USA Eastern Extravaganza

North America » United States » New Hampshire
November 29th 2011

Published: November 29th 2011

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Janut

OUR ROUTE

Map of our route on Eastern Extravaganza

UNCHAINED PENSIONERS

JANET – FRED

Let me tell you yet another story. We had already conquered America, Coast to Coast, and New Zealand, the figure of eight, this year it was back to North America and the Eastern side. Again, “Yes, do it, before we get too old”.

We decided to call our trip “An Eastern Falls Extravaganza”. Our Coast to Coast run had been first-class and needed the 5 weeks that it took, but for the eastern side we were restricted to three weeks. A tight schedule, but not impossible! We investigated possible flight patterns and came up with Birmingham to Dublin and Dublin to Boston, Boston being a great place to start on a “Falls” Adventure. The timing had to be right to capture the autumn colours and boy did we get it right.

The planning started back in October 2010. With a rough idea of where to go and what to see, the route was planned. We took a couple of days off our trip so that we could be in New York for 23^rd October. Why, will

Boston

One of the many large buidlings on our walks

be revealed later. The Eastern Falls Extravaganza was executed in fine style in 23 days, 15 beds and 2503 miles of driving.

30^th September 2011

The experience began in the early hours of the morning at Birmingham Airport when we caught an Aer Lingus Flight to Dublin in time to catch another flight to Boston. On arriving at the beautiful Airport of Logan International, Boston, we acquired a taxi to our central hotel, Club Quarters in Devonshire Street, our base for the next two nights. Boston, compact, walkable, historic and clean, it blends old-world charm and modern convenience better than many American cities. This vibrant city has some of the best-preserved historic buildings and neighbourhoods in the country. There are plenty of ways to explore this cosmopolitan city either with your favourite walking shoes or on a “T” trolley. A lot of visitors walk the Freedom Trail. We quickly unpacked and went for a walk to Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States, and the Beacon Hill district passing many of the historic buildings in the City Centre. Beacon Hill is an enclave of elegant redbrick houses in a leafy maze of

Beacon Hill Boston

a lovely row of houses

steep streets and narrow, cobbled lanes – it is a delightful area to explore on foot. It is beautiful with its Antique shops, and restaurants. The photographs will tell all. Walking back to our hotel on a different route through Boston Common, we passed the downtown shops, Macys, and many street vendors. Our hotel just happened to be next to The Elephant and Castle public house – handy for our evening meal of Steak and Ale Pie. The next day, it also provided our full Monty breakfast with strawberries.

1^st October 2011

We bought a “Hop On, Hop Off” bus ticket so today we boarded the bus for an excursion lasting 1 hour 20 minutes, riding the whole circuit to get a feel of the City and including Fenway Park Stadium, home to the Boston Red Sox. We discovered Faneuil Hall, Americas “Cradle of Liberty”, where public gatherings and meetings took place, and Quincy Market which is full of food outlets. It used to be the wholesale market place until the 1960’s. We purchased a sandwich and cookie and sat on the marina for our lunch. We then undertook a harbour cruise to see

Fruit and Veg in Boston

Beacon Hill Shops

the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides” from the waterside. On our return to the marina, we walked past the Hard Rock Café and up to, Boston’s celebrated revolutionary, Paul Revere’s house. This house is all that remains of the 17^th-century settlement in today’s North End. It is Boston’s oldest building. We visited North End Church and the Italian Quarter, following the Freedom Trail. We boarded the bus to the USS Constitution for a closer look and tour of the ship. It is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. More than 200 years old. Bunker Hill Monument stands atop the hill. This monument is visible from and within walking distance of the Navy Yard. Climb its 294 steps for some good views. Using the harbour cruise boat to get back to the dockside, and then walking back to the hotel, we had covered most of the Freedom Trail. Outside our Hotel, Film Crews were filming “RIPD” with Kevin Bacon and Jeff Bridges and there were a lot scenes being enacted within the vicinity of the hotel, including sound effects that we had been warned about. The gun shots sounded real. We managed to get a few photos of the scenes

Faneuil Hall Boston

A grand meeting place

and look forward to seeing the film to recognise the sets.

