Road Trip Day 14 - New Orleans - Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi
Day 14 – Thursday 23rd May 2013- New Orleans – Natchez Trace Parkway- Rocky Springs Campground – Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi. 255 Miles
Up early to a beautiful sunny day and a little sad to be leaving New Orleans. We are taking some very fond memories of Louisiana with us.
Back on I 10 we headed to Baton Rouge before heading to Natchez and Walmart, to stock up our van with drinking water and a few groceries. We needed to start being self sufficient and keep out of diners and cafes for a while.
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We picked up the Natchez Trace Parkway around lunchtime and settled into some very relaxed driving and beautiful scenery. We stopped off at every historic site and marker along the trace.
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After crossed over into Mississippi, and started looking for a campsite for the night. We came across a few that were still closed and a lot of others had the amenities closed.
We chose Rocky Springs campground and settled in for night. Still very warm and humid so sleeping was a little uncomfortable.
During the planning stage of the trip I was looking through the road trips and came across the Natchez Trace Parkway. After researching it was added to our trip.
So many great resources on one site. Thanks RTA
Road Trip Day 15 - Rocky Springs, Natchez Parlway - Tupelo - Truckstop, Memphis,Tn
Day 15 – Friday 24th May 2013 – Natchez Trace Parkway – Tupelo Tennessee – Flying J Truck Stop on the outskirts of Memphis. Tennessee. 317 Miles
Another beautiful morning in Paradise. I finally got around to cooking breakfast for us. Nothing like smoked bacon and eggs and fresh coffee to kick start the day. We were packed up and on the road by 8.30 am and ready for another day in a new place.
First stop was Tupelo Cyprus Swamp. I don’t think I could have got the camera gear out of the van quick enough. We were very quiet but didn’t get to see any little Gators. But I’m sure they could see us. It’s amazing to see these giant trees growing and living in the swamps.
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By mid afternoon we arrived at Tupelo (Birth place of Elvis Presley).First stop was the Tupelo Battle Fields for a little more history on the Civil War.
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We found the Elvis Presley Museum and the house he was born in. A very moving, special place to visit for us.
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I think we were kicked out at closing time before making our way towards Memphis. It was getting late so we decided to camp at another truck stop.
With Memphis only a short drive away, we could be up early and at Graceland before the Saturday crowds. That was our plans anyway.
Our time on the Parkway was only short. I would have loved to have travelled the rest further up into Tennessee. But like all road trips you just can’t do everything in a limited amount of time.
But what we did see was spectacular and not a moment of dislike.
Road Trip Day 16 - Memphis Tn - Gracelands - Point if View Campground, Alabama
Day 16 – Saturday 25th May 2013 – Memphis Tennessee – Graceland’s – Beale Street - Point of View Campground. Alabama 183 Miles.
On the road by 7.30 am and arrived at Graceland’s about 8.00 am. We paid our $10.00 parking fee and $37 for the tour. I think that was quite reasonable for the experience.
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The tour through the Mansion and the grounds were everything we expected and we were not disappointed. We passed the grave sites of Elvis and his family before heading back to the museum to have a look at the car collection.
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By the time we finished our tour the place was really packed and huge line ups. Seeing lots of young and old Elvis fans dressed in jumpsuits was an eye opener.
After Graceland’s we found our way downtown Memphis. Looking for a free car park around Beale St was a bad idea and ended up paying $15 like everyone else.
Beale St reminded me a lot of Bourbon St in New Orleans and a few other cities we ventured into.
Full of life with people walking everywhere. All having a good time, music playing everywhere.
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After a walk around and lunch, we hit the road again with the plan of stopping somewhere between Memphis and Chattanooga.
Our original plan was to go direct from Memphis to Nashville. I liked the idea of going to visit the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg.
So instead of doubling back from Nashville we decided to go to Jack Daniels via Chattanooga and then onto Nashville.
We took Highway 72 towards Chattanooga and were surprised when we crossed into Alabama. Another State to add to the list.
Looking for somewhere to camp looked grim until I spotted a sign on the side of the road.
A quick U turn and a few miles up a side road we arrived at a place called Point of View Campground. I think every person in the campground was sitting around a large fire. I hen realised it was the memorial weekend and a lot of families were getting together.
A nice little spot on the river, only a short walk to a diner and bar.
