Grammas Scrapbook

First night at the falls

An 11 day automobile trip for two couples can either be tense and stressful or absolutely wonderful.  I am thrilled to say that our vacation was perfectly enjoyable in every way!  We had fun, ate, toured, ate, took boat rides, ate, visited historical sites, ate, AGAIN and did a LOT of driving.  We even elected a “grand poopah”.  One guess as to whether we actually did what he said…..

We began the excursion by picking up our friends, Jim and Carolyn,  in Allen, Texas, and heading toward Arkansas.  The first night was spent in Memphis (home of Elvis and the barbeque capital of the world) at the Super 8.  Just had dinner and went to bed.  Resting up for the long day ahead.  We have all been to Memphis several times previously and always love it.

The second leg of our journey brought us to Dayton, Ohio.  We took a slight detour in Ohio, through Columbus, which was the birthplace of our friend Jim.  His ancestors (both sides) were original residents of a small community called Minerva Park and donated a large tract of land, including a lake, to the still standing small community near Columbus (see pics below).  The land has been developed into a park and is carefully maintained to preserve its original state.  Any additional landscaping is carefully planned to look as natural as possible.  As stated in the deed,  if the land is ever used for anything  other than a park, ownership will automatically revert  to  the family heirs. It was very beautiful and an interesting part of our trip. We spent the night at the Fairfield Inn in Dayton, Ohio.

Jim’s Grandfather.s house

Minerva Park Plaque

On the third day, we reached our ultimate destination, Niagara Falls, Canada.  We stayed four days  in Niagara Falls at the Howard Johnson Inn.  This was  the first time in many trips across the Canadian border that we did not have any trouble crossing, just a few questions, then on our way.  When we reached our motel in Niagara Falls, it was late in the day.  However, we went over to the Falls area and drove around so our friends could get their first glimpse of it.  We had been there 5 or 6 times before  but are always in awe of the splendor and power of the falls.  We then went back at dusk so that we could view the illumination of lights.  That was spectacular!   We found a parking space behind a restaurant across from the falls and were able to walk across the street.  The parking fee was $15.00, but that is better than parking on the outskirts of the area and walking.  After all, the four of us are each over 39 years old; walking long distances tends to use a lot of energy that might be needed for something else!!!  In the evening we went to a Jack Tanner Restaurant and enjoyed some delicious food and absolutely wonderful iced tea…with very little ice.  Texas are accustomed to a lot of ice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  But…..we managed.  When in Rome…………………………..

The situation at Niagara Falls is very different from when we first began visiting there.  There are a LOT of tourists–in fact, there was no simple way to walk around and enjoy the area.  We used to be able to just drive down in the area, find a close parking space on the street, and have a great time.  Progress sometimes causes a pleasant and comfortable experience to become more difficult.  Niagara Falls is not the only location where this has happened.  The locals rarely go there anymore.  That is progress, I guess.  However, it is still an experience that everyone should have sometime during his or her lifetime.

Day Number Four was also spent in the falls area.  We took the drive all the way down and back on the Niagara Parkway.  We visited Fort Erie, drove around the Falls several times so that we would not miss anything.  All of us were enthralled with the force of the water, the beauty of everything, the marooned ship hovering just above the falls, just everything!!!!!  In the evening, Jack and Judy, a very special cousin and her husband,  made reservations for us to all have dinner together.  That was a spectacular evening.  We had delicious Japanese food. It was wonderful seeing them, as we only see each other one or two times per year.  I wish we could visit more often.

Ready to eat

Our chef

 The visit to Fort Erie was very enjoyable; in fact, we made some extremely special memories.  Don (the grand poopah) was not feeling well that day due to the fact that he had been diagnosed with pneumonia the day before we left but absolutely refused to delay the trip.  On this day, he chose to stay in the car while the rest of us toured.  Jim was the only one who wanted to pay to take a guided tour.  Carolyn and I went to the Fort but only to take pictures and see the fort on our own.  We met some very interesting characters.  One was in Indian costume and confronted Carolyn about touching items in a tepee on the grounds.  He did it quite kindly,  and they became friends.  Of course, she makes friends with everyone–one of those people who never meets a stranger!! There were also numerous English soldiers, canon fire, and others in costume.  The most interesting person we met was a man picking up trash.  He decided to stop beside where Carolyn and I were waiting for Jim and tell us his “very exaggerated” life story.  He was married to a marine biologist who traveled extensively at her company’s expense, but he was always able to accompany her for free on these trips.  He was 60 years old but had not married until he was 40.  He told us what an exciting ride he has had  (his words).    Carolyn gave him the nickname “garbalogist”.  The double entendre in this story is evident.  We have shared a lot of laughs about that afternoon.  I suspect that this particular event occurred because of Carolyn’s short pants.  See the picture below.

