Sweet Home...New York

What a great day for the ending of the 60 Day vacation as the temperature low and high were 68F and 80F respectively.  The sun was again out in full force as well.  Other then the week I was in the Northwest where I encountered a bit of rain, the weather pretty much behaved itself.  There was the occasional snow and dense fog in the high elevation but that is to be expected from time to time.  I for one am not complaining.  The last gasoline purchase was for $3.739/gallon.  I will give the total figures for gasoline on the trip when the math is finished.  Car rental, hotel accommodations and other costs will also be documented at a later time.  Top ten listing and nights in each state is also on my list of things to finish before I wrap up this trip.  I will say that the total mileage on the Toyota Corolla clocked in at 7939.6 miles.  Earlier I had documented the mileage on the Cruze in the blog so a total mileage of the trip can be calculated.  I enjoyed Niagara Falls so much the day before, I decided to travel down to the site again only this time to the American Side.  I then headed towards home and arrived there at 4:58 PM New York time.  Although the pictures posts have ended, there is still some unfinished business with the blog yet, so y'all come back and visit sometime.
Big Al here, start sending the wheres to our meeting places again.
Saying goodbye for now!

The Traveller

American Falls Underview

This picture was taken from walkway to the American Falls in Niagara Falls, New York.  One can see and just feel the raw power being generated here.  These Falls were definitely worth a second look.  

Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls)

This picture was taken from the Observatory Tower Overlook looking downstream of the Niagara River in Niagara Falls, New York.  This international Steel Arch Bridge across the Niagara River Gorge connects the cities (left to right of the photo) of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada to Niagara Falls, New York, USA.  This is the bridge (950 feet in length) I used to cross back from Canada into the USA.

Niagara Falls-New Day

This picture was taken from the Observatory Tower Overlook (American Side) of the Niagara River in Niagara Falls, New York.  One can see from this photo just how far the rocks have fallen away from the American Falls.  The largest rock falls occurred in 1954 at Prospect Point, foreground of photo.  The white mist in the background far right is that of the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Falls).

Water and More Water Day-Day 59

The weather continues to make this a great vacation as the temperatures low and high were 64F to 78F and the sun again was out in full force.  Ever since leaving Oregon, with the exception of maybe a couple of days, the weather has really cooperated on this trip.  The drive through Canada for stops in Sarnia, St Catharines, and Niagara Falls made for a fantastic day.  The Blue Water Bridge, Lock # 3, and Niagara Falls were all awesome sites as one can see in the photos.  The gasoline purchased was at $3.799/gallon today.  After crossing back into New York, this appears to be the going price back home as well.  The last day of my vacation trek is planned tomorrow and am not exactly sure what sites, if any, I will see.  I will tell everyone, the trip has been another wonderful journey.
Night everyone!

The Traveller

Rainbow Mist

This picture was taken at Table Rock Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.  There was a constant mist from Horseshoe Falls that created many of rainbows just like this one.  I really think this is the best rainbow photo I have ever taken.  Thank you Horseshoe Falls.

Niagara Falls, Canada Side

This picture was taken off Niagara Parkway in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.  This photo shows the Canadian Side of the Falls, commonly known as Horseshoe Falls, although about 1/3 is on the American Side. 
The height of the Falls from the top of the Falls to the river is 174 feet.  The depth of the Niagara River below the Falls is estimated to be around 184 feet, deeper then the Falls itself.  When viewing the Horsehoe Falls near Table Rock Centre, one can just feel the power being generated.  This truly is an awesome Falls.

Niagara Falls, USA Side

This picture was taken off Niagara Parkway in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.  This photo shows the American Side of the Falls.  The height of the Falls ranges from 70 to 110 feet as the measurement is taken from the top of the Falls to the top of the rock pile called talus.  The height of the Falls from the top of the Falls to the river is 188 feet.  The boats in the river are the Maid of the Mists tour boats.

Welland Canal # 2

This picture was taken off Welland Canals Parkway at Lock # 3 in St Catharines, Ontario, Canada only the Tanker is now leaving with what one calls an empty canal lock.  Notice just how much lower the Tanker is than it was in the Welland Canal # 1 post.

Welland Canal # 1

This picture was taken off Welland Canals Parkway at Lock # 3 in St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.  This Lock is a part of the Welland Canal which connect Port Weller, Ontario, on Lake Ontario to Port Colborne, Ontario, on Lake Erie a distance of 26 miles.  The ship, entering a full canal lock, shown in the photo is a Chemical Tanker named North Contender, that was built in 2005 with a flag of Panama. The tanker measures 146 meters length and 25 meters breadth.  The time it took to get through just this one lock was approximately 45 minutes.  This was quite a site to see folks!