After dinner we checked the bar out and spent a few hours listening to the entertainment and chatting to the locals while enjoying a cool drink. Nothing like spending time with the locals to get a feel for a place.
These little campgrounds are great to find but also gives us a chance for a nice hot shower and a bit of washing.
Road Trip Day 17 - Point of View ,Alabama -Geogia - Chattanooga - Lynchburg Tennessee
Day 17 – Sunday 26th May 2013 – Point of View. Alabama – Chattanooga, Tennessee – Lynchburg, Tennessee 270 Miles
For the last few days we have only been on the road for a few hours a day. A far cry from the trip through Texas. It’s been great to be able to stop and look around as we feel.
A little behind on the itinerary, but we always said if we didn’t finish the full trip this time, we would come back and finish off.
The drive to Chattanooga took us over the line momentarily into Georgia. So we ticked that off our list to.
We found a car park downtown Chattanooga and hopped on one of the cities free shuttles and headed towards the railway station.
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Of course we had to have our photo taken with the Chattanooga Choo Choo. I had read before we left that Chattanooga was once described as the dirtiest city in the USA. It certainly has lost that reputation now. A wonderful city and a pleasure to visit.
With a few hours left in Chattanooga de decided to visit the Aquarium. I’m not sure who took the most photos. Again another very well priced attraction at $25.00 each.
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I think the damage was done when my wife went into the gift shops at each place we visited. No wonder we needed two extra suitcases to get everything home.
Leaving Chattanooga our destination was Lynchburg. We didn’t quite make it but ended up staying in a motel not far away. A well earned rest in a motel bed, after a few nights in the van.
We stayed in a Days Inn Motel and a reasonable price for a nice clean room. $57.00.
Road Trip Day 18 - Lynchburg - Jack Daniels - Nashville
Day 18 – Monday 27th May 2013 – Lynchburg, Tennessee – Jack Daniels Distillery – Nashville – Twin Rivers RV Park, Tennessee – 119 Miles
Awake early on the internet to the family at home. Always good to catch up and let them know we were OK.
We left the Motel at 8.15 and wasn’t long before we arrived at Mr Daniels place in Lynchburg.
Being Memorial Day the car park was filling quickly and tourist coaches followed us in.
We took a very informative guided tour and learnt the ins and outs of the distillery. Our Guide Wes pointed out many times that Jack Daniels was a genuine Tennessee sipping whisky, and not a bourbon.
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For a memento of our trip we purchased an engraved bottle of Gentleman Jack. To be opened on a special day.
By the time I finish this field trip report. It may very well be that day.
We left the distillery and headed to the town square looking for a few souvenir shops. We noticed a Memorial Day service in progress so we stopped to attend that first. Very moving service.
The Jack Daniels gift shops done well as we had orders from the family on what gifts to bring back.
From Jack Daniels we cruised on into Nashville. Being late in the afternoon we took a stroll downtown before finding an RV Park away from the city.
Settling into the RV Park I found a country music concert for the residents, so I spent the rest of the afternoon being entertained.
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All ready now for a big day in Nashville tomorrow.
Road Trip Day 19 - Nashville - Bowling Green. Kentucky
Day 19 – Tuesday 28th May 2013 – Twin Rivers RV Park – Grand Old Opry – Studio B – Country Music Hall of Fame – KOA RV Park – Bowling Green, Kentucky- 92 MilesSunny and Hot in Nashville. Left the RV Park and again first in line for tickets to tour the Grand Old Opry.
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Nashville has always been my choice to visit. Like may Australians we grew up listening to Country and Western music and my mother being a goog singer we had many nights listening to the old classics.
As usual the tours were great and the tour guides very professional and entertaining.
We would love to have stayed for a concert but everything at the Opry was booked out.
Moving along and it was back into the city and onto the Country Music Hall of Fame.
When buying tickets we decided to go on the Studio B tour as well. So it was back on a bus and over to the studio. Lots of memories started flowing back of all the songs my mother used to sing. Jim Reeve, Patsy Cline, Chet Atkins and Elvis. I could have spent all day here as well.
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This piano was used with the recordings in Studio B. I can imagine see Elvis playing there.
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The rest of the day was spend walking the Country Music Hall of Fame. Something I recommend to everyone who likes Country Music or just music. So much memorabilia and history in one building.
