Tuesday, August 26th, Ontario, Canada
We crossed the international bridge to Canada. Once we left Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, it turned out to be a beautiful drive. It started off hilly, and then there were some rocks mixed in with the hills. It reminded us somewhat of Western Maryland.
I took a lot of pictures. The scenery all the way across to North Bay was beautiful. There were very few times when the scenery wasn’t attractive to look at. But most of it was gorgeous. Trees, rocks, hills, flowers beaches and lakes. Some areas were so rocky it looked like a giant rock garden with gigantic rocks.
We were stopped a few times for construction; but the delays were usually only about 5 minutes or so, very unlike the United States.
One thing we noticed was that the road signs had both English and French. The closer and closer we got to Sudbury, the more French we saw. It was neat, gave me a chance to learn some French. Est is East. Quest is West. Sud is South. Sortie is exit. Debut is begins. (as in the highway begins)
We arrived at the Clarion Pinewood Park Resort Hotel in North Bay, Ontario around 7:30. At 8 we headed to the dining room for dinner. Keith explained his food allergies to the waitress who checked with the chef to see what they could fix for him to eat. It scared me at first when she came out and said “the liver,” and didn’t continue with the list right away. Keith made a face and she also told him he could have the prime rib and they would be able to steam his veggies. That worked for Keith and I felt much better knowing he would be able to have a nice dinner.
While we were still in the room, Bob and I looked over the restaurant menu. It looked huge and Bob was all set to get some pizza. When we got to the restaurant, though, the menu was much smaller and didn’t have all the same choices as the menu in the room. He ended up getting a steak. He said it was good, but when Sarah asked him how he liked his Canadian steak, he answered with, “I’d rather be eating some Canadian pizza.”
Wednesday, August 27th
For breakfast the hotel was able to toast the bagels Keith could eat. (we carried some Keith-friendly bread with us) He had the bagels with jam and had some tea.
We checked out after breakfast and started off for Niagara Falls. We stopped once about 45 miles north of Toronto for a little break and for Sarah to mail a postcard to Jen. Jen wanted her to mail a postcard from Canada.
The closer we got to Toronto, the wider and more American-looking the highway became. The scenery was less attractive--less trees and more buildings. We also encountered more construction along this route and the delays were a little longer than the day before. Still, it was neat to finally see Toronto. After living near Canada for so long, it was nice to see some of the cities I had heard about for years.
We stopped again just north of Niagara Falls at a rest stop. They had a food court and we stopped for lunch. Keith found something he could eat at Wendy’s. (whew) Bob and I got pizza. When Sarah said he finally got his Canadian pizza, he said it wasn’t all that good. What a character he is.
After driving through Canada for two days, one thing I did notice was that Canada doesn't have nearly as many ugly billboard signs as the States does. There are some near cities to advertise hotels and restaurants, but otherwise, I didn't see many.
We got in the car again and didn’t stop until we got to Niagara Falls, Canada. We stopped and looked at the scenic views of the falls, walked around the town of Niagara; (a very nice town) stopped in the duty-free shop and then went across the border. Customs was easy both entering Canada and re-entering the US.
We found Niagara Falls State Park—parked—and headed to the falls. We walked around for several hours. Viewed the falls from several angles. All I can say is magnificent. Spectacular. You can feel the spray in your face. I loved it. We all took several pictures. After a couple of hours we walked across the pedestrian bridge to Canada. They call it Rainbow Bridge. You need your passports when you head back to the states. We spent quite a while on the bridge taking pictures.
