I, Runcie, had to have a little more of Niagara Falls today. We had not yet seen the Falls from where Superman was hanging out with Lois Lane right at eye level. it's frightening to look into the water a few feet behing the edge and imagine falling in. After a brief look, Donna got the kids and backed up about 50 feet.
The kids love the "water spray" which shoots up above the falls and really inhibits visibility at times, but it sure is fun to run around in. We decided to do the tour behind the falls, so we donned the slickers and went down a big elevator. The present tunnels were built in 1944 and have a couple of hallways that lead directly behind the Falls. There is a surprising amount of wind generated by the Falls. The roaring sound, wind, and spray made for much more entertainment for the kids. There's an outdoor viewing point directly to the side of the Falls about midway down which is also amazing. We got some great photos of the Maid of the Mist boats below.
Finally it was time to leave, so we crossed back into the U.S. with a sigh of relief and began the long drive across New York State on I-90. The drive from Buffalo to Syracuse is a cure for insomnia as there was very little to see for 2 or so hours . . . not even more than about 6-8 exits. One thing we began to notice in Pennsylvania and continuing into New York is the absence of billboards or even any type of roadside development. In a way it's nice because you feel like you're driving through the middle of nowhere for hours. It's a big contrast to the billboards, barns painted with "See Rock City", roadside rockets, and other things to gawk at when on a roadtrip from Tennessee to south Florida. I kind of like to gawk myself, but the serenity up North is pretty nice.
Because of a tip from my good friend Paul DiGiovanni, we cut off a little interstate distance by taking a state highway for a few miles. We went through a town called Saratoga Springs near where the Revolutionary War Battle of Saratoga was fought. We didn't have time to stop and look at anything, but it was one of the most unique towns I've ever seen from the short drive through. We plan on going back for about a half-day since it's less than an hour from where we're staying.
After a little more than 1,200 miles divided into 4 days of driving, we finally pulled into Bolton Landing, NY where the Sagamore resort is. This will be our home for the next 6 days, and we look forward to a little rest, relaxation, and taking in some nature. The hotel is on the historic register for hotels and is quite charming. We're actually staying in a lodge adjacent to the hotel, but we will enjoy all the amenities. Time to get some rest.
1 comment:
Runcie:
Thanks for the mention. Did you see the Erie Canal locks as you neared Syracuse? Not a lot to look at, but of historical interest. That drive may be visually boring, but throw in a white-out snowstorm, and it can be the most exciting stretch of asphalt you ever experience!
Saratoga has long been the summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra. I know that your travel plans may not permit a long time there, but my cousin Robert dePasquale (father of Ellen, currently with the Cleveland Orchestra) is headed there this week, presumably to perform with the Philly Orchestra. He is 78 and semi-retired, so it might just be a pleasure trip for him, I'm not sure.
Angela discovered the delights of kayaking on the lake by the Sagamore. I played golf at the hilly and scenic course nearby. It is a beautiful area; enjoy it as much as you can.
Paul
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