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We left Nashville and crossed over the State line into Kentucky and found a KAO RV park for the night. A total of 92 miles in total driving but I got enough memories to last me the rest of my like. Another dream ticked off the bucket list.
The scenery gets better and better.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mark Sedenquist
I hope not! I, for one, am enjoying seeing all of the photos!
Thanks Mark. Its very hard to decide which ones to post. I have culled down to 6500. I havent started working on the panos yet.
Im just editing as I go along. I think I still have another 36 days to go and the scenery gets better. I wont forget to leave the photos out.
John
PS. I keep forgetting you can see the photos before I post them Mark.
Actually, that's not happening!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
john.waters
I keep forgetting you can see the photos before I post them Mark.
John,
I wish I had time to look at your photos before you post them... But, I don't have that life.
Nope, I see them the same time, or sometime thereafter, that your other fans are seeing them.
Mark
Road Trip Day 20 - Bowling Green,Kentucky - Lexington - Boonsbourogh SP - Kentucky
Day 20– Wednesday 29 th May 2013 – Koa RV Park, Bowling Green Kentucky, Corvette Museum, Wild Turkey Distillery, Lexington. Boonsborough State Park, Kentucky.
220 Miles.
After leaving Nashville we crossed into Kentucky.
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I called it the land of lawn mowers. I have never seen so much green grass in all my life. I’m sure every property had someone mowing or slashing grass.
Our plan for Kentucky was originally to head to Lexington and then onto the Country Music Highway before making our way into North Carolina.
We discussed the pros and cons and decided that we had experienced enough of Country music this trip and see a few other places not on our itinerary.
We were up early as usual and headed of to the National Corvette Museum ay Bowling Green. I have always been a bit of a rev head so was pretty excited and looking forward to the visit.
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I wasn’t disappointed and spent a few hours clicking away at all the different models of corvettes. It’s great to be able to experience something like this.
I even got my wife involved and clicking away. Having my spare SLR made it even better for her and the results a lot better than her point and shoot. I think the battery as only lasting a few hours where the SLR lasted days.
We had our photo taken sitting in the current model Corvette and purchased a few raffle tickets in a 2014 model that was being raffled. Still waiting for that phone call, so we can come and collect our prize.(Dreaming)
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After being dragged from the museum we headed off in the direction of Lexington. We dropped off into the Tourist Information Centre in Bowling Green on the way. We wanted a scenic route o take. The lady there kept wanting us to take main highways, we couldn’t convince her we wanted quiet country roads.
W eventually left and sat in the car park looking at our own maps and deciding our own route.
We ended up picking up a quiet road up through Campbellsville and onto the Wild Turkey Distillery at Lawrenceburg. With the change in time zones we arrived shortly before closing.
Still time enough for a look around and a few more goodies to ad to my stash and a few more photos.
With Wild Turkey out of the way I could now cross of Kentucky Bourbon from my list.
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The drive from Bowling Green was spectacular with all the green rolling hills and the miles and miles of white fencing and horses everywhere.
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We were not at all disappointed for arriving late. Just the drive there was enough.
So we had decided not to travel the Country Music Highway. We left Wild Turkey and Picked up I75 out of Lexington and left the afternoon traffic behind. We drove for a couple of hours before turning off into Boonsborough State Park and finding a campground.
It was not only a surprise to find a campground with all facilities but this one also had wifi as well.
I really think the Australian Government need to send someone over to see how things should be done. We have the policy of locking up National Parks and Forest and keeping everyone out.
And people ask why we want to go back to the USA instead of seeing Australia first.
Road Trip Day 21 - Boonsborough,KT -Corbin - Cumberland Falls ,KT - GSMNP - NC
Day 21– Thursday 30 th May 2013 – Boonsborough Kentucky – Corbin – Cumberland Falls – Great Smokey Mountain National Park – North Carolina – 276 Miles
Another beautiful sunny day and by back alarm clock had me a wake and coffee made and on the road by 6.30 am.
First port of call was Corbin, Home of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Colonel Saunders. We were way too early for the Museum to be open so it was just a few photos before moving on. No that we were wanting KFC at 7am in the morning anyway. Just something we wanted to visit.
This old tow truck was parked acrss the road the KFC cafe.
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From Corbin we made our way into Cumberland Falls. I had read they were known as Niagara of the South.