After re-entering the states, Sarah decided to go back to the far side of the park to get some T-shirts she had seen earlier. Bob went back to the car since he was tired. It was close to 8 pm by this point. I walked back over with them, took a few more pictures while I waited. On our way back, a young lady stopped Keith and asked him how to get to Rainbow Bridge. We pointed in the direction she needed to go. She seemed a little nervous, so we told her to walk with us, we were going in the same direction. As we got near the car, I headed over so Bob wouldn’t start wondering where we all were. Sarah and Keith continued walking with the Japanese girl and took her right to the bridge. They chatted with her while walking and learned she lived in Canada for a year and she was back visiting. She came across the bridge earlier in the evening, but had gotten confused on how to get back. Since it was getting dark, we didn’t want her just wandering around. Keith, the language expert, was able to greet her in Japanese. He said “Ohio,” and something else that I can’t remember. He said she was surprised he knew a greeting. As they said good-bye to each other, Keith said they bowed and shook hands. Once we all got back in the car, Keith said, “We walked a Japanese girl all the way back to Canada.”
As we drove toward Buffalo to our hotel, we noticed the sunset was so beautiful. Sarah was able to turn around and get some pictures of it. It really was a gorgeous shade of red.
We found the hotel and checked in. By this point it was already about 9 and I know everyone was as exhausted as I was. Bob and Keith decided to go to Boston Market for take-out food. They were very nice and worked with Keith to fix food he was able to eat. Being so late, they just all took the food to our separate rooms rather than eat together. I took a shower while Bob was gone and felt much better.
It was a late dinner—but sure hit the spot.
It must’ve been around 11 when we went to bed.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Our Circle Trip--Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Saturday, August 23rd
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
After checking into the hotel, we went out to the house and Roger was preparing dinner. Found Mom and Dad and visited with each of them a bit. I helped Mom out in her cat barn then we went in to eat.
After dark me, Bob, Sarah, Keith, Roger and Dad went out to look at stars. Roger and Keith set up the telescope and found Jupiter for us to see. It was neat. The first time they lined it up we saw two moons. The second time they lined it up, we were able to see four moons. That was neat. We also could see the big dipper, the little dipper and we are pretty sure we could see the Milky Way very faintly. We all saw some shooting stars, too. Very neat.
Sunday, August 24th
Bob and I got up early and walked by the locks. We parked over at the church and then crossed the street. We walked down by the locks. A ship was going through, the Robert Pierson. Bob stopped at the observation point while I continued my walk. Then, we headed back to the church, went to Mass, and then back to the hotel. It felt wonderful to walk. I always have to get exercise, even on vacation. I got a good, brisk, half hour walk and it felt great.
After getting Sarah and Keith at the hotel, we all had errands to run at Wal-Mart/Penneys. After that, we spent the rest of the day at the house.
Monday, August 25th
I got up super early and went for a wonderful combo of a walk/jog. That was about an hour and 20 minutes. Then I went back to the hotel, had some breakfast, then changed into my suit and went to the pool. I had the pool to myself and spent about a half hour swimming and mixing in a little aqua aerobics.
We all had laundry to do, so we had our laundry adventure and went to what they called the Washetaria instead of a Laundromat. That was very exciting for Keith; he said he had never been to a Laundromat before. Only they don't call it a laundromat there. They called it the Washetaria.
Not all bad, though. We were just a block from the locks, so I walked up there while Bob sat with the clothes. I bought some fudge and small gifts for Bob, Keith and Sarah---and of course went to the Mole Hole and bought some little things for myself, too.
And, now, we are at the house. Bob and Roger did some yard work. Dad’s therapist was here. Mom is at a doctor’s appointment. It is very nice today weather-wise. Yesterday was cloudy, cold and rainy. But, today it is sunny and warm. Bob, Roger and Sarah did some yard work, I went for another long walk. I have always loved to walk down Killackey Road--although I have to admit, I enjoyed it better when it was an old dirt road. Keith spent a lot of time with Dad, mostly talking about the dollhouse furniture Dad builds and woodworking in general. I believe after dinner we are going to have a bon fire.
And a nice bon fire it was. Dad, Roger, Bob, Keith, Sarah and I sat around and had a good time. Oh, and Minnie, too.
Sarah took some wonderful pictures, in the dark, using the fire as light. It is amazing how lit up the house looks. I want a camera like that.
Tuesday, August 26th
We got up early today and went out to the house to spend time with Mom and Dad before leaving. We had lunch with them, and some of the cake Mom and I baked. Pineapple cake. Mmmmmmmmm. 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 large can crushed pineapple with the juice and 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla.
