🎶Welcome to the hotel California 🎶 Another song popping into my mind!
We landed in Sacramento to be met by Lisa and John – our daughter in law , Jordan’s parents. They live in Lodi abut 45 mins away. We’re so fortunate to get along so well.
They were to be in Yellowstone but got covid. But now here we are and head off to Yosemite together.
John cooked a wonderful omelette with veg from the garden. The bed is super comfortable and the shower is the best! The laundry got done is this definitely a 🛌🛌🛌🛌 stay.
After eating and packing we headed off to Yosemite about 3 hours away. We had a few stops along the way.
First stop was exciting. We’d heard about the dispensaries in California – for marijuana products. It’s legal here and so common. So Lisa and John stopped just so I could see it.
In we went. We had to show ID and register and then the doors opened and we were in a room with lots of products hanging in colourful rows. Like a sweet shop.
I chatted to the man asking about something for pain and swelling on my knee. He showed me patches. Explained their use. It is a CBG product. Not the one banned in Australia. So I took two patches.
Then I asked about sleep. There are gummies, lotions and patches. I took another two. How exciting I thought. I’ll use one tonight.
Outside of The Dispensary
Next stop was a very cute little town called Angels Camp. Famous for its frog races they have plaques dedicated to the winners of the frog jumping competitions. Mark Twain wrote about the frog jumping to let the US readers know about it. The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” by Mark Twain, is a tall tale about a man who bets on anything and wagers that his frog can out-jump a stranger’s frog, with surprising results.
Coffee called at Groveland. There’s a little coffee shop there where I had the best coffee in 8 weeks. It’s run by a young German man.
The Main street had lots of models !
And an interesting bar.
It was into wonderful scenery as we headed towards Yosemite. It is so good to have John driving pointing out things along the way.
There is some magnificent scenery as we arrive in the Yosemite valley.
We checked into The Awanhnee Hotel. it’s an iconic grand old hotel. Lucky us. Lisa & John organised it for us. A few days of relaxation in a beautiful place.
The side of the hotel. View from our bedroom.
We took a walk before afternoon drinks. Down the meadow. Over the bridge. The views.
Dinner was just lovely in a beautiful room. But unfortunately not the main dining room. It’s having renovations. It was so good to share it all with John & Lisa.
Off to bed in our 3🛌🛌🛌 hotel room.
Day 2:
Breakfast was very simple before we headed off to Yosemite Lodge for a 2 hour tram travel through the Yosemite Valley floor.
We sat in an open train/ tram with a guide who grew up in the Yosemite valley as part of the Indian tribe of the area.
She explained the history of the park., including the types of plants and trees.
El Capitan
We paused to look at El Capitan rock and could see some brave climbers. We watched for awhile as the climbers slowly inched up.
After the little tour we got the car to tour up to Glacial Point. No! We didn’t hike up. The weather was beautiful and Lisa had packed a picnic with a lovely bottle of bubbles to share. Outstanding views of Hal Dome and other mountains – most higher than Mount Kosciusko!
Back down the winding road, another little stop for a walk then back to our lovely room for a nap before dinner.
Day 3:
A walk first up to Mirror Lake. About an hours walk. The mornings are cool especially walking in the shade of the sequoia trees.
Walking for about 40 minutes we arrived at the creek and the lake which after summer is more a small lake – puddle.
Still reflecting though lacking water The boulders have fallen from the mountains after glacial movement.
Back to the hotel for a late checkout.. I could easily stay longer.
Taking our time to drive home we had lunch at Groveland in a cute Mexican place before driving through the vineyard area surrounding Lodi. Lodi is one of the big wine areas of California. Napa gets the publicity but Lodi has a great wine industry.
Then it was family time. John’s mother Anne came over. Jordans brother Joseph, wife Taci and their three children came over for swim and early dinner.
The twin boys are just a few months younger than Leo. They even look a little alike. Poppy is 5 and very funny and talkative. Very gorgeous children.
It was a big happy noisy family dinner. Then they all went off to bed and we just chatted. John & Lisa made us so welcome and we are good travel buddies. We’ll be seeing them next Wednesday in Brisbane. They are coming over for Alby’s christening and first birthday.