Entry to the fort

Carolyn and a tall friend

Carolyn found an Indian friend                                                             The “Garbalogist”

On the 5th day we took a guided tour, which included a trip to the revolving Minolta tower, the floral clock, a whirlpool, the entire Falls area “up close”, a winery (where we purchased some great wine),  the Table Rock, and concluded with the most exciting event of the day –the boatride on the “Maid of the Mist”.  Everything was so enthralling and spectacular.  The boat ride under the roiling waters of the falls was the most exciting, I guess.  We were probably  even “cute” in our blue “garbage bags”.  We did not get a lot of pictures  while on  the ride because the boat was too crowded to get even close to the rail.  AND the water was always blowing a mist all over us.  Made taking pictures difficult.  It was a long and taxing day – but wonderful!   The four of us did not have any trouble falling asleep any night on the entire trip.

The “Maid of the Mist” is a boat owned and operated by the same family for over 60 years.  They run boats from both the U.S. side (in New York) and Canadian side.  However, we learned that beginning in 2014 the family’s contract will not be renewed, and  a different company will begin providing the service.  The name will also be changed.  The original company will still be providing “Maid of the Mist” service to tourists from the New York side, though.

       Resting up for the big day                          On..Into the falls!!                          Does anyone have the time?

Day 6 we drove over to the Georgetown area and spend a wonderful afternoon and evening with my cousins.  They have a beautiful rock home on the Escarpment, about 35 or so acres.  The view was spectacular, a pond, lots of beautiful trees, a waterfall, a real deer, and a for- real  buzzard.  In fact, they are the only relatives that I have who have a pet scavenger.  Their home is gorgeous and quite comfortable.  We talked a lot, and snacked a lot.  Everyone went for a ride in Jack’s newly purchased Fisker Karma.  Judy served a scrumptious Italian dinner……everything homemade!!!!!  After dinner we went down to their media center and watched “War Horse”.  Jack did not like it very much, so I later gave it to him as a gift so he could watch it again whenever he wanted.   ( Upon leaving we forgot to take the movie with us, but I thought I would just give it to Jack instead of having them send it to me.)  Jack enjoys a good joke!!!!!!!!!!!!! We left their home on Saturday A.M.

Jack and Judy                                                                              “Canadian Parakeet

….and the deer jumped over the Lexus

Day 7 we left Canada through the Detroit area and drove only as far as  Dearborn to spend the night.   The only exciting thing we did there was to try to find a place to eat.  We got a list of restaurants from our hotel but could not seem to find any that were still where they were supposed to be.  We also used “Alice”, the GPS in the car.  We eventually wound up at a Chili’s.  A note on the crossing of the border back into the U.S. It also was very easy and quick.  Don and I told our friends that they were our good luck charms, because those were the ONLY two times that we have done that border crossing without having a lot of trouble.  We usually have to pull into a special area and have our car (and my purse) searched.  This has been especially true going into Canada. Last year we decided that the Canadians were profiling Texans!!!!!  No Kidding!!!!!!!!!!!   Of course, this was during the time that the English prince and his brand new bride were in the area.  In Dearborn we stayed at the Courtyard.
On day 8  we went early to the Ford Museum and then to Greenfield Village.  The four of us started going through the museum.  It soon became obvious that when you are accompanied by 2 engineers, it is going to take a looooooonnnnnngggg time!  So, Carolyn and I opted to let them take their time, and we went on our tour without them.  It did not take the two of us nearly as long as it took the guys.  We girls were more interested in seeing things like Lincoln’s chair, old kitchens, “separate drinking fountains for coloreds and whites”, the Rosa Parks bus, and the Presidential Limousine’s of the past (including the one in which Kennedy was assassinated).  The most interesting presidential “limo” was one that was a fancy horse-drawn carriage.  According to the information we read about the vehicle, it served 4 presidents, and the only times that it was used was for a president to do his own personal errands.  Wow!  How things have changed.  Now the automobiles have to be bullet proof.  WE LEFT THE ONLY CAMERA THAT WE WERE CARRYING WITH THE GUYS………….SO YOU CAN IMAGINE WHAT 2/3 OF OUR PICTURES LOOK LIKE!  LOTS OF ENGINES –FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION TO THE END.