We left the states about 1:30 since it was going to be a 5 or 6 hour drive to North Bay, Ontario and wanted to get there before dark.
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
After checking into the hotel, we went out to the house and Roger was preparing dinner. Found Mom and Dad and visited with each of them a bit. I helped Mom out in her cat barn then we went in to eat.
After dark me, Bob, Sarah, Keith, Roger and Dad went out to look at stars. Roger and Keith set up the telescope and found Jupiter for us to see. It was neat. The first time they lined it up we saw two moons. The second time they lined it up, we were able to see four moons. That was neat. We also could see the big dipper, the little dipper and we are pretty sure we could see the Milky Way very faintly. We all saw some shooting stars, too. Very neat.
Sunday, August 24th
Bob and I got up early and walked by the locks. We parked over at the church and then crossed the street. We walked down by the locks. A ship was going through, the Robert Pierson. Bob stopped at the observation point while I continued my walk. Then, we headed back to the church, went to Mass, and then back to the hotel. It felt wonderful to walk. I always have to get exercise, even on vacation. I got a good, brisk, half hour walk and it felt great.
After getting Sarah and Keith at the hotel, we all had errands to run at Wal-Mart/Penneys. After that, we spent the rest of the day at the house.
Monday, August 25th
I got up super early and went for a wonderful combo of a walk/jog. That was about an hour and 20 minutes. Then I went back to the hotel, had some breakfast, then changed into my suit and went to the pool. I had the pool to myself and spent about a half hour swimming and mixing in a little aqua aerobics.
We all had laundry to do, so we had our laundry adventure and went to what they called the Washetaria instead of a Laundromat. That was very exciting for Keith; he said he had never been to a Laundromat before. Only they don't call it a laundromat there. They called it the Washetaria.
Not all bad, though. We were just a block from the locks, so I walked up there while Bob sat with the clothes. I bought some fudge and small gifts for Bob, Keith and Sarah---and of course went to the Mole Hole and bought some little things for myself, too.
And, now, we are at the house. Bob and Roger did some yard work. Dad’s therapist was here. Mom is at a doctor’s appointment. It is very nice today weather-wise. Yesterday was cloudy, cold and rainy. But, today it is sunny and warm. Bob, Roger and Sarah did some yard work, I went for another long walk. I have always loved to walk down Killackey Road--although I have to admit, I enjoyed it better when it was an old dirt road. Keith spent a lot of time with Dad, mostly talking about the dollhouse furniture Dad builds and woodworking in general. I believe after dinner we are going to have a bon fire.
And a nice bon fire it was. Dad, Roger, Bob, Keith, Sarah and I sat around and had a good time. Oh, and Minnie, too.
Sarah took some wonderful pictures, in the dark, using the fire as light. It is amazing how lit up the house looks. I want a camera like that.
Tuesday, August 26th
We got up early today and went out to the house to spend time with Mom and Dad before leaving. We had lunch with them, and some of the cake Mom and I baked. Pineapple cake. Mmmmmmmmm. 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 large can crushed pineapple with the juice and 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla.
We left the states about 1:30 since it was going to be a 5 or 6 hour drive to North Bay, Ontario and wanted to get there before dark.
Our circle trip--Grand Rapids, MI
Friday, August 22nd
Grand Rapids, MI
We arrived in Grand Rapids around 1:00. We went to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and spent an hour and a half there. Nice, very nice. I love it there. It’s colorful, fragrant and beautiful. The children’s garden was wonderful.
After the gardens, we went to Jeff and Stephanie’s lake house. I could spend a week there. I could spend a summer there. I could spend a lifetime there. I love it. It’s so beautiful.
After unpacking, we went right out on the boat with Jeff and the kids. First, the 3 kids went tubing. Jeff has a tube that can fit 3 people at once. They kids had a great time. After they were done tubing, Keith, Allie and Mitch did some water skiing. After the water skiing, Mitch and Keith tried wakeboarding. Mitch had no trouble – but Keith did have some trouble—but he still did well.
