Well we've returned from our big trip up north! We left Friday around 9ish and had major rain part of the way up to Erie. Our motel (The Pines at Lake Erie) was in Ripley, NY. It was funny because it's literally 1/2 mile from the NY/PA line, so we were going back and forth between states a lot.
Friday afternoon we drove over to Erie where we found our way to Presque Isle State Park. It's a beautiful peninsula that juts out into the water. There are numerous beaches and hiking/biking trails as well as various monuments and plaques that tell the history of the area. Very interesting and very beautiful. Wish we would've left the dog and taken the bikes. We took some beautiful walks and drives though.
That evening we ate dinner across the street from the motel at a great little restaurant/bar with live music.
Saturday we left for Buffalo and Niagara Falls. We decided to take a scenic route instead of the interstate, and we're glad we did. We followed Hwy 5 along the shore of Lake Erie all the way to Buffalo. There are numerous vineyards in the area as well as other agriculture. It seems that every home has a huge yard with what seems like acres of groomed lawn, and the one's that backed up to Lake Erie were particularly gorgeous! It was a nice leisurely drive.
When we got to Niagara Falls the weather was overcast but fairly warm (70's). It misted here and there and it was hard to tell if it was rain or mist from the Falls blowing onto us.
The whole park area around the falls is beautiful - let alone the falls. The power and energy behind the water is amazing and mezmerizing to watch. We had Charlie with us so we were limited on what we could do (no inside stuff like the big informational movie, and no Maid of the Mist or going down into the caves). It was still amazing.
We were driving back by early afternoon. We made it back and grabbed lunch and went to some wine tasting rooms to check out PA and NY wines compared to our awesome CO wine! Apparently the vineyards in the North East and NY areas are the oldest in the country. We took Charlie to some Lake Erie beaches and walked a bit and then went back to our room to rest.
Saturday evening we went to a really nice restaurant next to the Lake. If it wasn't so windy and cool we would've sat outside, but we did get a short view inside of the sun peaking thru the clouds a little before it went below the horizon. It was bright pink and beautiful.
We drove home this morning, again taking a smaller highway instead of I-79. The rolling hills, forests, fields of corn or potatoes, and lakes and rivers were just gorgeous. We both realized we kept waiting to come over a hill and see something that wasn't that pretty or interesting, but it never happened. It's all so green and beautiful.
Kim's busy starting on his resume so he can turn it in at the seminary. The only opening they had when he went in last Wed. was a preschool aide....huh! He talked with the human resources director and she was so surprised to hear that he would be very interested in the position! Ha! It's around five hours/day, so that'll be a good start for Kim and maybe he'll be able to add hours later (in that dept. or another).
This Wednesday I meet with other students for a student service day in the community. Then Thursday and Friday are filled with orientation and registration activities, and both evenings are BBQs for families. We're excited to be able to meet other seminarians - especially those living close by.
So that's basically the last week. The downstairs is all put together, and there are only a few boxes left upstairs - nothing pressing, thankfully. We have to go get new license plates tomorrow (booohoooo!!) and we'll get new drivers' licenses as well. Waaaaa...all evidence of Colorado is going away!!! I suppose it was inevitable.
Missing family and friends...but doing ok. Seems like it'll be easier when things are busier. Hope so.
~Sal
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