2^nd October 2011

The beginning of our “Drive”! A short taxi ride to the Airport and we picked up our Trustee Steed, a Hyundai SanteFe, and headed north to Portsmouth. Portsmouth is New Hampshire’s only seaport and although once the colonial capital, today it is a quiet city on the banks of the Piscataqua River. Georgian mansions from the city’s rich seafaring and lumber industry line the streets towards the waterfront and the buildings in the Old Harbour District have been restored into freshly painted restaurants, craft studios and shops. It would be raining. Portsmouth has a 10-acre Strawbery Banke Museum which preserves 300 years of its domestic life in 30 buildings. Well worth a visit! After a scenic, wet, walk down to the riverfront and photos of the Memorial Bridge, we travelled onto Wolfeboro via Maine and Salmon River Falls. The road was very pretty and showing all the signs of a brilliant Autumn Falls. We arrived at our Motel for the night, Piping Rock Resort by the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. It gave striking views from our balcony

Quincy Market Boston

A great place to eat

covering the lake. The only downside was the damp weather. We unpacked our overnight things and went back into town for some provisions, the usual basic standbys, cereals, beans, bread and the compulsory bottle of wine. After a good film on the Television, we had an early night. We still had some effects of Jet Lag or old age.

3^rd October 2011

The little kitchenette in our room was handy for preparing our breakfast before setting off on our journey north to Franconia and the White Mountains. The first part of our day was driving to Plymouth, New Hampshire. Just outside Plymouth on the US25 we came across the Polar Caves. The entrance fee was nominal for the experience. We had a lovely walk up to the caves and explored all the entrances. They were not big but formed from boulders falling over the glacial period. After the usual Gift Shop, we were back on the road again. Now, we were looking for The Lost River Gorge. A few miles up the road and well into The White Mountain National Forest we passed through a place called Warren and headed for Lincoln, where we

Boston Marina

Harbour

came across the entrance. Descending down into the gorge on what was called an Entrance Trail we reached the bottom and the sightseeing began. We had to ascend via various wooden steps, back up the gorge, following the torrents of The Lost River. What an experience! It was awesome with many photo opportunities. Back to the entrance and after the usual gift shop we were back on the road. Driving back onto the main US3 state road, we managed to get past the Woodstock Brewery, with no time to stop, and onto Clark’s Trading Post. We stopped for lunch and were just too late for the “trained bear” show. (Did we miss much??) They did have the White Mountain Central Railroad offering trips, which had some old engines on display. Still heading north we arrived at Franconia Notch and picked up more provisions. The Best Western was just over the I93, heading up the mountains and overlooking the town. Our room had some lovely views of the White Mountain National Park. We decided to venture back into town for the evening and had a meal of nachos and a rather large pizza at the Dutch Treat Restaurant. The wine was

Boston Marina

Harbour Cruise location

superb. Very enjoyable evening after a chaotic, full day!

4^th October 2011

Today was going to be another busy day, so after a big breakfast at the Best Western we quickly headed for the Mount Washington Cog Railway, first of its kind in the world. It has puffed and steamed its way up the steep mountainside to the summit, at 6288ft, since the 1860’s. We had tickets for the 9.30 train which covered a 3 hour round trip up the mountain to explore New England’s highest peak. The weather did not look good for views from the top and its infamous wind did not fail. In April 1934 the highest wind gust ever recorded blew past the Mt. Washington Observatory at 231 miles per hour. Mist or not, with tickets paid for, we were going to do it. The access to the railway station was through Brettons Woods which were supposed to be beautiful in there own rights and so they were. We had planned a circular route for the day on a very scenic road, The Kacamangus Highway. We did the railway journey and as suspected we did not have good view from

USS Constitution Boston

A Great Tour

the mountain top but the trip was interesting. We travelled onto Conway for some lunch after seeing the Silver Cascade water fall which went under the road and was marvellous. After Conway, we joined The Kacamangus Highway. This is 35 miles of beautiful scenery following the Swift River. We had already been following the Saco River down from Conway and now we joined another living torrent, stopping at the site of Willey’s house. This was a house that was caught up in a landslide in 1826. It was by Willey’s Pond which formed part of the river. There were many walks and trails up into the mountains and these were marked at the side of the road, one being Crawford notch which did look appealing. We did not see any bears but saw covered bridges that traversed the raging torrents of water in the rivers. The last vista of the day was Sugar Hill, a good photo to end the day on. A tiring day and it was back to the hotel for a rest and cuppa.

