Syracuse to Schenectady

Some day you are going to be so surprised to find captions on individual pictures! But not tonight! Grrrrr, why can't I get this right?????

1. The Erie Canal Museum barge

2. Side of the barge

3. Guys who worked at the Syracuse Weighlock Building

4. Elevator doors with a great picture of the later Erie Canal locks

5. Kelly Cole and Erik

6. A turnpike/tollroad/express-way service plaza

7. Inside the service plaza

8. The food court

9. Finally! Some recycling bins

10. Hanging stop lights

We are quite familiar today with Interstate 90. We drove this toll road from Niagara Falls to Schenectady with a short detour. Along these expressways we have found fabulous service plazas. Lots of room to park, restaurants, souvenir shops, immaculate bathrooms, tourist information, gasoline, ATM's, coffee houses, candy stores. Just about anything the traveler could need or use. Today was the first time we saw any recycling bins to speak off. Glad to see those! Another thing we noticed today were many stoplights hanging over the street. Sort of confusing and we wondered what would happen in a strong wind. I think the inventor of the street light was from this area. Anyone out there remember?

We buzzed along the Interstate at 65 mph and the the only thing that keeps the speed down is cruise control. We are seeing some of the trees begin to color up in the heavily wooded areas. The sides of the Interestate are mowed making it seem like a lovely garden. The grass is green and dotted with wildflowers and then the trees rise behind. Small farms are nestled in the rolling hills and the word Shenandoah comes to mind.

Decided to pull off the Interstate at Syracuse and wandered around looking for a place to have lunch. Lee and Judi weren't that interested in the Erie Canal Museum but the gods were with me as several forces (need for a bathroom, parking, and location of the museum) came together and we had a delightful stop in Syracuse which included a visit to the Erie Canal Museum.

I was in the wrong lane to stop at Mimi's (guess that is the chain we have in California) so had to continue on down the street. Parked and walked a block to Kelly Cole's Improper restaurant and pub. Our darling waiter, Erik, helped us choose some very yummy things from a great menu. The sweet potato fries were the best I've ever had, Lee's Blue Moon ale had a hint of orange flavor, and Judi's homemade potato chips were delicious and were washed down with a Syracuse Pale Ale. Erik was so enthusiastic about the beers and the food and it was a great meal. When we asked who Kelly Cole was he pointed to his stepmother who was behind the bar. The place was jammed when we went in and it appeared there were many regulars from downtown Syracuse. A very warm and comfortable place and gets my vote for one of the best we've encountered since California! And when we asked Erik where the Erie Canal Museum was, he pointed across the street!!!!!

After taking Kitty and Erik's picture I ran across the street and Judi and Lee followed in a bit. The museum was very small but packed with good informtion. The resident expert was knowledgable and very personable. Answered lots of questions and I was able to buy a tile for my growing collection. I didn't know that the canal was drained in the winter and parts were used for ice skating! There are still parts of the New York canal system that are in use today but primarily for recreation and the occasional big shipment (GE turbines, etc.) sent to Lake Erie. Very interesting stop!

On Lee's suggestion we drove along a small county road through small towns--Fayetteville, Chittenango, Oneida, Wampsville, Canastota and rejoined the Interstate just before Utica. (Don't you just love those names?) After driving since Niagara I had a chance to sit in the back seat and promptly fell asleep! We arrived in Schnectady about 6:30. Looks like an interesting place but it is on the road early tomorrow as we head into Vermont and we have lots planned! Staying at a Days Inn which won't be our first choice again but the room is large. We particularly notice the stale cigarette smell in some of these older places. Most of the motels we have been staying in have never had any smokers on the premises. Makes a difference. And that is coming for a former smoker!

Judi and Lee are making my bed so I better go help! We have a huge room with a king sized bed and a sleeper sofa. We are a bit more partial to 2 queens with pillow top mattress but we can't expect the Belden Stratford every night. On to Vermont!

Love, the Gotta Go Girls

Water Water Everywhere!

Greetings from NIAGARA Falls (or as I told Lee it was spelled NIAGRA like Viagra! oooops!)

Pictures hardly do it justice but here goes.