There are some house rules for the lake. (Montcalm Lake—Montcalm County, MI) No noisy boats on the water from 7-11 pm. We brought the boat back around 6:30 or so and Jeff fired up his grill. We had a wonderful dinner. Hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes. Mmmmmm….
We’ve had a lot of good food on this trip.
After dinner, Jeff started a bon fire and once again we sat around a bon fire and had fun visiting with each other.
Saturday, August 23rd
Saturday morning I woke up early and Jeff got up shortly after that. I went out to the deck to read, and take pictures of the sunrise. Jeff came out with the dogs and asked if I wanted to go out on the paddle boat. He helped me get out on a paddle boat and I spent more than an hour out on the lake. I loved it. I was out for about a half hour and Jeff and Madelyn caught up with me on the other paddle boat. Jeff pulled up along side me and Madelyn got on my boat. She and I had a great time.
Got pics of loons, birds, and swans. I took several of the sunrise. We saw some turtles. We decided it was time to head back to the house for breakfast. Stephanie made some Monkey Bread. (cinnamon rolls) All of us early birds sat out on the deck and had the bread, juice and coffee and tea. After everyone else got up, they fixed a wonderful meal of eggs, bacon, toast, and fruit.
We visited until about 11:30 then decided we better head on out and get up to the Soo. We arrived around 5, after stopping first for a late lunch.
Grand Rapids, MI
We arrived in Grand Rapids around 1:00. We went to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and spent an hour and a half there. Nice, very nice. I love it there. It’s colorful, fragrant and beautiful. The children’s garden was wonderful.
After the gardens, we went to Jeff and Stephanie’s lake house. I could spend a week there. I could spend a summer there. I could spend a lifetime there. I love it. It’s so beautiful.
After unpacking, we went right out on the boat with Jeff and the kids. First, the 3 kids went tubing. Jeff has a tube that can fit 3 people at once. They kids had a great time. After they were done tubing, Keith, Allie and Mitch did some water skiing. After the water skiing, Mitch and Keith tried wakeboarding. Mitch had no trouble – but Keith did have some trouble—but he still did well.
There are some house rules for the lake. (Montcalm Lake—Montcalm County, MI) No noisy boats on the water from 7-11 pm. We brought the boat back around 6:30 or so and Jeff fired up his grill. We had a wonderful dinner. Hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes. Mmmmmm….
We’ve had a lot of good food on this trip.
After dinner, Jeff started a bon fire and once again we sat around a bon fire and had fun visiting with each other.
Saturday, August 23rd
Saturday morning I woke up early and Jeff got up shortly after that. I went out to the deck to read, and take pictures of the sunrise. Jeff came out with the dogs and asked if I wanted to go out on the paddle boat. He helped me get out on a paddle boat and I spent more than an hour out on the lake. I loved it. I was out for about a half hour and Jeff and Madelyn caught up with me on the other paddle boat. Jeff pulled up along side me and Madelyn got on my boat. She and I had a great time.
Got pics of loons, birds, and swans. I took several of the sunrise. We saw some turtles. We decided it was time to head back to the house for breakfast. Stephanie made some Monkey Bread. (cinnamon rolls) All of us early birds sat out on the deck and had the bread, juice and coffee and tea. After everyone else got up, they fixed a wonderful meal of eggs, bacon, toast, and fruit.
We visited until about 11:30 then decided we better head on out and get up to the Soo. We arrived around 5, after stopping first for a late lunch.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Our circle trip--Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio
Thursday, 8-21-08
We left Maryland at about 3:30 am. We had no sooner crossed the bridge into Calvert County when Bob and I saw some deer on the side of the road. During the rest of the drive to Western Maryland, the closest we came to wildlife was the occasional whif of skunk.
About 6:30, we took a short break at a scenic overlook and then drove into LaVale to the Denny's for breakfast.