Tomorrow is a travel day to LA to stay two nights with Dan & Izzy Garr. We met Dan on our first ever swim trek and love seeing them. Then a night in San Diego with Ben & Sharon Maisek – another swim friend.
Then Home Sweet Home. Fingers crossed the threatened workers strike doesn’t happen on Sunday as predicted. It could affect flights!
The weather cleared and we farewelled Jackson as we headed off on our big adventure.
Every time I mention Yellowstone people say look out for Kevin Costner ! From the TV series of the same name. Have you watched it? Rumour has it that he bought a ranch here years ago ( after making Dances with Wolves ) and he’s just sold it.
I purchased an app for guiding us through the two NP. Tetons ( meaning two teats or breasts so named by the French when first travelling here ) this will be like having a guide in the car with us. Our supposed to be travel companions Lisa & John suggested it. Then they got covid and couldn’t come with us. So I bought one called Shaka. It was recommended and comes with full GPS guidance and will work without wifi.
The Grand Tetons. Part of the Rockies.
We headed out of Jackson and the first stop was the Mormon houses. They travelled to this area and set up farms around 1846. The structures that remain from early Mormon settlers are framed perfectly with an amazing view of the eastern side of the Tetons
Now unused Mormon house & barn. Tetons behind.
Next stop was Snake River. Not because it’s shaped like a snake but is named for the Snake Indians, the Shoshone, through whose country the greater part of the river flows. The Indians, in turn, were named “Snake” by their Plains neighbours to the east, possibly because they reputedly used snake heads painted on sticks to terrify their Plains enemies.
Taking a walk along the river we looked for beavers but only saw ducks and artists.
Next stop was the tiny Catholic Church which holds services only in summer. It’s a tiny dark wood church with one stained glass window.
We entered the park paying the $ 30 fee which definitely goes to a good cause to maintain these parks. It’s good for 7 days.
Straight to thermal activity at West Thumb. The thermal activity caused by being on top of the caldera from thousands of years ago.
The pools are amazing as the colours alter depending on size, heat, age. The boardwalks around the thermal activity make it easy to see them up close.
A selection of the thermal pools.
As you can see the pools are all different in size and colour. I’d love to pop into one – but the heat coming off them remind you they are twice boiling point. So …. No swims.
After walking and admiring the elk – who stand in the steam to keep warm apparently, we headed to Old Faithful.
This is the area with the biggest – of everything. Including the biggest geyser. There are 4 big ones and several smaller one right outside the hotel.
View from the verandah of our lodge
The original Inn is a massive, completely wood structure. Built in 1903 it’s made with local logs and stone, the inn is considered the largest log structure in the world. The towering lobby has a massive stone fireplace and a hand-crafted clock made of copper, wood and wrought iron serving as focal points.
We’ve stayed two nights in Old Faithful Lodge cabins. Very basic but they have a bathroom. The big Old Faithful Inn has a lot of rooms but some without bathrooms.
The newer Snow Lodge has rooms and cabins
Part of the chimney
There are three stories of balconies overlooking the main floor. A pianist entertains while people sit, read and wait for dinner. It is so big and so many people are staying, the restaurant, though huge struggles. Even with a booking you have to queue up. The only booking John could get when booking in months ago was 8.45. What !
It was an excruciating time to wait. After our long travel days we like earlier nights. The dining room when we finally got there is massive. A big fireplace , huge wagon wheel chandeliers, etched glass, enormous timber railings, timber timber everywhere.
When you sit for dinner your ‘server’ introduces themselves and starts up a pleasant chat. They are all lovely and I guess hoping for a generous tip. Their wages are still not as good as hospitality workers in Australia so rely on tips.
Day 2.
Our time in the big Y continues……
It was cold last night and snow was predicted. We still managed to be out in the cool by 8.30. Lots to see.
Yellowstone is accessed by a ring road shaped like an 8. We’re staying two nights in the lower left circle of the 8. The park is divided into west and east and we are exploring most of the western thermal areas in one and a half days. Then exploring the eastern side which has sweeping views that rival the Grand Canyon and has more valleys with the big animals. The bison, elk, a wolf if we’re lucky , moose, birds, fox. We’ll have to keep our eyes peeled. When you see cars pulled over and people all looking in one direction you know something has been spied!