5^th October 2011

Heading north to Stowe, our mission for the day! This will be the furthest

Lake Winnipesaukee

Piping Rock Resort on the east coast of Lake Winnipesaukee

north that we travel. Our first location, which was a pretty town called Littleton, was typical of the area in that it had white placket buildings and a small white church; There is the obligatory covered bridge on the river and a helpful tourist office. This town was well worth the walk to the bridge and mill café overlooking the river. We drove on entering into Vermont and the visitor centre. After a short stop at St. Johnsbury with its Maple Syrup outlets and picturesque buildings and church, we then drove to the Cabot cheese Factory. The Cabot Creamery makes Vermont cheddar and other cheeses. After watching the process through glass windows on a tour of the factory, you can sample all their cheeses in the shop. We had to get some cheese, didn’t we? Onwards and upwards, to Morrisville, our most northerly point of the trip and then south to Stowe. Stowe was the beginning of our “Route 100” experience. After surveying our room for the night at The Seasons Pass Inn, we drove back into Stowe to look for some food but to no avail. The town was lovely but there only seemed to be expensive restaurants and

Lake Winnepesaukee

Tranquil and beautiful

we were not dressed for the occasion. There is a mountain road that headed off north and it looked full or interesting things to do and see but as we were only stopping one night, we did not have the next day in which to pursue. After a lovely walk and homemade ice cream in the very cold wind we went back to the motel for some Cabot cheese and biscuits and watch Television. The accommodation was the oldest house in Stowe so no comments as to the condition. Truthfully it was ok, just needed some TLC, and the breakfast was hearty.

6th October 2011

The first part of our drive of US100 a very scenic road in America. After our lovely breakfast we started heading south towards Arlington. We stopped at Rochester for Coffee, a lovely town that did not seem to have much damage after the intervention of Hurricane Irene. We noticed whilst driving south, that a great deal of devastation had taken place, with houses hanging onto the sides of rivers. We stopped at Ludlow, the Potbelly Pub for a drink and ate our lunch. The sun was shining and it

Polar Bear Caves

Well worth a visit

lightened our spirits. There is a bridge in Ludlow that had been decorated in flowers which was a nice touch to a busy road. Following the US100 we drove through Manchester and onto our accommodation in Arlington. The Arcady at the Sunderland. It was cold. We drove into Arlington to find nothing of interest and no food outlets. We drove back into Manchester to find an Italian Café/restaurant and ordered a Lasagne, which was very filling. We went back to the motel for an early night. We had never been so cold. There was no heating and we were in rooms set in the woods.

7^th October 2011

After awakening to ice on the windows, we quickly got dressed and went to reception for some breakfast which was lovely and warming. We really needed something to warm us up. Today we would be leaving the scenic Highway 100 and heading east towards Syracuse and New York State. We arrived at the gorgeous city of Saratoga Springs. It is well known for its horse racing and they have statues of horses all along the main street. They also have a very striking green area called

Lost River Gorge

A good walk in the woods and with lots of water

Congress Park and museum. It was a very attractive and peaceful stroll. We travelled onto Johnstown, another typical America town, which had the lovely Vintage café, full of antiques, where we had Pumpkin Pie and coffee. After our delicious break, we decided to have half hour on a “pensioner’s” bench before setting off to drive Route 29, south of Adirondack State Park – the properties on the lakeside looked very expensive. Onto Route 365 to Rome and south of Lake Oneida on Route 31! The whole drive was very picturesque. We arrived at the Best Western, North Syracuse Airport to spend one night. What a lovely room and comfortable bed. They have a good restaurant and a pub. Brilliant! What a good day. Sunshine all the way!