After breakfast we continued our journey to Pennsylvania and arrived there around 9:30 or so. Our goal was to get on the Laurel Highlands scenic byway, which we did. It was very scenic. We drove through a small town--but an old town by the looks of the architecture--called Confluence, PA. Then continued down the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. At one point we spotted a deer and a bobcat.
We made our way along that route to the Laurel Caverns--arriving in time for the 10 am tour. The tour was about an hour. Our guide was Maise (sp) and she was very good. She works there over the summers while she is home from college. One of our fellow tourists was a young man named Christopher. He must have been 4 or 5. He was so cute and a real chatterbox. He walked along with Maise--forget Mom. She was very good with him, too. He was telling he things and asking her things. She would let him hold her flashlight.
The caverns were cold and damp, as I expected them to be. I actually like them better than the Lurray Caverns in Virginia. Don't get me wrong, the Lurray Caverns are very nice--but they are extremely crowded. It was hard to walk around in there and see because of all the people. At the Laurel Caverns they only take you down as a tour group and tours run every 20 minutes.
As we walked along, she pointed out some places where people had written the year they had been at the caverns. We saw 1864, 1915. Then, there was "Bob." We all teased Bob about writing on the wall.
That was a good break. Good exercise for me—we did lots of walking around and uphill work.
I do recommend it it you are in that part of Pennsylvania---south of Pittsburgh.
After we left there we went to a place called Ohiopile, PA and saw the water falls they have there. Very nice falls. Then we went to Laurel Ridge State Park and had a speedy picnic lunch. Speedy because the gnats and flies were so bad we ate fast and left. We headed to the Pennsylvania turnpike and then the Ohio turnpike and headed to Cleveland.
We took a fast ice-cream break just outside Akron then continued to the hotel in Cleveland. We arrived there about 4:30, settled in and headed to Therese and Kevin’s house about 5:30. They put steaks on the grill and had all the best side dishes. Potato salad, tossed salad, bean salad, mashed potatoes, fruit.
After dinner, Kevin built a bon fire. I love sitting around a bon fire. After a while we had to leave since we wanted to get up early for our drive to Grand Rapids.
We left Maryland at about 3:30 am. We had no sooner crossed the bridge into Calvert County when Bob and I saw some deer on the side of the road. During the rest of the drive to Western Maryland, the closest we came to wildlife was the occasional whif of skunk.
About 6:30, we took a short break at a scenic overlook and then drove into LaVale to the Denny's for breakfast.
After breakfast we continued our journey to Pennsylvania and arrived there around 9:30 or so. Our goal was to get on the Laurel Highlands scenic byway, which we did. It was very scenic. We drove through a small town--but an old town by the looks of the architecture--called Confluence, PA. Then continued down the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. At one point we spotted a deer and a bobcat.
We made our way along that route to the Laurel Caverns--arriving in time for the 10 am tour. The tour was about an hour. Our guide was Maise (sp) and she was very good. She works there over the summers while she is home from college. One of our fellow tourists was a young man named Christopher. He must have been 4 or 5. He was so cute and a real chatterbox. He walked along with Maise--forget Mom. She was very good with him, too. He was telling he things and asking her things. She would let him hold her flashlight.
The caverns were cold and damp, as I expected them to be. I actually like them better than the Lurray Caverns in Virginia. Don't get me wrong, the Lurray Caverns are very nice--but they are extremely crowded. It was hard to walk around in there and see because of all the people. At the Laurel Caverns they only take you down as a tour group and tours run every 20 minutes.
As we walked along, she pointed out some places where people had written the year they had been at the caverns. We saw 1864, 1915. Then, there was "Bob." We all teased Bob about writing on the wall.
That was a good break. Good exercise for me—we did lots of walking around and uphill work.
I do recommend it it you are in that part of Pennsylvania---south of Pittsburgh.
After we left there we went to a place called Ohiopile, PA and saw the water falls they have there. Very nice falls. Then we went to Laurel Ridge State Park and had a speedy picnic lunch. Speedy because the gnats and flies were so bad we ate fast and left. We headed to the Pennsylvania turnpike and then the Ohio turnpike and headed to Cleveland.
