Since my last blog we've traveled over 1000 miles from Ohio to Niagara Falls, through Pennsylvania Dutch country and MD, finally settling at my parents' home in Clarksville, VA. Two weeks ago we parked the RV in OH and took a day trip to Niagara Falls since we've never been there. It was magnificent and awe inspiring to watch 785,000 gallons of water/second tumbling into the river. We had been told the Canadian side offered more stunning views so took our passports and photographed the waterfalls from both sides. We crossed the Rainbow bridge into Canada via car and discovered you can also walk across. We enjoyed the boat ride very much and would loved to have taken the zip line on Canadian soil - it parallels the river and travels along shoreline but doesn't cross it. Unfortunately in November, it only operates on Saturdays and Sundays, and we were there on a Wednesday. We brought along our rain slickers and pants, but nearly everyone else donned the free pink ponchos handed out (and recycled - hopefully they reuse too). We road the "Maid of the Mist" boat around the various falls (there are 3) and on a cloudy but warm Autumn day enjoyed the stunning scenery and mist that rained down on us as we got close to them. Our cruise lasted about 20 minutes and we left the dogs in the car. Tourists are invited to lounge in a waiting area of the dock and purchase souvenirs, cocktails, and food. There are some specialty cruises at night that tour the falls while they are illuminated with colored lights, and you can also take a fireworks cruise. Since we had a 3-hour drive back to the RV, we skipped those. Also during peak season you can take a smaller boat ride into the whirlpool - prepare to get soaked. Those boats weren't running. The Falls are really spectacular, and I recommend a trip to Niagara! From Ohio, we made our way south through Pennsylvania and enjoyed beautiful Fall colors, seeing Amish school children pedaling their stand up bikes and horse drawn buggies carting adults to their farms. And we went to Chocolate World in Hershey, PA and picked up some delectable souvenirs! From PA we stopped in Rising Sun to visit our niece Kaitlin Kernan and Andrew along with son Roland. It was so nice to visit with them, and Roland loved the drivers' seat. From there we went to Annapolis and stayed with Terry's sister Barbara Meyer and got to visit with her and husband Ross plus two of her daughters, their spouses and children (making for a full house and dinner for 14)! We also got meet the newest Burtnick, Abigail, who is adorably cute and made best friends with Shady (feeding pizza from the high chair). We only had a few days before planning to arrive in VA but managed to sneak in a visit to Terry's Aunt Dorothy who lives in McLean, VA and is 97! It was great to reminisce about how she met her husband (now deceased) and her young life. We also got to see 3 more of Terry's sisters (Maureen, Romey and Patti -where we stayed in Rockville) and he saw his brother, PJ. We went to Frederick, MD and visited our niece Jamie and her 3 children who were off school, meeting her new baby Justin - what a delight. In total we visited with 26 folks over 4 quick days. After so much time together on the road, it was nice to both socialize with other people, made sweeter because they are treasured family members. Our last stop was Clarksville, VA where we will park the RV at my parents' house and visit with them for about 7 weeks while also taking a few side trips back to DC area, and to NC to visit more family. We made it here in time to watch the election results, and are enjoying the beautiful warm weather in VA as the leaves drift off the trees. My blogs for the next couple of months may be more infrequent as we slow down life to be with family and friends and enjoy the holidays. Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving
0 Comments
|
AuthorFormer documentary film producer, wife and mother of one...I'm taking time off to see the US with my husband Terry. Here's where I'll write about our adventures RVing until the money runs out! Archives
August 2021
|