8^th October 2011

“Go west young man.” Someone said. Today we are heading west to Niagara Falls. The idea of our journey today was to travel the whole or as much as possible of the south shoreline of Lake Ontario. After a good breakfast, we started off and our first stopping place was Sodus Point. It is a small marina in Sodus Bay with plenty of decking

Lost River Gorge

One of the many water falls

and a restaurant called Captain Jacks. We had a coffee and soaked up some of the sunshine before continuing on our journey. This is a massive fruit growing area and we found no towns, just fields of fruit trees, until we reached Rochester, a large town on the lake side. We stopped at a small lakeside park for our lunch before heading off again in a westerly direction towards Niagara. Arriving at Niagara Falls, we immediately booked into our room at Days Inn and headed for Rainbow Bridge and the State Park. We walked to Goat Island for some spectacular views of America Falls and Horseshoe Falls before walking back to Denny’s for our evening meal. Our room at The Days Inn was high up so we could see the mist from the falls and the Canadian toll bridge entrances. We could also see the Observation Tower. In the evening the Falls become illuminated with spectacular show that will take your breath away. The night photos have turned out excellent.

9^th October 2011

Hot and Sunny and no driving today! The picturesque Niagara Region is located along the shores of Lake Ontario.

Lost River Gorge

Brilliant

The roar of the mighty Horseshoe Falls located in Niagara, beckons millions of visitors each year. Winding miles of beautifully kept parkland culminate in the world famous waterfalls at the heart of Niagara. The sheer power of the "Falls" is seen to best effect from the Maid of the Mist boats, but be prepared to get wet. Alternatively there are specially channelled tunnels that take you behind the Falls. There was a queue for the Maid of the Mist boats and it took three quarters of an hour before boarding. The queue moved all the time and we were given blue waterproofs to put on – this seemed ominous. Everyone boarded the boat and it took us up to the America Falls then onto the Horseshoe Falls. – We got soaked but it was worth it. One cannot describe the noise from the water cascading over the rim. “Explore the Roar!” After this soaking experience, we boarded the trolley bus to Goat Island and “Caves of the Wind”. Another yellow waterproof, plus free flip flops meant something wet was coming. Everyone was descending in a lift to the foot of the falls and then climbing on decking and steps of

Bretton Woods Road

Road up to Washington Cog Railway

the American falls under Bridal Falls. We got very drenched. There is one deck named “Hurricane Deck”. We must have been barmy. Back up in the lift, we dried out and had some lunch at the top. With no time to spare it was all aboard the trolley bus to the Discovery Centre and Aquarium for more water information. These locations were very interesting and after we walked back along the river/cliff edge to the park. A large ice cream was in order, then back to the hotel for a giant salad and drink. After our evening meal we walked back to the Falls for a last look at the illuminations. We were very heartbroken to leave. There was still plenty to do and see.

10^th October 2011

Today we are driving east and south to Watkins Glen via Seneca Lake to meet with some friends. We stopped en route for a snack and coffee. This again is a large fruit growing area and as soon as we arrived at Geneva, we could see the vines growing. We had arrived in a large wine producing area. The drive was pretty and the views of

Washington Cog Railway

Parkland at base showing old engines

Seneca Lake very striking. We reached Watkins Glen to find our friends waiting for us on the bridge. We parked up and then followed them to our Motel for the next two nights. We went to their favourite café and had lunch before driving up the west side of the lake to a winery for some sampling and stocks. One of the friends then drove us to the top of Watkins Glen and returned to the bottom to wait for us. We descended the Glen snapping photos all the way down. We have not seen anything so pretty. It must have been full of fairies. It was one gorgeous gorge. We were picked up at the bottom and went back to the motel for a rest before evening meal. Our evening meal was in the Seneca Lodge Motel and it was fabulous. The large wooded building was very impressive. During our stay they were hosting some Sports car owners who apparently meet every year for a rally. Some of the cars were very well looked after and in pristine condition. We finished off our night with a large bottle of one of our latest acquired wine stocks.

Washington Cog Railway

One of the engines. The steamer was at the top of mountain.

11^th October 2011

Breakfast at Curly’s – waffles and strawberries - yummy. The itinerary, today, included a visit to the Corning Glass Factory and our American friends had offered to drive us south to the Visitor Centre. We parked in the car park and boarded the local free bus to the factory and town of Corning. The Factory covered the history of glass, with glass-blowing demonstrations, and was very informative. They had thousands of old and decorative glass on display. Well worth the visit. We purchased a small vase that we could carry home safely. After lunch in the beautiful town of Corning, travelling on the free bus, it was back to the factory to pick up the car and then drive back to Watkins Glen. The afternoon was spent up the west side of Senaca lake, at another winery for more stocks. We did enjoy a bottle while we were there. We travelled back to the motel and freshened up for a meal on the lake side at an Italian restaurant, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Then, back to the motel for wine sampling before retiring. Hic! Hic!