After pulling up I grabbed my camera and tripod out of the van before getting some water out of the back. On returning to the van to get something a while later I was shocked to find I had walked away leaving the tailgate up. The car park was full and people everywhere. Luckily it was left alone and everyone there must have been honest. Lesson learnt there.
The falls were spectacular and everything I could have imagined. I spent an hour or so down on the rivers edge while my wife took photos from the lookouts.
Before leaving the falls we stopped off for lunch at a little café and a wander though all the little shops there.
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Cumberland falls were never on our to do list when we started planning. Just talking to people along the way we decided to find a bit more time. Good decision.
Leaving Cumberland Falls we headed in the direction of the Great Smokey Mountain NP in North Carolina. We had passed through Knoxville when we entered a town Called Sevierville.
The name sounded familiar but I couldn’t work out why. I knew we had to stop her, but for what.
I spotted a sign out of the corner of my eye as we passed it. Muscle Car Museum. A quick U turn had us back in the other direction and in the car park of the Museum.
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We spent about an hour inside looking and clicking away at all the cars on display. Some very nice cars, but not a lot of what I wanted to see. But a great collection anyway. Another one ticked off my list.
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Leaving here it across into Tennessee into the GSMNP, then another State Line into North Carolina. The Smokey Mountains are as every bit good as we were told. I can see how someone could spend weeks in the area.
Getting late in the afternoon I found a nice little creek to photograph before pulling into a lovely little campground. We nearly never made it in time. I was talking to someone outside the Rangers office when we were informed that they shut at 7pm and we had better hurry up.
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We ended up wit 13 hours on the go today, but its not noticeable when you are having so much fun.
Day 22 -GSMNP - NC -Cherokee - Blue Ridge Parkway - Linvill Falls Camp Ground, NC
Day 22– Friday 31st May 2013- Great Smokey Mountain NP- Cherokee NC – Blue Ridge Parkway – Linville Falls RV Park. North Carolina – 181 Miles
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On the road by 7.30 am and we found ourselves at Peters Pancakes and Waffles in Cherokee for breakfast.
We talked the waitress into trying our Vegemite on toast and we tried their grits. I think I enjoyed the grits more than she enjoyed the vegemite. After stuffing ourselves with pancakes we made a move to find a grocery store and stock up again.
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We picked up the Parkway and just cruised along the windy black road surrounded by its blanket of shades of green.
Travelling was slow. I think I stopped at every pullover of scenic outlook Spectacular views. I could only imagine what it would look like in the fall. (another time).
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The little van chugged along nicely at about 25mph and was easy to avoid the hundreds of people exploring the Parkway on push bikes.
We finally found a camp at Linville Falls RV Park in North Carolina. We chose the remote campground and paid our $20 and drove off.
The description of remote was loosely used. A four wheel drive was required to get to most of the camp spots.
After about an hour we found a spot near the amenities that was reasonably level and accessible. But who is complaining. All part of the adventure.
Day 23 - Linville Falls - Blue Ridge Parkway - Galaxy RV Park -BRP
Day 23 – Saturday 1st June 2013 – Blue Ridge Parkway – Linville Falls NC – Grandfather Mountain – Blue Ridge Parkway Music Centre – Galaxy- RV Park –
166 Miles
We had a sleep in this morning so it was about 9am before we hit the parkway. We found a gas station not far from where we camped over night.
I had the day already planned so it was just a matter of watching for the mile posts as we cruised along.
First stop was Grandfather Mountain. Stopped of at the entrance, paid our fee and handed a CD to play in the car that as we travelled up the mountain. Playing the CD gave us a commentary as we drove along.
Getting further up the mountain I started to notice more and more people taking photos of anything and everything.
We arrived at the animal sanctuary and even more people with cameras. I soon found out it was the annual Grand father mountain Photography contest. If only I had of known, we could have spent the weekend there.
It was a great experience getting close to photograph some of the animals in captivity on the mountain. Bears, Otters, Eagles and mountain lions and a few other animals.
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A few hours later and a few hundred photos it was off tho the top of the mountain and onto the Mile High Suspension Bridge. An eerie feeling, up amongst the clouds.
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We left the mountain and continued along the Parkway stopping at all the little attractions.
By late afternoon we arrived at the Blue Ridge Parkway Music Centre. I had planned to be her on a Saturday night to see one of the concerts. Our plan worked out as there was a Tennessee music concert that evening.