1. The rapids of the Niagara River

2. Water spilling over the American Falls

3. Judy and Gerry with the rapids in the background

4. The American Falls, Rainbow Bridge, observation platform

5. American Falls with the mist rising

6. The Falls and the many rainbows.

7. Beautiful!

8. Lee and Judy trying hysterically to stay dry in a driving "rain".

9. Gerry trying to get her raincoat on!

10. The Gotta Go Girls visit Niagara Falls.

This morning we checked Ohio off our list of states, drove for a bit in Pennsylvania, and then drove into western New York. Encountered some wonderful roadside centers for gas and food and sped along toward Niagara Falls. Spent some time talking about where we were going and when we would get there and some reservations were made ahead from the car. As we begin to see the leaves turning color it occurs to us that maybe accomodations will become harder to find. Staying at a Days Inn tomorrow night. Stay tuned for an evaluation!

We got into Niagara Falls around 2:30 and as we approached the river we saw what looked like smoke rising in the air. Turns out it is the mist thrown up by the water falling and crashing to the river below! We parked and walked through Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the country, and then we were there!!! It is truly a sight to behold!

At the top you can get within a few feet of the river as it is plunging over, and the boat ride below the falls on the Maid of the Mist is exciting and hysterical! They dress you up in a blue plastic bag poncho with a hood and the boat goes quite close to the falls. Even with the poncho there were places where we were drenched. For part of the 45 minute journey you are in a driving rain storm. I'm sure we were never in any danger but it surely feels like it!

The view from the Observation tower is phenomenal. Everyone is taking pictures and marveling at the spectacle below!

It was hard to tear ourselves away after the boat ride and a walk through the park but we hadn't had anything to eat since breakfast. This is highly unusual for the Gotta Go Girls. We stopped in a Hard Rock Cafe, looked at the menu, and heard the music and decided we were too old for that restaurant. Stopped at a market, got a few things and had dinner in our room from our left overs from last night. Whan an excellent idea!

We had a chance this evening to talk about the next week and what our route might be. We are heading to Schenectady, NY and then the following day into Vermont. Many things we want to see and hope we have left enough time along the way. Still looking for those fall colors but we might be just a bit early. Will hope to see the full glory when we are in Virginia. Tomorrow night will be our last night in New York until we complete a circle and return to Albany and the Husdon River Valley. Where is the time going??????

Love, The Gotta Go Girls

"Why, oh why, oh why oh...."

"Why did I ever leave Ohio?" We have been doing show tunes in Chicago and the music lingers on! Checking in tonight from Sandusky, Ohio!

The pictures are as follows:

1. Stuff waiting for the bellman at the Belden Stratford

2. After loading the car!

3. Cone shaped buildings? Houses for the Coneheads? What????

4. Freeway drape. What are they doing under there?

5. Judi and Lee at Sandusky Bay with Lake Erie beyond.

Oh, we whined and cried when the sun rose over Michigan Avenue, but we were brave and got all our stuff together and called for our car. Our favorite doorman came to help with our stuff and he got everything on one cart! We were impressed. When we got to the car Lee packed the back seat and Judi and I did the trunk just like every other day. Poor bellman kept saying, "Here, let me pick that up for you" and we kept saying we were the only ones who knew how to do it. He was very frustrated but we tipped him big and we all parted friends! He and the doorman waved us on our way and wished us well. And we were off down Lakeshore Drive (I think. I'm down in the breakfast room because the wireless signal is weak in our room and Judi and Lee aren't here to verify my facts. Oh well, you wouldn't know the difference anyway!) Got to the freeway with only one bobble and then encountered horrible congestion around construction sites. They must be working on every freeway in Chicago.

Heading down I90 to Indiana and points east we encountered more trucks than we have seen the entire trip! The introduction to Indiana through a heavily industrial section wasn't the greatest but Indiana really redeemed itself down the road. We passed through great corn fields, farms, little hamlets, and more corn fields. Then the crossover into Ohio was the same. Lots more corn. And it really looks ready to harvest.

In Ohio we encountered these funny looking cone shaped structures along the freeway. There will be a prize for anyone who can tell us what they are. Our best guess is road equipment storage sheds. But why the funny shape? Also encountered several freeway overpasses shrouded in canvas. Thought at first it was that crazy artist wrapping up overpasses but don't think that is the case. Makes sense but what a lot of work. Or, maybe they are having a party and forgot to invite the Gotta Go Girls.

We thought we would stop in Toledo but decided to push on to Sandusky. Great little town on Lake Erie, but like many other towns the downtown is struggling and all the activity seems to be in the shopping centers on the outskirts. We drove down to the water and enjoyed the view. It is very warm. Got into the high 80's and should be more of the same tomorrow.

Staying for the first time in Marriott Fairfield Inn. Good price and nice BUT....it's not the Belden Stratford! Went across the street to an Italian restaurant. The portions were so big we brought things back just because we hated to waste so much food. Might have leftovers tomorrow night in Niagra Falls.

