The State of New York, USA
Part of a year long trip from Sept ’94 - Sept ’95 through 36
USA States and 2 Canadian Provinces by Jean and Graham Beven in ‘Serendipity’ their
30 foot Winnebago Chieftain.
New York - Round Trip USA
We only 10 days in the state of New York, USA as there was nothing
on our must see list of places to visit.
There are however six National Wildlife Refuges, eighteen National Parks
and ---- State Parks in the state of New York.
The State Tourist Office for the state of New York, USA is: New
York Division of Tourism - 1 Commerce Plaza, Albany, NY532
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13th August 1995 From Evans City, Pennsylvania. to Fredonia, New York State.
Via Dunkirk, New York. Reached the Great Lakes today. Driving stopped
for tea at Dunkirk – Fishing
licence too expensive in NY! So just sat by Lake Erie and watched other
folk fishing. Overnighted at Wal-Mart, Fredona, NY .
14th Travelled from Fredona, NY. to Niagara Falls, New York. via Buffalo,
New York. 142 miles. On the road today had a little trouble with the
vehicle cooling pump which, because it affects our mpg, we had to replace
in Buffalo. Fitted an after market unit as none of the GM dealers stocked
the cooling pump! We arrived at the falls after dark. Although lit
up – the
spray gave for poor visibility – so coming back tomorrow. Got our shipping
date for ‘Dippy’ today 15th or 17th September. Stayed at Wal-Mart
via Hwy 104.
15th
All day at Niagara Falls.
Took
the ‘Maid of The Mist’ boat
trip under the falls! A brilliant experience - being tossed about by
the eddy under the Horseshoe Falls - Covered in mist.
Went through ‘The
Cave of The Winds’ – Got
very wet again!
We
Started the day wet and ended the day wet but it was all awesome! Parked
on Goat Island and took the ‘Tractor Train’ all
around the place. Took the train to the Museum and Generating Station.
Travelled a bit downstream to see the 'Whirlpools'
where
there is a cable car over a wide eroded part of the river bank.
Overnight at
Wal-Mart again.
16th From Niagara Falls to Webster, New York. via the ‘Whirlpool’ where
there were the most fantastic rainbows. Sorting out the paperwork for
shipping and driving most of the day. Travelled 121 miles today. Walked
on the shore of Lake Ontario. Much to our surprise there were waves
crashing on the beach, just like at the sea-side.
17th From Webster, NY. to Watertown, New York. via Selkirk Shores
State Park. Spent most of the afternoon sunning ourselves on the shores
of Lake Ontario. Would love to have been fishing but far too expensive!
Camped at Wal-Mart, Watertown, NY.
18th Stayed around the Watertown, NY. area. Travelled along the side
of the St. Lawrence Seaway. No big ships seen. Saw the 'Thousand Islands'
that the sea food sauce was named after!
19th Moved 84 miles from Watertown, NY. to Cranberry Lake camping in
a grassy area, just off the highway, by the banks of a creek that flows
into the lake. Met two hunter gatherers – real backwoodsmen!
20th August 1995 Left New York State . Travelled from Cranberry Lake,
NY . to Rumford, Maine . A long driving day though two scenic states.
351 miles! Overnighted in a Rest Area near Rumford, Maine.
Back into New York State - New York City Tour and Stay.
9th
Sept 95 Visited the twin towers of The World Trade Centre. 'Welcome
to the world' From the 107th floor A quarter of a mile high in the
sky! at the observation deck you could see most of New York City. We
also went onto the Rooftop Promenade - which was the world's highest
outdoor platform.
10th - Took the LIberty Ferry from Battery Park in New York
- Visited Ellis Island - 
The
symbol of American immigration for more than 60 years to 1954 the 'immigration
depot' processed some 12 million people. Today their descendents make
up around 40% of the current population of the USA. The main Museum
is the original clearing hall. There are thirty or so galleries filled
with artifacts, photos and oral histories. There are two theatres with
award winning movies showing the history of the depot. There is a computer
- genealogy section where you can trace any relations you may believe
entered the USA here.
Out
next stop on the Liberty Ferry was the Statue of Liberty National Monument.
We waited in line to enter the statue and climb
the equivalent of 22 stories to the crown. You have to be determined
and fit to make the trip up! The ascent and decent, in the statue of liberty inside, took around 3 hours
from start to finish! As you can see from the Statue of Liberty picture - The 'windows' you can see behind us are the jewels
in the crown.
You used to be able to climb up a ladder into the Statue of Liberty's Torch in Liberty's hand
but this was stopped long before we arrived!
The museum in the pedestal had many interesting exhibits relating to the
statue, a gift from the people of France and the artist Auguste Bartholdi.
The statue was erected in Paris and completed in 1884 where it 
stood until
it was dismantled and sent to America in 1885. Conceived as the embodiment
of political freedom and as a gift of international friendship - Liberty
Enlightening the World - The Statue of Liberty has become an almost universal symbol for
people in search of opportunity and freedom still. Through the statue of liberty's torch!
MORE PICTURES FROM NEW YORK
AND NEW YORK STATE