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After finding an RV Park and booked in we headed back to the Music Centre in readiness for the concert.
We filled up on Pulled Pork and Nachos while waiting for the concert to begin. The entertainment was first class and the hospitality by the centre was second to none. I would recommend a visit t anyone in the area. A real taste of Country Music and Hospitality.
We were lucky we for the mile posts on the Parkway as we headed the wrong direction after leaving the Music Centre. A few arguments and a turnaround we found our way back to the RV Park..
A truly memorable day on our Road Trip.
Day 24 - Galaxy - Blue Ridge Parkway - Skyline Drive - Shenandoah National Park.
Day 24– Sunday 2nd June 2013 - Blue Ridge Parkway – Skyline Drive Shenandoah National Park- Virginia – 251 Miles
My original plan was to leave the parkway for a day or so and head into West Virginia and check out a few of the National Parks, and a Grist Mill I wanted to photograph.
We copped a lot of rain and it was wide spread so we decided to stay on the Parkway and pick up a bit of tine on our itinerary. I would like to come back one day and spend more time in the area. Another road trip.
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Not to be disappointed as we soon arrived at Maybry Grist Mill on the Parkway. We spent a few hours looking around and watched a few presentations run by the National Park Staff. I even managed to get a few photos in before we left.
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We continued on our way and later in the afternoon we left the Blue Ridge Parkway and entered Shenandoah NP and onto Skyline Drive. We eventually made camp at Loft Mountain.
It took around three days to complete the Blue Ridge Parkway. The only time we ventured off was to get fuel. You could easily spend weeks exploring the Parkway and surrounding areas.
It an amazing place and such a variety of people and transport on the roads, motorbikes, bicycles and hikers. All out enjoying nature at its best.
Like all the places on our itinerary, the plan was to visit and get a taste of the area. I think we achieved it here on the Parkway.
I must admit though, Id love to come back in the fall. I could only imagine the colors.
Day 25 - Shenadoah NP- Manassas Virginia
Day 25– Monday 3rd June 2013 – Skyline Drive Shenandoah National Park- Virginia – Manassas, Virginia – 126 Miles
Up at 7.30 am and very foggy a light rain. We continued on Skyline Drive and stopping for photos around every corner. The views were spectacular so the going was pretty slow for a while.
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By lunch time we were out of the Park and off Skyline Drive. Im sure a few days exploring this area would be great as well.
Lunch was at MacDonald’s at Front Royal. A chance to use the internet and catch up with family and friends.
Also to contact a facebook friend, and tell her we were a few days ahead of schedule and were only a short drive away.
We spent the afternoon with my wife’s friend and husband and out to dinner that night. A Chinese restaurant that served frogs legs. Something different that’s for sure.
After dinner it was a visit to the Manassas Civil War Memorial and Cemetery. During our road trip we stopped off at most of the Civil War sites we came across.
Even if only for a few minutes.
It sort of links everything together that you learn at school or read about and a bit more about the country we are visiting.
Well that's the Great Smokey Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah NP off out to do list. It was a wonderful drive and the scenery was spectacular. Im sure we missed a lot of attractions of the area. We picked out what we wanted to see and achieved that, so were happy.
Our little van loved the Parkway and the slow speeds.Fuel economy was good. I did notice after all the mountains and bends over the last few days that the brake pads were squeking a bit.We had then checked out later on and everything was OK.
Day 26 - Manassas - Washington DC - Lancaster Pennsylvania - 188 Miles
Day 26– Tuesday 4th June 2013- Manassas, Virginia – Washington DC – Gettysburg – Lancaster, Pennsylvania - 188 Miles.
We were told no to leave for Washington DC before 10am as the traffic congested before that time. Our friend’s husband left at 8am for work and rang 45 minutes later and was still only 5 mile from home.
Even at 10am it was pretty bad. Our first stop was Arlington War Cemetery. I still can’t get over the size of the place. Being the school vacation time it was packed and very hard to find a parking spot.
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We stayed at the cemetery for a couple of hours wandering around. We visited the grave of President Kennedy before leaving Arlington.
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Our Plan was to look around Washington itself, but the amount of mid day traffic and road works made it impossible to find a parking spot or move around the city.
After a few laps around Lincoln Memorial and the White House we decided to get out of the city.
Our thinking was that Washington DC needs at least a few days or more to explore or even longer.
