring his sis by putting a mouse in her apron pocket.  Fun read.  Really interesting films shown in the store re: Amish history and barn-raising.  Worth a stop if you are in this area.  Afterward we ate in the basement of Town & Country Market – I recommend it!  We came back thru Mt. Hope where the Amish families were  dispersing in their buggies from the auction.

Red barns indicate Old Order Amish in the Ohio Amish Country
Amish farm near Charm, Ohio
Amish boys cutting the hay
look at the muscles on these workhorses
helping Daid in the fields
washing the roof of the camper on a cool Ohio day
Our peeps, Ron & Sherry, in Carrollton, Ohio
An Ohio farrm
Also came through Amish communities Berlin, Sugarcreek (which is where The Budget is printed),  and Charm, to name a few.  The gorgeous hilly roads presented picturesque views of Amish men and boys working the fields with their horse-drawn farm equipment, ladies working the amazing gardens – and mowing and weed-eating, & lots of laundry drying on the lines.  Some of the Amish homes and barns are very old, quaint, country homes and some are modern and elaborate.  Whatever the style, they have a smaller home beside them for the grandparents.  The main way you'd know it's an Amish home is the lack of powerlines, lack of curtains,  or the Amish laundry hanging on the clotheslines outside.  Yes, non-Amish homes have laundry out, too, but not Amish clothes hanging.  On the way home, we went through New Philly, Magnolia, and Sandyville -- “the town that moved”.

Lincoln/Bedell statues in Westfield, NY
Barcelona Lighthouse in Westfield, NY on Lake Erie
Westfield, NY vineyards
6-20-11:  We are now in Western New York.  Spending a couple of days in Westfield, on the shores of Lake Erie.  Traveled on the beautiful Lincoln byway – so so many old colonial homes and bldgs from 1800's with the year built posted on them. If walls could talk, right?  And vineyards galore!!  Evidently vineyards : western NY :: corn : Iowa!!  As far as the eye can see.  Westfield was home to James McClorg, who was part of the Philadelphia Convention – which was some sort of political event. LOL. Also, you might google Grace Bedell.  Our campground is across the rd from Lake Erie.  A lotta watta!!  Pleasant temps – 60's.  I do miss the western US dry air though!  Visited the Barcelona Lighthouse, very quaint.

Bemus Point, NY
6-21-11:  Drove to beautiful Lake Chautauqua.  Stopped at Village of Bemus Point.  Great.  A few Amish in this area, Jamestown mainly.  Their buggies here are brown-topped.   Western NY is interesing is you are coming this way anyway.  Wouldn't be an area I'd be eager to come back to.  Laura Lee said “you've finally found a place you couldn't live!”. Haha. 

Red Head on Lake Erie in NY
Lake Erie at Westfield, NY
6-22-11:  moved on to Grand Island, NY to stay about 5 days while we visit Niagra Falls.  Traveled on the Seaway Trail (hwy 5) and saw more of Lake Erie.  Crossed over the Buffalo River (prettier in AR), and drove alongside the Erie Canal once we came to Buffalo.  Crossed over the huge Niagra River, for a $2.75 toll. The rv park we picked, Branches of Niagra, is very nice. Just do your laundry ahead of time because there is only ONE washer/dryer for the whole place.

Will spend a few days at The Falls then will check out Pennsylvania. 



Until Later,

Amos and Fanny Yoder

Oh, diesel prices as we came through PA were $4.23.  We couldn't believe it!  They'd just dropped to below $4.00 in OH before we left there.  Got to NY and realized we should've filled up in PA.  It's $4.32 here.  Would like to know what it is in your area.....