Four weenies and a weinermobile

Lunch in Greenwood Village

Carolyn and I went to the Greenfield Village without the guys.  Both the museum and the Village are large places, but with cell phones, communication is still available.  The village was of the 1800’s.  We visited a farm that grew all the food that was eaten…vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy products…everything.  When we arrived at the farmhouse, the employees were just sitting down to a homegrown and homecooked lunch.  It had been cooked on a woodburning stove.  It was so hot inside the house that I don’t know how they could enjoy their meal.  In fact, I asked a lady how in the world they could wear those long skirts, petticoats, bonnets, etc.  She replied that the skirts and petticoats actually served as a barrier from the hot stove when they were cooking.  (Learned a lot of surprising things on this trip.)  We toured various sites: saw mills, weaving shops, tool sharpening, canning, and many others.  All the buildings were designed from original ones for that time period, with lots of windows and door openings  creating “Breezeways”, situated as to allow drafts of wind to circulate.   These buildings were  surprisingly pleasant, especially since it was in the high 90’s when we were there.
At lunch time we called the guys and had them meet us at the Eagle Tavern, a restaurant where the menu was 18th century cuisine and waiters/waitresses were dressed in the garb of the time.  Of course, the restaurant was about as far as possible from where  our husbands were in the Museum.  (In fact, we walked over 6 miles total that day.)   It was over a mile to where we were, so we waited patiently by touring more buildings.  Finally. when everyone arrived– hungry and thirsty, we got a table.  The place was quite crowded, had no electricity, lots of windows for the light to shine in, lamps on the tables–when needed.  There were three items on the Bill of Fare.  The food was quite different from what we were accustomed to.  The other 3 people chose from the entree Bill of Fare, but I wanted just vegetable soup (which was also on the Bill of Fare ).  I had not thought about the fact that in the 18th century they cooked mostly with carrots and celery—-which was what I got in my soup.  It was extremely bland but interesting.  I asked for some crackers or a roll.  Sorry, no crackers, and you can’t order a la carte.  A roll does not come with your meal.  We had mint tea (the only cold beverage on the menu).  Seconds were not allowed.  As soon as the food was served, I snatched a roll off my husband’s plate.  (He was given 2).  The desserts were very good—buttermilk pie cherry cobbler, a couple other kinds that I don’t recall now.  It was a wonderful experience, and we had a lot of laughs and met some very interesting people.

Day 9 was spent mostly driving.  We went to the Indianapolis Speedway, arriving there at a very late hour.  We had not checked to see what time they closesd, so the first thing we did was take a bus tour through the Speedway; we got out on the track; Don kissed the finish line; we saw the press box, which has room for 500 reporters; we drove through gasoline alley; saw the entire facility.  It was a fantastic tour.  When we got back to the museum, it was closing in 15 minutes (at 5P.M.).  The guys rushed to the auto museum to get more pictures, while Carolyn and I shopped for souvenirs.  We spent the night at the Fairfield Indianapolis in Terra Haute.  This particular motel is a prime example of what can happen when you shop for a room while on-line!!!!!!!!!!!!

The infield at Indy

Kissing the bricks. an Indy tradition

Finished

Day 10–This was a day when we, again, did a lot of driving.  We visited the Meramac Caverns in Missouri.  These Caverns were where Jessie James and his gang had their hideout.  It is not hard to imagine having this kind of bandits in these caverns.  We did not walk through the caverns, as it was about an hour walk down and another hour back.  We did not want to use up all of our energy doing  just walking that day.  We did some serious souvenir shopping, though.  It was a fun experience.  Our only other activity that day was to visit a Harrah’s facility in St. Louis and spend a couple of hours gambling.  Neither of us is a serious gambler, but we have a lot of time putting our pennies in the one-arm bandits.   We did the gambling in the morning.  We spent the night in Springfield, Missouri,  at the Lamplighter Inn and Suites, on the corner of Stewart and Kerr.  We had a DELIGHTFUL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The corner of…

Day 11 was mostly spent driving – again.  We stopped for one very interesting tour of the Fantastic Caverns in Missouri.  I highly recommend these Caverns.  We were driven through on a trailer being towed behind a jeep.  It was surprisingly comfortable.  The view of  stalactites and other formations inside the caves was a wonderful, spectacular scene.  It was enchanting.  The caves were first explored by a group of 10 women who belonged to a women’s athletic club  in Missouri.  When we  saw the small opening that was the original entrance/exit to those caverns, it was hard to imagine anyone being able to crawl through there.  Our guide explained that they fastened flashlights to their heads to be able to see to walk and still have use of both hands.  I guess that is where the lamps on heads of the  miners originated?  Or maybe the  miners were  doing that first?  We spent that night in Oklahoma City at the Econolodge.

Cave dwellers

Day 12, our last day, we went through the Arbuckle Wilderness in Oklahoma.  We have hundreds of pictures of this Wild Animal Preserve.  There are a lot of wonderful, beautiful animals there.  They were striving, as we all were, to stay cool.  Then we droving to Denton, Texas, and had lunch at Appleby’s.  Our final destination was home, which we reached before it got dark that day.  In choosing pictures to display for this excursion, I thought the “animals” displayed below were much more colorful to view than a hippo, tiger, water buffalo, or all the other fantastic animals there would be.

Leaving Arbuckle Wilderness

Hold that tiger

A one line summary of our trip might be, “We did as  many exciting and wonderful, unforgettable things  in 12 days as we possibly could….especially for being over 39 years of age and had a DELIGHTFUL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”.
We drove about 3700 miles on that trip.  WONDERFUL!!!!ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE! FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE CAR!!!!!!!

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