Trying to get done a little earlier tonight and tuck into bed. Still trying to finish an audio book I started in Montana. Maybe tonight. We were talking tonight how we thought some evenings we would go to the movies, play cards, do some needlepoint. But....we're like Energizer bunnies. We just keep on going!

Good night from Sandusky. (I just love saying that) The Gotta Go Girls.

The Windy City in all its glory! Have been too busy or too tired to get to the blog! But will try to catch up. Pictures from the bottom up.

1. Chicago Skyline

2. Mies Van De Rohe (sp) the last building he designed in Chicago. He is everywhere!!!

3. The Sears Tower. Very impressive

4. The Wrigley Building. Also very impressive

5. Getting ready to embark on the architecture tour

6. Judi in front of the apartment building where she lived 40 years ago

7. Gerry in front of the Elevated

8. Gerry finishing lunch in the Chicago Art Museum restaurant

9. Hillary Clark and her husband Rick visiting the Gotta Go Girls

10. The museum sign.

11. Lee and Judy enjoying a beverage in a State St. sidewalk cafe

12. Judi at the Apartment entrance

13. Judi's old neighborhood

And now where to begin??? Sorry but I had to take a night off. Weariness overcame me! But I'm back! Monday morning we were up bright and early to get to the boat for an architectural tour of Chicago. We would really recommend the tour offered by the Chicago Architectural Institute which leaves from across the river from the Wrigley Building. Our guide was a retired English professor who volunteers at the Institute and we were sure he was some kind of trained Architectural historian. The trip on the river lasted 90 minutes and we learned so much. No question who Meis Van de Rhoe was! His impact on Chicago was immense.

Our next stop was the Chicago Art Museum. Lee was about to have cardiac arrest and was like a little kid in the candy shop! It is a pretty impressive museum to say the least! After over 2 hours we could barely crawl so decided to leave and return today. Our top pics! Lee--James Earle Fraser's bronze End of the Trail, Gerry--Ghiberti's Bronze doors exhibit (3 panels), Judi--A small Rodin marble sculpture and a Tiffany lamp. Judi gets 2 picks because Lee and I chose the best! We have been arguing and laughing over our picks for the last 20 minutes and it is time to move on! I repeat a pretty impressive museum!

Grabbed a bit of lunch and headed to the Miracle Mile and a little shopping. Lee found a coat at Bloomingdales, Judy got a blouse at Macy's, and I picked up some gloves and a scarf at Filene's Basement. Hmmmmm, what's wrong with this picture??

I preceded them back to the hotel and rested my aching dogs. They returned in time to brush off the dust and greet Hillary Clark and her husband Rick for a visit in our room and then on to dinner. Hillary and I hadn't seen each other since1992 and it was great fun to catch up on the news, meet her husband, and learn about their jobs at O'Hare Airport. We went to dinner at a lovely French bistro in our hotel and enjoyed everything from the escargot to the chocolate flourless cake and everything in between. The evening flew by and soon we were saying good-by and the Gotta Go Girls had to go to bed! Thanks Hillary and Rick, for graciously sharing your City with us.

This morning we padded around our lovely apartment but were out of here and standing in line at the Art Museum when it opened at 10:30. More of the same wonderful stuff and today we had lunch in a beautiful courtyard restaurant around a reflecting pool and fountain. The weather was quite warm today so it was the perfect setting for lunch. A little more oooohing and aaaahing, a stop at the museum gift shop and then a bit of a walk around in the neighborhood. Got a cab to Chicago's Near North Area close to the Miracle Mile and famous Rush St. We piled out of the cab at Elm and State St.(That Great Street) This is the location of the apartment where Judi and two fellow stewardesses lived 42 years ago. We walked into the foyer of the building and it was nothing like Judi remembered it, and the view from their 10th floor corner apartment was unobstructed to Lake Michigan and south to the Chicago downtown skyline. The building is now dwarfed by a number of high rises but we were able to capture a little of the feeling of the old neighborhood.

Stopped in a sidewalk cafe for a little beverage and then walked down to the Ambassador West Hotel and had drinks in the Pump Room. That's right. The famous Pump Room where celebrities would go to be recognized, sit in booth #1, and hold court. Well the Gotta Go Girls didn't get to sit in that booth but we sat at the bar and Judi ordered a Scotch Mist. The bartender was a little kid who was not born 42 years ago and not so tactfully pointed out that his father was only 4 years old at that time! But he made a pretty good Scotch Mist and a gimlet for Lee. I had a stupid old club soda and bitters but I did have a taste of Judi's drink. Yummmmo!