Blue Water Bridge

This picture was taken at Blue Water Bridge Park along the St Clair River in Sarnia, Ontario.  The Blue Water Bridge is a twin-span international bridge across the St Clair River that links Port Huron, Michigan, USA and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.  The twin spans were built at different times and with different structural systems, the original cantilever truss bridge (background) was completed in 1938 and the second span, a continuous tied-arch bridge (foreground) was completed in 1997.  I can definitely figure out why the name of the bridge, the water in the St Clair River has the most beautiful deep blue color I have ever seen in a river.

Henry Ford Tribute Day-Day 58

And still yet another lovely day for the weather as the temperatures 65F to 80F were the low and highs.  The sun was out in full force again as I toured the Greenleaf Village in the morning and early afternoon.  The remaining part of the day was spent touring the Henry Ford Museum.  If anyone is vacationing around the Detroit area, this Museum is a must see site.  It has every means of Transportation Travel and American History with many unique pieces like the Presidents limousines and snowplows for train tracks as is shown in one of the posted photos as well as displays on individuals like Abraham Lincoln.  Gasoline was purchased today at $3.619/gallon.  Tomorrow includes traveling into Canada and heading for Niagara Falls for viewing on both Canada and USA sides.
Down to a pair of days now folks!

The Traveller

Fort Gratiot Light

This picture was taken at the entrance to the St Clair River from Lake Huron in Port Huron, Michigan.  Fort Gratiot Light was the first lighthouse in the state of Michigan being constructed in 1829 by Lucius Lyon who later became a Michigan Senator.  The light is still active and the grounds are an active Coast Guard facility, although it has been recently handed over the control to the Port Huron Museum.  I am making up for lost time on lighthouses folks!

1923 Canadian Pacific Snowplow

This picture was taken at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.  In remote areas of Northern United States and Canada, snow removal is necessary to prevent derailing of trains.  This snowplow is one of thirty-six built by Canadian Pacific's Angus Shops in Montreal, Canada between 1920 and 1929.  It is a 20-ton, wedge type plow made for use on a single track that can throw snow both sides of the track.  This snowplow must be pushed by either one or two locomotives.  The moveable "wings," which propel snow away from the track, extend the plow's 10-foot overall width to 16 feet when open.  When standing next to this snowplow it is massive.

1956 Chevrolet

This picture was taken at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.  This 1956 Bel Air Chevrolet with the exception of it being a convertible is the exact automobile I had when I was going to Tech School in New York.  I sure wish I had it today.

1927 Ford Model T

This picture was taken at the building modeled after Henry Ford's first factory that was located on Mack Avenue in Detroit.  This building is located in Greenleaf Village in Dearborn, Michigan and has "The Fifteen Millionth" Ford Model T that came off the assembly line in 1927.

Lighthouse and Four State Day-Day 57

Another good weather day as the sun shone among the clouds and the temperatures varied from a low of 63F to a high of 73F.  This was one of those four state days that included Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.  Gasoline costs for this four state drive was purchased at $3.599/gallon.  Since most of the trip was on Interstate 90/94 near Lake Michigan, I decided to visit some of the Lighthouses along the route.  Neither Grosse Point or St Joseph Lighthouse were open for touring, however.  It seems these days that one needs to visit these during the weekends.  I am thinking that maybe there are not enough volunteers to man the pumps during the week.  It was very relaxing walking on the beaches of Lake Michigan today.
I am off to Dearborn tomorrow to visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
I have only three more strikes folks!

The Traveller

Whirlpool Compass Fountain

This picture was taken at Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph, Michigan.  The Whirlpool Compass Fountain has a 200 foot diameter with the water being powered by water jets and cannons pumping over 750 gallons of water a minute into the air.  Jenn, I bet the kids would just have a ball with this during a hot summer day.

St Joseph North Pierhead Lights

This picture was taken from the pier on Silver Beach County Park in St Joseph, Michigan.  The outer pierhead light was constructed in 1906, replacing an 1859 lighthouse built on a hill overlooking the St. Joseph River.  The inner light was added midway along the pier in 1907, creating a pair of range lights.  Presently the City of St. Joseph has petitioned the National Park Service via an application to take over the working operation of the lights for public access to the light stations.

Grosse Point Light Station

This picture was taken off Sheridan Road in Evanston, Illinois.  The citizens of Evanston petitioned the government in 1860 to build a light station as a result of the many maritime disasters from the hazardous shoals in the area.  The Grosse Point Light Station was finally constructed and completed in 1873, although the lamp was not illuminated until March of 1874.  The Lighthouse is now operated by the Lighthouse Park District of Evanston, Illinois.  One can only take tours of the light station on Saturdays and Sundays from June to September, however.