We took a fast ice-cream break just outside Akron then continued to the hotel in Cleveland. We arrived there about 4:30, settled in and headed to Therese and Kevin’s house about 5:30. They put steaks on the grill and had all the best side dishes. Potato salad, tossed salad, bean salad, mashed potatoes, fruit.
After dinner, Kevin built a bon fire. I love sitting around a bon fire. After a while we had to leave since we wanted to get up early for our drive to Grand Rapids.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Mount Vernon
7-26-08
Today Bob and I went to Mount Vernon. We spent the whole day and had a wonderful time. We arrived about 9:30 am, got our tickets and went straight to the house. There was a line to get in. They only let about 25 people in at a time. We waited about 10 or 15 minutes.
First they take you through the servant quarters. This was for the servants and the "guest" servants when they arrived with their bosses--who, of course, were guests of George and Martha Washington. After a short talk in there by a guide, they send your group to the next stop, the large dining room. It is very well organized-with small groups in each section at a time, the guides can explain what you are seeing in that room and there aren't so many people that you can't see and you're not getting pushed and shoved.
After the tour of the house you can tour the grounds. It is beautiful. Of course it's right on the Potomac and you can see Maryland.
When we bought our tickets for Mount Vernon, we also bought tickets for the 1:00 "National Treasure 2" tour. We were able to see where they filmed the Mount Vernon parts of the movie.We also learned that Randy Travis wasn't originally meant to be in the movie. He just happened to be in DC at the time they were shooting at Mount Vernon and got hin to do the scene at the President's birthday.
We highly recommend seeing Mount Vernon for anyone who is planning a visit to the DC area. But--get there early! We only waited about 10 or 15 minutes to get into the house. By the time we went to the meeting spot at 1:00 for our tour the line was extremely long and the people must have waited in the heat for at least an hour.
We left around 3 and headed to the new National Harbor. It is an area in Oxon Hill, MD that is built up much like the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. It has a harbor, hotels, restaurants and shops. Or at least will have shops and supposedly more restaurants. They are still building it. What we saw of it was beautiful, though. I'd like to go back once it's complete. They do have a visitor's center that shows a model of what it will look like when finished.
They do have a big parking garage.
We were tired when we got home, but a good tired. It was a great day!
We decided to watch "National Treasure: Book of Secrets." We did that after going to Philadelphia--watched the first movie. It's fun to see the movie once you've been to a site they used for filming.
The road you take to get to Mount Vernon is a beautiful drive itself. It is a big park with a wonderful trail for bikers, walkers, runners, dog walkers and so on. They have parking lots at various locations along the way and lots of picnic tables. People were fishing, kayaking, canoeing. It looks like a wonderful place to live. Those people who live in that area are very lucky.
One note I'd like to add about Mount Vernon: For anyone who cannot walk a lot and especially for anyone who cannot do a lot of uphill walking, you may need to restrict yourself to just doing the main house, the nearby buildings and the gardens.
Today Bob and I went to Mount Vernon. We spent the whole day and had a wonderful time. We arrived about 9:30 am, got our tickets and went straight to the house. There was a line to get in. They only let about 25 people in at a time. We waited about 10 or 15 minutes.
First they take you through the servant quarters. This was for the servants and the "guest" servants when they arrived with their bosses--who, of course, were guests of George and Martha Washington. After a short talk in there by a guide, they send your group to the next stop, the large dining room. It is very well organized-with small groups in each section at a time, the guides can explain what you are seeing in that room and there aren't so many people that you can't see and you're not getting pushed and shoved.
After the tour of the house you can tour the grounds. It is beautiful. Of course it's right on the Potomac and you can see Maryland.
When we bought our tickets for Mount Vernon, we also bought tickets for the 1:00 "National Treasure 2" tour. We were able to see where they filmed the Mount Vernon parts of the movie.We also learned that Randy Travis wasn't originally meant to be in the movie. He just happened to be in DC at the time they were shooting at Mount Vernon and got hin to do the scene at the President's birthday.
