We left Di and Charles after a magnificent visit in their company and headed east and north around Lake Erie. We stayed on the interstate until nearing the town of Erie in Pennsylvania. On the map was a nature area called Presque Isle State Park. Lots of lovely fall foliage and views across the bay of Erie to the east. While travelling back on the western side, beaches with curves created by small breakwaters.

I then had to do some hard convincing for Miss W to head west near Buffalo. Where did I want to go? Yeah, I wanted to visit Niagara Falls. Miss W went there with Diane and a couple of other chat room friends last time she was in America. We followed Niagara Falls Boulevard only to find later we should have stayed on the interstate – we had lots of lights to stop at as we went through the small towns near the falls. Eventually arriving there about 4pm – in time to watch the movie at the visitor centre, walk through the park and take some photos. Now to get out of the falls area during heavy traffic – again we turned off right when we should have gone left. Luckily the maps of the falls area that we got from the visitor centre was helpful in getting us on the right track to find a hotel at Batavia on the interstate.

Heading off early the next morning, we stopped off at a visitor centre on the tollroad service plaza. The man in there was very helpful suggesting what we could do for the day. So we headed off the interstate to Geneva on the lake – Miss W realised she had already been through here last time when she went past the Finger Lake area to the Corning factory. So back to the tollroad and head to the Adirondacks instead.

This was a great choice but again we were disappointed that many of the museums and attractions were already closed. So much better to be driving on narrower roads and seeing nature in all its glory rather than speeding through on the highways.

The next day we followed the Hudson River out of the Adirondacks – area had been logging and mining similar to some areas of Tasmania except for the type of trees.

Heading east towards Boston, we diverted to visit the Old Sturbridge Village – a re-enactment village from the late 1700’s early 1800’s. Rode on the horse and carriage and had my photo taken with them. Lots of practical things to do at the village and many school groups visit. A bit like Sovereign Hill but instead of gold panning, you have apple cider, candle making and quilting.

Left the village to find a long line of cars trying to get back on the interstate, so we diverted and followed another small road which after about 7 miles also became a long line trying to get on the interstate. Found out later there had been an accident on the main highway near Sturbridge area. We didn’t want to stay in Boston so headed further north to Lowell, ready to visit Salem the next day.

Have you ever been to a village or re-enactment of a battle? Have you taken part in the activities? What did you enjoy about it? Or leave a comment about one of the highlighted words or phrases.

Remember to keep checking my flickr stream for more images taken on our trip.