New York City was originally on our list but now it will be left for another time. Looking at our may we have left a nice little area that we could cover in a six week road trip.
A quick look at the map had us heading to Gettysburg for a tour of the Civil War Museum.
Last tour of the battlefields had left before we arrived but still enjoyed the museum and the fantastic Cyclorama dramatisation of the battlefields.
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Leaving Gettysburg it was a direct drive to Lancaster, Pennsylvania and a motel for the night.
Day 27 - Lancaster PA - Corning,New York State - 256 Miles
Day 27– Wednesday 5th June 2013- Lancaster, PA – Pilot Travel Centre, Corning, New York State – 256 Miles
My interest in covered bridges and the Amish Communities and the Railroad was the focus point in visiting Pennsylvania on this trip.
With only one day we tried to absorb as much as we could. Out of bed early, spend the whole day in Lancaster and head off into New York State in the afternoon.
First stop was the tourist information centre. Armed with maps and good friendly advice we headed off into the countryside and small communities.
In my mind I had a plan of what I wanted to capture photography wise but also take into consideration that the Amish people do not like their photos being taken. So to avoid offending anyone I didn’t go around poking my camera in peoples faces, so I used an old 170-500mm lens that let me capture what I wanted and also remain unnoticed from a distance.
I’m not sure if it was the right way to go about it but it was something I had to capture.
Driving through the farming community was like going back in time. Horses and mules, pulling carts and ploughing fields. Families in horse drawn wagons going about their daily activities and children on scooters and bicycles.
I found a covered bridge by chance and took a few photos, only to have a horse drawn carriage approach from the other direction. What luck, I got two of my wanted shots in one place.
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Getting a little hungry we located an Amish Bakery called “Bird in the Hand Bakery” that was shown on our tour map, we made it there just in time as a few tourist buses were pulling up as we walked out of the bakery.
We sat out in the gardens and drank coffee and ate our shoofly pie, while watching the world go by. Life is good.
Our exploring took us to another destination. Strasburg Railway Museum. Being a railway fan we ended up taking a ride on a steam train form Strasburg to Paradise and back. We went in the first class car where we had afternoon tea. (Afternoon beer anyway) and Whoopi pies.
I can also see us coming back and spending more time in Pennsylvania one day. Such a beautiful place.
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While I was looking closely at this last photo I was suprised to see a rifle laying in the rack on the back of the buggy.Maybe to keep photographers at bay.
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With the day running out it was time to make tracks and head north. We headed to Harrisburg before picking up the interstate 15 and headed towards Corning.
It was such a beautiful afternoon and found ourselves still driving well after 9pm and still not completely dark. The sunset was stunning and the scenery breathtaking. It was a great afternoon for driving and getting a few miles behind us.
It was just on dark as we pulled into a Pilot Travel centre North of Corning. With a quick fuel up and something to eat we were tucked up in bed in the car park.
Another great day in the USA.
Day 28 - Corning,NY - Toledo Ohio 502 Miles
Day 28– Thursday 6th June 2013 – Corning, NY –Niagara Falls- USA & Canada – Pilot Travel Centre Toledo, Ohio – 502 Miles
We woke early to a sound we hadn’t heard for a long time. “Rain”.Not something we wanted on our way to Niagara Falls. But something we had no control over so made the most of it.
On the road by 6.30 am we were early at the falls and were first in line for tickets on the Maid of the Mist.
We found $12.50 a very reasonable price to pay for the privilege. After collecting our tickets we were given our little blue raincoats and herded in the direction of the awaiting boat.
It wasn’t the most enjoyable cruise with heavy rain and not much room to move, but still managed to see the falls in the mist and get a few photos before sticking the camera back under my raincoat.
After the cruise it was off to the gift shop and a walk around taking more photos between heavy showers.
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Our original plan was to stay in Canada for the nigh before heading off again. The weather forecast was for heavy rain for a few days. After discussions we decided to go over to the Canadian side, look at the falls and then back to the USA and head in the direction of Chicago.
It didn’t take long to get through Border Security into Canada and on our way to the Falls.
The rain picked up once we got there and we couldnt find any suitable parking. I couldn’t justify $18 to park miles away from the falls and walk about in the rain. What we did see of the falls from the Canadian side was spectacular.
We drove around for a while without the rain easing, so it was back to the US Border to a long waiting queue.