Today’s highlights are many. The thermal pool are great.
There are rangers all over but this one looked a classic.
Yogi said ‘the Ranger’s coming Boo- Boo!’’
The board walks circle the pools making it easy to view them up close.
The red pool. The forests and rivers are stunning.
We made lots of little stops along the way. The tracks are easy most of the time. Though there are much longer, harder trails.
We got to Mammoth on the top of the 8. A lunch break under the trees needing padded jacket , hat and gloves.
The big food area. We bought snacks for a picnic.
The highlight of Mammoth was seeing all the elk in town. They took over the town. Rangers had to direct people and cars away from them.
The big daddy with the big antlers
We drove to the northern gate especially to go through the Arch.
Enter Yellowstone National Park from the north and you’ll see the iconic Roosevelt Arch. Completed on August 15, 1903, the massive stone structure offers a glimpse into the park’s early years.
Back in those days, before the mass production of the automobile, vacationers travelled by train. Before 1903, trains brought passengers up to Cinnabar, Montana., where people would then get into horse-drawn carriages to enter the park’s sweeping landscape. That year, however, with the Northern Pacific Railway’s extension to Gardiner, Mont., visitors would now have easier access.
Our last night we had dinner at the Snow Lounge restaurant. You can’t book so we sat in the sky lounge looking out at the geyser had a drink and saw the first line disappear into the restaurant …..then you can put your name down and get a buzzer. Much better idea.
Dinner was delicious.
Day 3:
Today we drove to Norris and then went East across the middle of the 8 to Canyon.
We set off along the eastern loop , the canyon & valley (and a few more thermal areas) side. With our handy audio guide and map on the car satnav we were guided to all the great spots to see something interesting or, to walk or find a good picnic spot.
We gathered information at the Visitors Centre and then headed north to the top of the 8
Once again stunning. It had snowed last night and the trees were dusted with snow.
Out of the high area of forest and back down to the plains and along to Lamar Valley. We weren’t disappointed.
We saw the big bison close up. They came and crossed in front of us. Then we spotted an owl. And I was particularly pleased to see a Yellowstone Pronghorn. It’s often mistaken for an antelope.
Well hello Mr Bison
We looped back and started in the lower part of the 8. Driving south we drove the upper rim of what they call Yellowstone Grand Canyon. The river gathers speed and power as it enters the canyon then BOOM. Down it goes as a waterfall. We had to walk down a steep path for 2km to see the water fall up close. That meant 2 km back up. As you can tell my knee has improved. It will ache tonight but no walking stick!
After a long walk down.
We continued south to our new cabin for tonight. Lake Lodge. It’s in Yellowstone Lake which is big ( everything here is big)
Our cabin is good. Better than Old Faithful. We checked in & rushed to our very early dinner. John had made bookings ages ago and had to take what he could get. Tonight was 5.30. But that suited. ( better than 8.45 the other night) The dining room was beautiful and we could see the lake. The meal was delicious . Once again I had trout. We then sat in the lounge and did some catching up. FaceTimed Ollie our grandson in Bali. Met a lovely man from Ghent. Watched some young people playing pickle ball ( remember said it was a big craze here) .
View from the dining room.
Our time in Yellowstone had been great. It’s a big NP but talk about lots on offer ! There are thermal pool, geysers, mountains, canyons, plains, herds of animals, lakes, and snow!
Our last sunset from the lodge.
HINTS:
There are 5 main stops in Yellowstone: Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Mammoth Hot Springs, Fishing Bridge- Lake Village & West Thumb . These have Visitors Centres, General Stores & a few other facilities.
If you are planning a trip, think about where to stay to avoid backtracking too much. That’s if you’ve only got 3 nights. If you have more time then two nights in each spot.
We had two nights in Old Faithful , one at Lake Lodge. Doing it again, even though you’d move each day I’d say 1 in Old Faithful, 1 at Mammoth Falls, 1 at Lake Hotel or Lodge cabin. Depending on your budget……. The cabins are great – though a little basic ( lake lodge is good. ) maybe a hotel room ? In saying that, I like the quietness of the cabins.
Book everything ahead.
