Saturday, October 4, 2014

Sitting in limbo ....

July 27 – August 3





Due to our misfortune earlier in the day, we did not arrive at Long Point State Park as early as we had wanted to, and when we did arrive, we discovered that our site had no electric or water!  After a little whining, we were able to get a site with electric that they keep for “emergencies.”  Since the campground never filled completely, I think we were a true emergency and worthy of the site.  That evening we met Barry and Joyce, our friends who had lived in Holley, NY and now lived in Sebring, Florida.  Their daughters Julie and Annette were with them (as well as Annette’s husband Jimmy) since they had attended their family reunion the day before.  It was great to see them; it’s been a long time.  We laughed and laughed and laughed!! 







We had a lovely week.  Monday was a truly depressing, all-day rain day, but we were able to get some phone calls made that needed to be done (Verizon, Costco, MetLife insurance, US Bank, etc.)..When on the road, you have to do something about your mail service.  We decided to try the service through Good Sam.  Our mail is forwarded to Florida and when we request it to be sent, they do.  We don't get a lot of mail so it works for us.  The downfall is that it is a couple of weeks old when we get it. If you need to send us mail, please use this address:

Bruce and Jean Totten
5715 Hwy 85 North #658
Crestview, FL 32536

Unfortunately, our visiting was cut short as there was a death in Joyce’s family.  Needless to say our plans were cancelled until further notice from them. 

So we became true “tourist a’s.”  We toured the countryside and went to the small villages/towns of Cape Vincent and Clayton.  In Cape Vincent (different link), we visited Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse







We drove to Clayton (different link), parked, and walked around the town.  We could have visited one of several museums there but we weren't in the mood.  We sat along the shore and watched people instead!  We enjoyed a dish of ice cream and bought a broom at the Ace Hardware store that had everything!!  We also watched a ship in the distance.




Pretty chairs all in a row

Strawberry swirl for Bruce



I don't remember the name but it had caramel, peanut butter and chocolate!  All my favorites!


The next day we drove to Massena, NY where the Eisenhower Locks are.  We arrived just in time to see a ship pass through the locks.  I snapped some pictures during the process the locks go through and then beat it for the car as the rains came.  After we got back to our campsite, I discovered a link on the web to show what ships pass through and what time.





Ship has pulled into lock and doors are shutting behind.  Water will be released.

Same ship, different view, and heading downward.


Down even further.


It's on its way up!


You can see the letters on the side again.









Heading out of the lock.



Now you can see her full name.


 On our way back to Long Point, we also stopped in Waddington, NY.  We walked around the small town, got a coffee, and saw the same ship go by that we had seen go through the locks!  If you are ever in Waddington, do consider stopping at the Artworks Crêperie.  The coffee was delish and the gentleman who owns the shop was quite interesting to talk with.

On Friday we took a boat ride (Uncle Sam’s) – Two Nation tour - from Alexandria Bay around the islands.  It was an enjoyable trip.  We had a very personable tour guide who passed on a ton of history and trivia about the area.  He pointed out different islands, how they got their name and whether or not they were Canadian or US.  We went under the Thousand Island Bridge and saw millionaire’s row













  
We decided to pay a little bit more and make a stop at Boldt Castle.  What a story and what a castle.  It is stunning even though it is not completed.  The grounds are absolutely beautiful. 









Immediate family: I included the following pictures because when you held the Totten reunion up here in 2007, you all took a tour of this castle.  The following rooms have been completed since you were here.

George Boldt's bedroom before

After

Louise Boldt's Suite before

After
After
Clover Boldt's Suite before

After

Clover Boldt's Reception Room before

After


We had to hurry to meet Barry and Joyce at Snug Harbor Bar and Restaurant for dinner.  We were lucky that they had found a slice of time for us.  Afterwards, we went back to their home and chatted up a storm about the good ‘ole days. 




Saturday found us taking a ride around Long Point to see the “lay of the land” and packing up our site.  We leave on Sunday, August 3rd for Byron, New York.


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