12^th October 2011

Washington Cog Railway

Very steep tracks

A quick breakfast with our friends and it was back on the road. Today was going to be “The Longest Day”. We had a 309 mile drive to Washington DC through Pennsylvania. It was very pretty although we did not have much time to stop and enjoy it. The last 100 miles was driven in heavy rain and through a lot of local traffic in the Washington area. Our motel, The Channel Motel Inn, overlooked the Potomac River. It was a very welcoming sight, although there was no coffee making facilities in the room so we had to use the restaurant wearing our smelly day clothes. We could not have been a pleasant sight. We ate our Sandwiches and had drinks in our room before going to bed exhausted. It was going to be a busy long day tomorrow if we were to make the most of our time in Washington.

13^th October 2011

America’s elegant capital city is teaming with an array of famous sights and attractions including the impressive White House, home to every American President after George Washington, and the magnificent Capital Building which is the seat of Congress. Highly recommended

Washington Cog Railway

Steamer at the top. Cold and damp

is a stroll down the parkland of the Mall to enjoy the various memorials or a visit to one of the many museums or art galleries which stretch from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. If you love shopping then visit the exquisite boutiques and restaurants of fashionable Georgetown, or enjoy the glorious Art Deco of Union Station, which houses numerous shops and restaurants under its grand roof. A compact city, Washington DC is easily explored by foot or by the Hop On Hop Off bus system. It was raining lightly as we looked out of our room and over the Potomac River. We ate our cornflakes and donned our waterproof coats. We had tickets to ride the Hop On Hop Off Bus and had to walk into the city to the nearest bus stop. It was not far. We rode the whole circuit of the Red Route while it was raining so that we could assess where to get off on the next run. We got off at Union Station for Brunch – Curry and Samosa. It was good but not as good as you know where. (Goa) We boarded the bus to Capitol Hill and after checking

Bear

We were always looking for bears

it out we decided to walk the Mall but not after visiting the Botanical Gardens. The Orchids were fabulous. One cannot describe the colours and quantity. A must visit. We stopped at the Smithsonian and other galleries en route to the Lincoln memorial but time was not on our side. President Obama went out while we were walking down the mall and he had quite an escort. We believe he was taking the North Korean President back to the airport. After viewing the White House and its entire refinery, we boarded the bus back to the Air/Space Museum for a five minute look round before heading back to the hotel armed with snacks and cakes. A rest and Television was in order. Pensioners need their rest.

14^th October 2011

After another brisk morning walk back into the city we boarded the bus and found the Holocaust Museum. We then changed buses for the Blue Route to Arlington and the War Memorials. It was raining heavy so we did not get off the bus but the sight of the museum and memorials was very impressive and moving. Arlington has many large famous shops in its

Silver Cascades Waterfall

On our route to Kacamangus Highway

Retail Park. After leaving the shops we headed for the Pentagon and took a few photos as we rounded the perimeter. We rode the bus back to the White House to catch the Yellow Route which went to Georgetown. This area is so quaint. They have a beautiful cathedral and very old houses that reside in tree lined cobbled streets. Many well known people live there, including the Kennedy’s. There are lots of Foreign Embassy’s with their flags flying. The bus stopped at the Potomac water front by which time it had ceased raining and we decided to have a River Boat Cruise. After this very peaceful sightseeing trip on the river we boarded the bus again back to the Natural History Museum which was very informative, exhausting but brilliant. They had many exhibits including the usual dinosaurs’, lions and giraffes. We took one last look at the Air/Space Museum and a ride in the simulator and then a long walk back to the Motel. We picked up some food, on the way, from an Italian take away, which made us call it a day. The views from our bedroom window were very imposing. A large cup of coffee and

Willeys Pond

Part of Kacamangus Highway route

catch up with the news on the television and we were ready for bed.