Some people like to stay at the towns just outside the Park itself. This would be cheaper & offer more variety of eating options. This could be good though depending on the day you could queue to get into the park. This morning when we left by the West Yellowstone gate the queue was at least 1km long and moving slowly.
Tickets : the first time you enter the Park you pay $30 and that is good for 7 days. So you can come and go. Stay at Jackson, West Yellowstone, even Cody an hour away.
Summer here would be so busy, it might get hard moving around. We’re here in Sept 20-24 and it’s quite busy though they are winding down. Staff has decreased. Minor roads ( little loop roads to walks or views) will start to close. Though it could be lovely with snow!
Another song pops into my head. I’m going to Jackson 🎶 the Johnny Cash song. Not sure if it’s this Jackson also called Jackson Hole.
Our first stop today was Thermopolis. This tiny town is very popular because it has mineral hot water springs from the Big Horn National Park. there are several big hotels offering hot baths. And the town council have a public one free. You can only go in for 20 mins. That doesn’t sound long but believe me the springs are hot and health wise that’s about all you’re supposed to do.
So in we went. There was hardly anyone there and it was delicious. We came out feeling rejuvenated.
We went from fine sunny weather to dark clouds and just as we arrived in Jackson, this ski resort style town it pelted.
Another cabin at the Buffalo Bill Village but this one was very upmarket.
A log cabin and so lovely.
We made a decision that when the rain eased we’d go out for some basic food to eat in. And if we got a parking spot we’d have a drink at the famous Cowboy bar.
The plan worked well. Simple salad and cheese and we stopped for a drink.
I’m glad we did as it’s iconic.
The bar stools are saddles.
Note the lights, the tables all carved wood.
Heading back to the car we went into few shops. All the gear is for cold weather
Though Steve was rather taken with some antlers and I loved the fur.
Back in the cabin we enjoyed some red wine and a simple dinner. Caught up on our washing, talked to Ollie who is in Bali on holidays.
We’re hoping for fine weather tomorrow as we head to the Grand Tetons National Park.
I’ve got an app all ready to guide us through the parks so we
We missed the nightly rodeo. I’m devastated. It finished on Sept 10.
The drive from Deadwood was once again a mix of prairie and stunning mountains.
We headed to Devils Tower
Stunning.
Not a biker but I was welcomed
The brunch we had was pretty good as well.
The queue into the Park was so long. One young man and a long line all trying to pay their $30.
It is most unusual and worth seeing. Heading out we took a left and because our sat nav ( I’m using the maps in my phone ) had cut out we thought that maybe we were headed in the wrong direction.
With no wifi we happened upon a tiny town. It’s buildings were all decorated western style.
I went into the little museum and met Katie the person on duty chatting to a man with a weathered face , lots of hair, a beard and a smile with several teeth missing. He also had a sense of humour.
The antler is a must have decorative item.
I announced I was lost and wanted to head to Sheridan to go west across the Big Horn Mts. He gave a bit of cheek before getting a map and showed me the route to take.
Lyle is my new best friend.
The drive across the Big Horn was stunning. We climbed and climbed. The views got better.
It’s hard to do justice with a camera phone.
We had an unexpected stop at a National Museum of Military Vehicles. Sitting about 25km from the nearest little town it seemed very out of place. I guess they had a lot of land to store all the vehicles. And there were hundreds. Steve was amazed. I sat outside in the warm sun reading and he went in for s shirt visit. 50 mins later he emerged smiling and shaking his head. ‘It’s huge’ he said. Like everything around here.
We arrived in Cody – home of Buffalo Bill just as the street reenactment was starting. They put on a Wild West show every afternoon. Cowboys, sheriff’s with gun – fake I hope. The crowds loved it.
Back to check into our cabin for the night at the Cowboy Village. Rows of little cabins. Two bedrooms, a great shower but fairly basic comfortable. All for $258 Aus. Everything is very expensive. Americans would love Australia. With the exchange rate and basic things like meals being expensive- a basic burger is $18 which is around $28.
We walked through this cowboy town admiring the crazy signs, the cowboy decorations and found place for dinner. I craved salad or veg so found a spinach salad with beef slices. Exciting for me!
Our little cabin at the Cowboy village.