We highly recommend seeing Mount Vernon for anyone who is planning a visit to the DC area. But--get there early! We only waited about 10 or 15 minutes to get into the house. By the time we went to the meeting spot at 1:00 for our tour the line was extremely long and the people must have waited in the heat for at least an hour.
We left around 3 and headed to the new National Harbor. It is an area in Oxon Hill, MD that is built up much like the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. It has a harbor, hotels, restaurants and shops. Or at least will have shops and supposedly more restaurants. They are still building it. What we saw of it was beautiful, though. I'd like to go back once it's complete. They do have a visitor's center that shows a model of what it will look like when finished.
They do have a big parking garage.
We were tired when we got home, but a good tired. It was a great day!
We decided to watch "National Treasure: Book of Secrets." We did that after going to Philadelphia--watched the first movie. It's fun to see the movie once you've been to a site they used for filming.
The road you take to get to Mount Vernon is a beautiful drive itself. It is a big park with a wonderful trail for bikers, walkers, runners, dog walkers and so on. They have parking lots at various locations along the way and lots of picnic tables. People were fishing, kayaking, canoeing. It looks like a wonderful place to live. Those people who live in that area are very lucky.
One note I'd like to add about Mount Vernon: For anyone who cannot walk a lot and especially for anyone who cannot do a lot of uphill walking, you may need to restrict yourself to just doing the main house, the nearby buildings and the gardens.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Gearing up for Michigan!
Well, we've already been home from Florida about 3 weeks. Funny how far away that trip seems now.
July is half over. Time keeps marching on.
In just about a month we will be heading out for Michigan. Our first part of the trip will be from here to Cleveland. We will stay over one night there. Then from Cleveland we head to Grand Rapids to see Jeff, Stephanie and the kids. We will stay over one night there--at their lake house. I'm very excited about that.
Then, finally, we arrive in the Soo and will be there a few days. For our return trip, we are heading through Canada to Niagara Falls. We will cross back into the US at Niagara and come home via New York.
Sarah and Keith have decided to join us. That is exciting. I think we will have a lot of fun.
I wish I could figure out a way for Shawn and Megan to go. Or at least drive to Niagara and meet us there. I think Megan has a passport, but Shawn doesn't. So, they couldn't do the Canadian part. I'd love for Shawn to get a chance to see Mom and Dad. Not sure how we can work that out unless they flew to the Soo. One of us would have to rent a car because we won't all fit in my car. Then, they'd have to fly to Niagara. But, it would be nice for them to be able to go along. I don't know how all that will work, though.
Really looking forward to this trip. I'm looking forward to all the little side trips we plan to take. We want to get off the beaten path, see some of the country instead of speed past it at 75 mph.
July is half over. Time keeps marching on.
In just about a month we will be heading out for Michigan. Our first part of the trip will be from here to Cleveland. We will stay over one night there. Then from Cleveland we head to Grand Rapids to see Jeff, Stephanie and the kids. We will stay over one night there--at their lake house. I'm very excited about that.
Then, finally, we arrive in the Soo and will be there a few days. For our return trip, we are heading through Canada to Niagara Falls. We will cross back into the US at Niagara and come home via New York.
Sarah and Keith have decided to join us. That is exciting. I think we will have a lot of fun.
I wish I could figure out a way for Shawn and Megan to go. Or at least drive to Niagara and meet us there. I think Megan has a passport, but Shawn doesn't. So, they couldn't do the Canadian part. I'd love for Shawn to get a chance to see Mom and Dad. Not sure how we can work that out unless they flew to the Soo. One of us would have to rent a car because we won't all fit in my car. Then, they'd have to fly to Niagara. But, it would be nice for them to be able to go along. I don't know how all that will work, though.
Really looking forward to this trip. I'm looking forward to all the little side trips we plan to take. We want to get off the beaten path, see some of the country instead of speed past it at 75 mph.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
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