15^th October 2011

After organising our breakfast in the room, we loaded up the car for our attempt to get out of Washington onto Route 66 towards Front Royal and the Shenandoah National Park North Entrance. We finally escaped and were on our way after a short detour around Georgetown. Our final destination for today was Waynesboro, nearly at the end of the Skyline Drive through the park. The entire route was full of scenic overlooks at mountain top height. We did not know which ones to stop at. They were all striking and captured the full beauty of the Autumn Falls colours. They must be seen to be appreciated. We had a picnic lunch break at Elkwallow Visitor Centre. Back on the road again, we were blown away literary with the views including seeing a deer on the side of the road. Both sides of the road had overlooks as it meandered around the mountain tops. We arrived at Waynesboro for our overnight stay and had a Microwave dinner. The day had contained blue skies and been windy up

Saco River

I believe this is the name of this torrent

on the mountain tops. We thought the colours of the trees had not been as red as the ones in New England.

16^th October 2011

Following an early breakfast we packed the car and headed off down to the Blue Ridge Parkway for a 205 mile leafy drive to Fancy Gap on the Trail. There were many overlooks and we took a few stops for coffee but it was mainly driving. We stopped at Mabry Mill which was very picturesque. We did take some short walks off the Parkway and noticed that the road was quieter then the Skyline Drive. We arrived at Days Inn, Fancy Gap to find no restaurant handy. We had to drive another 7 miles up the motorway to a Shoney’s for a meal and they did not sell beer. It was coke all round.

17^th October 2011

Still driving the parkway, we headed south to Asheville. President Obama held us up for three quarters of an hour while his entourage passed under a Parkway bridge we wanted to cross. Security was really tight. Some of the peaks we were climbing were higher than

Covered Bridge

One of many in this area

the previous day and there seemed to be more pine trees as we drove higher than the tree line in places. There were two walks for today. One to Cumberland Knob and later on to Cascade falls. The day was lovely and the weather had been hot and sunny. Our stop for the night was just outside Asheville at the Best Western Motel on Tunnel Road. We had our supper and watched TV in our very comfortable room.

18^th October 2011

A wholesome breakfast at the Best Western and we were back on the road again. We had to finish the Blue Ridge Park way and head into the Great Smokey Mountains. The early start meant that we could photograph the early morning mist on the mountains. Absolutely fabulous! We stopped at the highest peak on the Parkway but the view was disappointing. The view was clear but not very eye-catching. We had seen better early on the route. We drove on into the Smokey Mountains and although it was lovely, there was a lot of traffic and people. It was very busy. We did manage to see a bear in the woods and

River by Kacamangus highway

Brilliant

took a photograph which did not turn out that good. We were not going too close. We headed west through the National Park and then up to Townsend before heading south on the Little River Road and the Foothills Parkway. Well, this was stunning and not many cars were driving it. We hit a T junction at a scenic spot on Lake Chillhowee and had lunch. We were now heading south, down to Robbinsville. We passed out of Tennessee into North Carolina, reading signs instructing trailer drivers to turn round as the road would not be suitable for them but it did not deter us. We were “Driving the Dragon”. This road is 11 miles of meandering tarmac with 318 curves. It was a breathtaking white knuckle ride. There were photographers on the side of the road taking snaps of drivers coming through. The pictures are obtainable on the individual web sites. Arriving at Robbinsville was a great relief and we needed a drink. The hotel was agreeable, the Microtel, but the receptionist informed us that the county was “DRY”. We walked to Lynn’s Place for some supper and a coke.

19^th October 2011

Littleton Church

A lovely small town

Today the itinerary was nearly at an end. We only had to drive to Atlanta. The last big driving challenge we had was the Cherohala Skyway, a drive through the clouds. It was 58 miles long and misty most of the way. It was eerie to say the least. We did have some gorgeous views to reflect on when the sun showed its face. We followed the US143 west around Lake Santeetlah and started climbing the east side of the range reaching a maximum high of 5390 ft at Santeetlah. There were many overlooks and trails. We then descended into Tennessee, following a few creeks, down to the Tellico River and the visitor centre. And then drove through the Cherokee National Forest following the main road south to a place called Blue Ridge where they were advertising a scenic Railway Ride on a huge steam train. We were now driving into Georgia and the final leg of our drive to Atlanta. The main roads into Atlanta where not too busy, only 10 lanes wide. We were booked into the Best Western by the Airport and had a good room, lovely meal and a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow would be another

Littleton Covered Bridge

At the back of the town and well worth the walk across

day.