Greeting us at the Security booth was a unhappy looking guy. He took our passports and started asking questions. He would not believe that we had crossed into Canada and returned within one hour and nor stepping foot on Canadian soil.
He wanted to know why we were back in the USA after being there in 2011. My wife told him we loved the USA and thought it was a beautiful Country.
“Whats so beautiful about it “ he asked. At this time I thought we were in trouble.
Go and park over there he said. Go into that building and sit down.We done as we were told and watched officers going through our van and belongings. It wasn’t long before we were asked more questions before we were given our passports back and free to go.
We didn’t hesitate getting out of there. Im sure the guy in the booth needs a good holiday or something.
Leaving there feeling a bit shaken up but hasn’t stopped us from planning to return one day to see the falls when the sun shines.
We hit the Interstate and headed of into Ohio before eventually stopping for the night at another Pilot Travel Centre near Toledo.
Day 29 - Toledo Ohio - Pontiac Illinois - 372 Miles
Day 29 – Friday 7th June 2013 – Toledo, Ohio – Chicago – Route 66 Pontiac Illinois. 372 Miles
After good nights sleep at a Pilot Travel Centre we were on the road by 7.30 am. We were really starting to like the free camps and also hitting the road early.
We had also taken a liking to Denny’s Diners for breakfast. A big breakfast and just nibble on snacks and fruit for the day.
We drove through some beautiful rural country and managed a few more photos of some old barns. We came a cross a few more Amish Communities before heading into Chicago.
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I must have been getting used to the traffic by now, as we managed to make it downtown Chicago without any panic or getting lost.
Finding a parking spot was a challenge and finally went into the Millennium car park thinking it was a pay by the hour Car Park and ended up costing $30 to get out. “Ouch.”
We spent a few hours in Millennium Park admiring al the gardens, and of course the giant chrome bean which attracted everyone around. Just an amazing piece of Art.
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A stroll down the streets took us to the Chicago Tribune Building with all the pieces from buildings all over the world.
I could have quite easily spent a day or two looking around Chicago. But our main reason was to pick up the start of Route 66 and follow through to Albuquerque, where we had turned off earlier in the trip.
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Leaving Chicago was a lot harder then getting in. It was now peak hour, my navigator was asleep and starting to rain.
To make things worse I had sat on my driving glasses and broken them. Not that I have to wear them but being in a different Country it helps to see all the signs etc.
It seemed like hours before I cleared the heavy traffic and had really no idea where I was going. Only saved by the signs -Historic Route 66- that assured me I was going the right way.
We stopped at a Gas station for a rest. I then purchased a roll of electrical tape and a strap for my glasses. A few minutes of work and my glasses were taped back together and the strap holding them firmly on my head.
They somehow managed to last the rest of the trip and I still wear them around home the same.
We kept driving until just before dark and found a motel for the night in Pontiac.
Day 30 - Pontiac, Illinois - St Louis Missori - 290 Miles
Day 30 – Saturday 8th June 2013 – Route 66 Pontiac Illinois – Pilot Travel Centre – St Louis, Missouri – 292 Miles.
Bit of a slow start today. Always hard to get moving after a night in a motel. I think that’s the main reason we like a campervan. To get an early start and a few miles under our belt early.
It was 9.30 am before we hit the road and looking for the remains of Route 66. Once picked up we followed it all the way to St Louis.
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With the Van due for a service we found a quicklube and back on the road within 45 minutes.
It would have been much quicker except the manager had a bout a thousand questions about Australia and wanted to confirm a few things he has heard. Like Drop Bears and Killer Kangaroos. We confirmed everything he heard was 100% true.
Getting late in the afternoon it was off to downtown St Louis and the Gateway Arch.
I tried to avoid going near it as I don’t like heights.
I was eventually convinced to go up in the Arch. The ride up in a very small seated elevator added to my fears.
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Once we reached the top at 600feet we were greeted with some spectacular sunset views of the city.I managed some nice shots even though Im sure I was shaking.
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It wasn’t long before we joined the line of eager people waiting for the elevator train back down.
Leaving St Louis I took a wrong turn and ended up on the opposite side of the river. What a fantastic view. I would love to have stopped and taken a few photos but being in a big city and a dark area kept us moving. A wise move I think.
As we did not want to miss too much of Route 66 we only drove a short distance before pulling up at a Pilot Travel Centre for the night.