Nacho-less Day-Day 56

The temperatures have been just ideal lately, today's low being 70F and the high of 83F.  It was just a beautiful sunny day today to take the Boat Tour on the Wisconsin River, the only way to witness first hand the Wisconsin Dells.  It was during this tour that I met two new young friends.  At the Witches Gulch Stop these same two decided they wanted some nacho snacks from the concession stand.  Wouldn't one think that my now nacho friends would share them with me, NO!  I tried everything: pleading, trickery, and even begging for the nachos, but to no avail.  I for one had a great time with them, though and hopefully they did also.  Best of luck to you two and your parents also.  Gasoline purchased today was at $3.539/gallon.  My plan tomorrow include driving around Lake Michigan via Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and then Michigan using Interstate 94 as the route.
The sandman is calling to me folks, night everyone!

The Traveller

Lake Michigan

This picture was taken of Lake Michigan off Route 32 near Kenosha, Wisconsin.  I really liked this area as it was scenic along with being somewhat secluded.

Wisconsin Dells

This picture was taken from the Tour Boat on the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.  This photo was taken during the return trip from the cruise.  The Dells were formed during the last ice age some 15,000 years ago.  Although the Dells were never covered by glacier ice sheets, the ice from the melting glacier formed what was called Glacial Lake Wisconsin.  In addition some of this glacier created an ice dam that caused the water to rise as deep as 150 feet.  Eventually the glacier ice dam melted unleashing a catastrophic flood that carved out narrow gorges and unique rock formations of sandstone seen in the photo.  One has to love what nature can do.

Witches Gulch

This picture was taken on the walk to Witches Gulch, one of two, of the Dells Boat Tour (Upper Dells) on the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.  The Witches Gulch is a tributary canyon that displays just some of the scenic beauty of the sandstone rock formations in the Dells area.

A Unique Day-Day 55

The temperatures fluctuated a wee bit more than usually as the low was 60F and the high was 88F.  The sun was out for most of the day until just West of La Crosse, Wisconsin where I stayed for the night.  It was one of those days where peace pipes made from stone and big green giant creatures were at the forefront.  Gasoline continues in the right direction with a purchase at $3.499/gallon nearly breaking the record for the lowest on the trip.  My plans tomorrow include the Wisconsin Dells just a little North of Madison and to drive into Milwaukee.
Down to five days folks!

The Traveller

Green Giant Statue

This picture was taken off Interstate 90 in Blue Earth, Minnesota.  This statue is a symbol of the long standing association of the city with the Green Giant company.  Some of our more distinguished gentlemen and ladies may remember the name "Jolly Green Giant" for a commercial on TV for Green Giant peas and corn.  This statue, made of fiberglass, stands 55 1/2 feet tall, weighs 4 tons, wears a size 78 shoe, and cost $43,000 to manufacture.  There are steps leading up to the base of his feet.  The statue has been in its current location since July 6, 1979.

Pipestone National Monument

This picture was taken on the walking trail of the Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone, Minnesota.  The photo shows an actual Quarry Pit where the Pipestone (Catlinite) is found between layers of Quartzite.  As one can also see in the photo, quarrying for catlinite must take place in late summer when all the water from snow melt and rain dries up.  Approximately 2000 years ago, the Plains tribes people used the catlinite stone for peace pipes.  Today carvers prize this durable but soft stone that ranges in color from mottled pink to brick red.

Falls Park

This picture was taken looking South from the five (5) story Observation Tower of Falls Park in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  One can see the Queen Bee Mill (middle left), Millrace and Dam (middle center) and the upper and lower Sioux Falls (center) along with the rest of the Park.  It was quite interesting to know that the Queen Bee Mill was in operation for just two years from 1881-1883, a victim of inadequate water and a short supply of wheat.  Several companies tried in vain to make the mill a success until 1929 when it was converted to a warehouse.  In 1956 fire swept through the structure, destroying the wooden roof and the interior floors.  As one can see from the photo the upper walls were knocked down.  This being for safety reasons.

Good Day in the Badlands Day-Day 54

The temperatures were on the upswing as the low was 74F and the high posted an 88F while traveling through the Badlands.  I decided since it was another beautiful day with no clouds, to hike back up to Mt Rushmore in the early morning to photograph the four Presidents with a deep blue background and as one can see from the posted pictures that the weather cooperated fully.  For those who visit Mt Rushmore, the early morning is the best time for viewing and pictures, they open at 7:00 AM by the way.  Since the weather was at its best, I decided to stop in at the Badlands and share some more of natures beauty.  I am liking the direction that gasoline prices are going as the two purchases were at $3.699/gallon (90 Octane) and $3.559/gallon (89 Octane).  The state of South Dakota is trying to push their plus gasoline because it contains 10% ethanol.  I for one will oblige them.  My plans for today include visiting Sioux Falls and then heading East again into Minnesota. 
Another great day for the Traveller!