20^th October 2011

Today we would drop off the car and head to the airport for our Delta Flight to New York, La Guardia Airport. Everything went as planned except for the taxi queue at La Guardia. After an hour in the queue we were on our way to The Pennsylvania Hotel, Midtown Manhattan, which we would never recommend except for location. We unpacked and headed to Madame Tussaud's to pick up our tickets for the Brooklyn night Bus tour. The night lights of Brooklyn and New York were wonderful but we were so cold on the open top bus. It was worth it. After a look at Times Square, we went back to the hotel for some food and a hot drink.

21^st October 2011

The Big apple, the city of excitement, New York is an ideal base to enjoy any three night flexible holiday addition. Stationed at the Pennsylvania, which is ideally situated in Midtown Manhattan, the time was ours to enjoy at our leisure. We could take time to appreciate, The Metropolitan Museum of Art or Ellis Island, the fabulous shopping experiences of Saks,

Stowe VT

Another lovely town with plenty to do.

Macys or those shops lining the exclusive Fifth Avenue, such as Tiffany’s. We needed an early start, again, so much to do in so little time. We were in the Empire State Building at first light and up to the 86^th Floor for grand, fascinating views over the city. For another $15 dollars you could go right to the top. We were high enough. We went back to the hotel for breakfast and the Hop On, Hop Off Downtown Bus to the ferry terminal for a trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We stopped at Ground Zero first. It was very awe inspiring. After a very interesting Ferry trip it was back on the bus and up to the Rockefeller Centre and the Ice Rink. There were many people on the Ice at the Plaza but we did not partake. We have come to the conclusion that we are getting old. We walked to Macys, stopping for a coffee on the way. More rush as we headed back to the Hotel to get ready for an evening at the theatre. We had tickets for “Billy Elliot” at the Imperial Theatre. The show was brilliant and after it

Rochester

Heading to Syracuse

was to Ruby Tuesdays for a steak. Times Square was packed with people, coming out of the shows. Midnight in Times Square is a must. Back to the Hotel for some sleep!

22^nd October 2011

Waffle with strawberries for breakfast. Today we would ride the Red Bus Route – Uptown and see the City Museum which we thought disappointing. A short trip to the Guggenheim and then a tranquil escape in Central Park, strolling in the city’s green heart! It is hard to believe you are in the centre of one of then worlds’ liveliest cities. We decided to walk to the Zoo. It was very busy and queues were forming quickly. After lunch we walked back to Macys via Columbus Circle and Broadway, did some shopping and then back to the Hotel for a drink and rest. We started to pack for the last experience of our trip. Times Square for a drink and then to bed! What an unforgettable day!

23^rd October 2011

We arose early and walked to Times Square for a last gaze and shop. The Hard Rock Café had plenty to offer. We

Saratoga Springs

Obviously a Race Horse town. Very well presented.

walked back to the hotel to pick up our cases and get a taxi to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal – Berth Number 12. “The Queen Mary 2”, the reason we had to cut short our driving trip. She sails today on a 7 day Transatlantic Cruise – heading home. We boarded the ship and unpacked our cruise clothes that had been in the suitcase for 3 weeks, whilst travelling around the Eastern States. We had lunch and a good look around the ship before going to get our Life jackets for a “Muster Station” practice. We then went on Deck 8 for a glass of champagne and wish farewell to “The Big Apple” and enjoy the sail away. As there had been a delay in the preparation of the departure paperwork, we were late leaving New York so had to miss the sail away. We needed to get ready for our evening meal. The Golden Lion was very inviting during the evening. A few Gin and Tonics went down well.

24^th October 2011

As we were on a Transatlantic crossing, we were certainly not going to get off today or for the rest of

Saratoga Springs

The High Street. A well preserved building

the week for that matter. We went up to the library for a couple of books to keep us quiet and then for a walk around the ship. Three times around the deck was 1.1 miles so off we went on our daily walk. During the evening, there was a good show on in the Theatre; Jordan Bennett in “Showing Off” and after there was a Black and White Ball in the “Queens Room”. Many guests had dressed in black and white for the occasion. There was always the Golden Lion or one of the many quiet bars with string quartets and pianists for entertainment. At midnight we went into the G32, a night club at the back of the ship which was open until 2.00 a.m. The film for the evening was “Water for Elephants” but we did not have time to watch it.