We then walked down the street to Carmine's, an Italian restaurant on Rush St. It was on several levels all of which were packed. We marveled at the number of people there and our waiter was right out of The Jersey Boys! None of the staff walked, they bustled! Had deliscious soup and a salad and then as we left had to wait for at least 20 people to come up the stairs to be seated. Carmine must be sitting on a gold mine. We finally pushed our way through the crowd to the street which was crawling with people and hailed a cab. When we got here to the hotel it was jumping also. Don't these people know they have to get up and go to work tomorrow?????

Threw some clothes in the washing machine (just like home) and we are headed for bed. Off across Indiana and Ohio headed for Niagra Falls. Hate to leave our sumptious digs but I guess it is back to staying in the Holiday Inn Express and bringing in a roasted chicken from the supermarket. Wow and last week we thought that was really living. Hah!!! We've been to the big city now! Oh those poor little Gotta Go Girls. Boo Hoo, they have to leave Chicago!

Love from all of us.

We've Earned This One!!!!

After three weeks and a day this is what we have come to!

1. Beautiful Milwaukee Carnegie Library closed and agencies providing services to the neighborhood

2. The old Schlitz Brewing Company

3. Gerry and Judi on the Navy Pier with the Chicago skyline in the background

4. Lee and Judi entering Navy Pier

5. End of Navy Pier

6. Chicago Art Museum

7. View from the top of a double decker tour bus

8. Chicago Trump Tower which is being built under the direction of the first Apprentice, Bill R?

9. One of many Tiffany windows on display on the Navy Pier

10. The Sears Tower (I think)

11. Our new home for 3 days! The kitchen

12. Bedroom

13. Dining Room

14. The View of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan

15. & 16. Our living room!

Where to begin?????? We were up early this morning and headed for a drive around Milwaukee. Massive numbers of construction sites and redevelopment with a capital R. Need to find out more about civic matters there. On the other hand we had to get out of town and head for Chicago. Talk about short attention spans!

The ride to Chicago was uneventful except for the wrong lane Judi got in on the toll road and we blew past the toll gate. Oh well, they haven't caught up with us yet. The directions to our hotel were excellent and we pulled up in front of this beautiful old building with flowers, valet parking and bellmen to carry our stuff!!!!!! We thought we had died and gone to heaven and then we saw our room(s) and we were sure of it!!!!!

Turns out we, by chance, got into the Belden Stratford on Lincoln Park West. The rooms are apartments and we have a corner one on the 10th floor. We kept opening doors and finding closets, a washer and dryer, closets, little rooms, powder room, closets, and massive amounts of space. We are paying substantially more than the Holiday Inn Express, but for 3 nights we are going to revel in it!!!! Lee announced tonight she is goiing to buy this apartment and move to Chicago. I'm coming with her. We don't know about Judi. She is asleep on the couch and I must wake her up to go to bed. This really is better than home since we will have maid service in the morning! But enough about the room(s)! You can go to http://www.beldenstratfordhotel.com/ and be soooooooo jealous.

After a period of ooohing and aaaahing over our good fortune to stumble on this we took a cab to the Navy Pier, the number 1 tourist attraction in Chicago. It has been around since the 1890's but was updated in the 1990's to what it is today. Local river and lake cruises leave from there, lots of interesting places to eat, a free and fabulous Tiffany window exhibit at the Stained Glass Window Museum, lots of walkers, joggers, skaters, bicycles, children, old people, and the Gotta Go Girls! We walked all the way to end of the pier and then back for a bite to eat.

We were then ready to take a tour on one of the double decker buses and get our bearings for some serious business tomorrow. We rode for almost 2 hours and got a good view of the downtown. Unfortunately all the buildings have run together in my mind but we had a grand and cool (temperature) and breezy ride as it gets a bit chilly in some of those skyscaper canyons. Our guide was quite knowledgable and we drooled at the Chicago Art Museum where we are going tomorrow.

A short cab ride back to the hotel, a little rest, and then a stoll through the Lincoln Park neighborhood for someplace to have dinner. Settled on a Tapas bar and proceeded to gorge ourselves on lots of "little bites" topped off by some "little bites" of dessert. The walk back to the hotel did us a little bit of good but not enough. But I'm sure we'll be ready for the lovely continental breakfast here at the Belden Stratford in the morning! Time for the Gotta Go Girls to go to bed. Good night!