The Traveller

Missouri River

This picture was taken at a rest stop in Chamberlain, South Dakota just off Interstate 90.  The Missouri River in this photo looks quite a bit different from the one that was posted from that Montana day.

Badlands

This picture was taken from Badlands Loop Road in Badlands National Park, South Dakota.  These Badlands rock formation did not exits until 500,000 years ago when water began to carve fantastic shapes through what had been a flat land.  One can see the different layers in the sedimentary rock formations and with the deep blue sky, well, the picture tells it all.

Yellow Mounds

This picture was taken on Badlands Loop Drive at Yellow Mounds Overlook at Badlands National Park, South Dakota.  Two years ago when I visited Badlands it was extremely blustery, cold, and cloudy.  If one remembers I lost my Cardinal cap here also.  I did ask at the the Visitor Center if they had found it yet and all I got were giggles and mouth dropping facial expressions.  On the serious side, I really like all the different colors one can see in the photo.

Mt Rushmore-Presidential Trail

This picture was taken from the Presidential Trail at Mt Rushmore National Monument.  This is as close as anyone can get to four of the most admired Presidents of the USA.  This trail starts at the overlook and wraps around the back of the Amphitheater to the Sculptor's Studio back to the overlook.  If there was a more perfect morning to take photos, I have not seen it in my lifetime.  It was just a gorgeous day.

Mt Rushmore since 1994-1998 Changes

This picture was taken as one walks in from the parking garages at Mt Rushmore National Monument, South Dakota.  All this was not present when the three boys from Cadosia visited this place in 1971.  This walk-through that displays all the 50 state flags, an Amphitheater, the Presidential Trail, and the Sculptor's Studio are all a part of Mt Rushmore now.  These changes/additions were started in 1994 and completed in 1998.

Busy But Great Day-Day 53

What a beautiful day it was, temperatures were 62F in the morning and topping out at 75F in the late afternoon.  A lot of miles were traveled, 430 miles to be exact but the drive on Interstate 90 was just so relaxing.  It was sunny with a few clouds and of course 75MPH making the mileage seem that less foreboding.  Gasoline purchased was at $3.629/gallon, yeah!  I really took in quite a bit today, with Pompeys Pillar, Little Big Horn Battlefield, and topping it off with nightly viewing of Mt Rushmore.  The photos of Mt Rushmore were not the greatest but they do seem better than the last time I tried to take them.  These past three days I really have put on some mileage but the trip is winding down, just a week to go, and their is still a lot of mileage between me and home.  Today is going to be one of those days where their is no plans, except heading East, just drive and see where it takes me!
Hope everyone has a good weekend!

The Traveller

Mt Rushmore

This picture was taken at Mt Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota.  This is my second attempt of a night photo of the four Presidents with less than great results.  I will tell you though, staying up later than usual is well worth it.

Custer's Last Stand

This picture was taken off Interstate 90 near Crow Agency at Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument, Montana.  On this knoll Lt Colonel George Armstrong Custer and approximately 41 men make a stand on June 25 and 26, 1876 against the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho Indians.  Approximately 10 men including Custer, his brother Tom, and Lt William Cooke, are found in the vicinity of the present 7th Cavalry Memorial shown in the middle of the photo.  The white markers show the original burial sites of the soldiers, including Custers.  Custer's remains are reinterred at the U.S Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.  I don't remember this Memorial at all back 40 some years ago, do you guys?

Pompeys Pillar

These pictures were taken off Interstate 94 at Pompeys Pillar National Monument in Pompeys Pillar, Montana.  The bottom photo shows the massive sandstone outcrop that rises 150 feet from a two-acre base on the banks of the Yellowstone River.  The monument's most notable visitor, Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, arrived at Pompeys Pillar on July 25, 1806, on his return trip from the Pacific Ocean.  Clark's journal recorded his stop at "this remarkable rock" with its "extensive view in every direction".  Clark marked his presence by engraving his name and the date of his visit on the outcrop, middle right bottom photo, and was so described in his journal.  The top photo shows the actual inscription on the stone.  Clark named this rock Pompy's Pillar from the nickname 'Pomp', that he gave to Sacagawea's young son Jean Baptiste Charbonneau.  Pomp means "little chief" in the Shoshoni language.  Sacagawea was of course, the party's interpreter during the journey.