An American Adventure, Part 3

May 28:

Got an early start from Ann Arbor.  Traffic got heavier as we went.  Crossed into Canada at Detroit.  Officials friendly, no trouble.  Trip across Canada interesting and fast.  Exchange rate varied from 2-3% off of the American dollar.  Hit Niagara Falls and absolutely the worst traffic.  Crawled down to Fort Erie and crossed into U.S. at Buffalo.  No trouble.  Made camp at Niagara Falls KOA.  Mobbed and not very nice.  Going to the Falls to see the lights shortly.  Travel Time:  8.5 hours.  Mileage:  308.  Generally a long day.

Editor’s Note:  Though not mentioned in the journal, I remember clearly going through the border check into Canada at Detroit.  We had Texas license plates and the first question the officer asked was, “From Texas, huh?  Got any guns?”  I replied that I knew we were going to enter Canada and left our guns at home.  Probably one of the few times I made a long trip unarmed!

May 29:

Left our crowded campsite at 8:00 and headed for Syracuse.  No incidents, just a fast, smooth trip.  Weather sunny and warm.  Stopped the Dukelow’s and spoke to Joanne.  (The Dukelows were friends that lived in our trailer park in Weedsport when we were going to school.  They stayed in NY.)  Off to Syracuse by Route 5.  and ran into an Elbridge parade.  Sow going.  Got to John’s (Ricciardiello, another school friend) and no one home.  Ate lunch and then went to the university.  No Helen. ( a friend of Cheryl’s from school)  Back to John’s and relaxed until they got home.  Had a good talk and barbecued ham.  What a meal.  Angus ( a dog) nipped one of the (Ricciardiello) boys.  Only problem.  A great day.

John and MaryAnn R. are in the Middle            Dave and the Trailer at John’s

May 30:

Left Syracuse at 8:30 on the last leg of our journey.  Weather was cold and wet.  A Syracuse natural.  Took the Thruway to Albany and had coffee.  Continued on to the Mass Pike to Springfield (MA) and the south on 91.  A  fast trip to Broadbrook (CN) brought us to Tom’s just behind the mail and our own card.  A happy reunion and a busy afternoon capped the day.  Saw Tom’s apartment, went shopping, played goofy golf and then to bed.  Very tired.  Travel Time:  4.5 hours.  Mileage:  237.