25^th October 2011

The Britannia Restaurant was our venue for our breakfast, on a mixed table for 8. One can always meet interesting people when on a mixed table. We met with a rather large jolly lady from Coventry who devoured a huge breakfast. After our walk, the morning

Sodus Bay

Sodus Point Marina. On the edge of Lake Ontario

was taken up with a presentation by Murray Walker “A funny thing happened to me…” He was first-rate and afterwards he was signing his new book in the Library. We had to queue for quite a while but it was worth it. He shook our hands and chatted regarding the fact that his roots were in Hall Green, Birmingham. We went for an undisturbed hour in the Winter Garden to get started on with our books and later had lunch in the Kings Court by the window, watching the world go by. Tonight was a formal night and evening dress was called for. After our evening meal in formal attire, we went for a drink in Sir Samuels Bar and later watched the Show with the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers – “Crazy in Love”. What an eventful day? We had to move the clocks by one hour, therefore losing an hours sleep. It seems we are going to do it every other day to put us in time with London GMT.

26^th October 2011

We engaged in another large breakfast in the Britannia Restaurant and then onto a quiz in the Golden Lion

Lake Ontario

We drove the southern lake side to Niagara

and lunch. The seas were very rough and we were not allowed out on deck so our walk had to be abandoned. There was a film on in the Illuminations – “Larry Crowne”, staring Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks. That would be our afternoon entertainment. Very Good! Later that evening, after our meal we won the quiz in the Golden Lion. A music quiz based on the 60’s Bands. A drink in the Winter Garden and then back to the Golden Lion for a Karaoke session! We had missed the Juilliard Jazz Concert. It is so hectic!

27^th October 2011

If you wanted forceful seas, today was another day but not so bad. In fact, it did quieten down and we had a walk around the deck and managed to sit on a deck chair. We had a quiet read in the afternoon and during the evening we watched “Carmen” which was recorded at The London Royal Opera House and in 3D. It was magnificent. Tremendous! 3 hours of pure entertainment. We both enjoyed it.

28^th October 2011

Today we were ok for our walk on deck. The

Niagara Falls at night

What a display for our evening stroll.

sea was calm and the sun shone. We went into the Planetarium and watched “A Passport to the Universe”. I believe this is the only ship to have a Planetarium on board and it was a very good experience to watch. At 4.00 p.m. you could go and see the ships Galley – a stainless steel wonder. Murray Walker was giving a talk on Monaco and all its glory. He was very interesting. We sat and read for an hour before getting ready for the Ascot Ball where the highlight was a parade of ladies Ascot Hats. We had a drink after our evening meal and then went for a Midnight Curry in the Kings Court.

29^th October 2011

Our last day on board ship! We had our usual full English breakfast and headed for the deck for our last 1.1 mile walk. It was wet but walkable. There was drizzle in the air. The Planetarium was showing a film called “Collision” which was fine and Murray Walker was answering any questions in the Illuminations theatre. We had our quiet sit and read before handing back our library books and taking pensioners four’es of

Niagara Falls from Maid of the Mist

A wet trip on the Maid of the Mist under American and Horseshoe falls.

tea and scones in the restaurant. Our evening meal was an elegant casual affair as everyone had packed most of there clothes ready to disembark in the morning. Our “Table Friends”, Paul and Louise, Kathleen, Trevor and Owen, Peggy and John, joined together to say our farewells and swap numbers. There was a Farewell Show in the Royal Court Theatre including acts from the week and the singers and dancers performing a tribute to motown, then it was time for our last brandy and bed.

30^th October 2011

An early rise meant we could head for a breakfast, before leaving our room and heading for our muster station to depart the ship. We obtained a taxi to Southampton Central Station and waited for the 1.00 p.m. train to Birmingham. We met a few couples off the ship and had a chat while we waited. Then it was all aboard for a horrendous journey to New Street. There was no room for our luggage on the train except a long way from our seats. We had to get ready to get off 3 stations prior to alighting in order to get our luggage in time.