Day Twenty Two, Boston, MA to Niagra Falls, NY - 482 Miles

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Hello Friends and family,

This morning before departing Boston, MA, Bob and Jack advised us that they had decided to pass on our planned journey to Niagara Falls today and instead, were going to head directly back to California. We were disappointed that they were not going to finish the trip with us, but we respected their decision. We wish them bon voyage and a safe journey home.

Lane, Bill, Steve and I departed Boston, MA, at 7:30 and shuffled off to Buffalo, NY, but not before accepting an invitation for a homemade breakfast from our friends Candy and Glenn in Northbridge, MA, approximately 50 miles west of Boston. They have a beautiful home with a well manicured and expansive yard. Candy's breakfast was a real treat and much appreciated, including some outstanding ripe tomatoes directly from their garden. We haven't had a ripe tomatoe since we left California. We ate so many we were afraid that we might break out in a rash. Candy gave us a tour of their home and Glenn showed us his cherry 1939 Ford coupe. We also met Chloie, the cute little pooch seen above on Glenn's shoulder. Glenn and Candy are good friends and gracious hosts; many thanks to you both!

We began our journey west and toward home in earnest today straight down Interstate 90, all day long for 482 miles. The interstate is a double edged sword. You can make excellent time on the highway, you can also go from one metropolis to another one without seeing a darn thing except for four lanes, the grass center divider, and never ending rows of green trees on both sides of the highway. Speaking of trees, the fall foliage is just beginning to peek its red and orange face out from among the expansive green forest, more so in New York than in the New England states. In about six weeks the forest will be fully transformed into its full fall glory. I'm sorry that we will miss it. We did see one small notable sight today as we passed Utica, NY, the interstate passed over the Erie Canal.

We enjoyed another beautiful day on the road today, temperatures in the low 80's, positively picture post card perfect (Try saying that three times fast). We pulled into Niagara Falls, NY, about 6:30 PM and checked into the local Holiday Inn. Tomorrow, we plan to enjoy the "Maid of the Mist" boat ride to the falls in the morning.