Cabins are very popular here particularly in the National Parks. We’re loving our cowboy adventures. Though I’m still very upset to miss the rodeo.
As we drive songs keep popping into my head. Today it was Calamity Jane’s ‘Oh, the Deadwood stage is rollin’ over the plains’. 🎶. She’s is buried here in Deadwood. Next to Wild Bill Hickok.
Wild Bill. We visited the graves in Deadwood
Calamity Jane, along with A.W. Merrick, Sol Star, and Al Swearengen all shaped Deadwood from a rough mining town to an iconic western town. Prospectors scoured the area for the smallest flecks of gold in the 1800s. Gold mining was huge.
Deadwood is not a great name for a town.
It was a pretty driving afternoon after leaving Badlands and heading towards Mt Rushmore.
We left Badlands and had a few stops along the way to explore.
First stop was the amazing store in Wall called Wall Drug. It’s a huge place with restaurants and lots if stalls full of …… stuff.
Hard to describe the Walk Drug Store
The it was Keystone. Another town with American Indian influence .
Keystone
We stopped in Keystone ( these names have me chuckling and singing) before moving onto Mt Rushmore.
The story of how Mt Rushmore came about is so interesting and it’s really quite awesome to see.
The 4 famous Presidents…. can you name them ?
Of course it’s well laid out. 6 layers of parking a big open mall walking up through the state flags. A good movie and museum gave us the story of the sculptures.
We walked the trail and chatted to a few people along the way.
Spotted a few tipis or tepee along the way
Arriving into Deadwood surprised us. I didn’t realise it is a big gambling town. Lots of cute shops in Main St. But they all turned out to be full of poker machines & poker tables. And a big lack of restaurants.
The gambling places offered burgers. That’s it. So I found a place that did take away nachos and we went back to our very big comfortable room and Steve watched football.
Lots of cowboy bars.
Tomorrow we head to Cody. Cody is a town in northwest Wyoming famous for Buffalo Bill Center. We’ll be seeing Devil’s Tower and Big Horn National Park.
We left Chicago to travel to Winona leaving Illinois and arriving in Michigan.
We had a rain storm which was awful. Steve decided we should pull over. He couldn’t see. Cars and trucks passed by so closely that the car shook.
Steve put on hazard lights we waited awhile. It eventually eased.
By the time we reached Winona the sun was out. The drive along the mighty Mississippi River was beautiful. What a river – and this is just the headwaters!
Our BnB called Alexander Mansion is a big grand house with a dominating corner position.
An original photo from the 1880’s
Owner Richard answered the door. Richard and his partner David bought this place about 8 years ago and are happily running an excellent BnB in a small out of the way town.
We were his first Australians. He was fascinated. ‘What brings you to Winona !’
The library
Richard loves a chat and instead of showing us our room insisted on a house tour , a glass of wine , told us dinner options, library inspection, painting explanations, ……
The organ which he invited me to play
He very helpfully told us about 2 good restaurants. We chose the Fish Hut. It was slightly out of town over looking the mighty Mississippi. He was spot on. It was great. I had a catfish ! Done in a spicy coating with mango salsa. Steve felt like a steak and said it was great.
We got back to the house. It was very quiet so we took his advice and sat in the large library with a glass of wine he’d left us and read about the history of the place.
Up the stairs to bed.
Back in our room Richard had left us a nightcap – a Baillie’s and a chocolate.
The room was beautiful. Floral, wood furniture , lamps everywhere, an old radio playing classical music.
I wish I could say the big high bed was comfortable but it had a dip in it and we both woke up with aching bits.
The bathroom was gorgeous and original.
He had made a point about breakfast being at 9am with all guests. He was going to give us a big wholesome breakfast. He likes his guests to chat and bond. We knew we had a long drive to Badlands National Park the next day but he was so disappointed we agreed to stay.
Only problem was we woke very early and decided we needed to get going. He was sad and showed us the beautifully set table snd gave us a banana to see us on our way at 7.30.
This gave us time to stop at The Corn Palace in Mitchell an historical old town. A tribute to the corn that grows here, there is a huge palace type building all decorated with corn. The displays outside the building are changed each year to a theme. Inside is a big entertainment area. They regularly have basketball (the local team is the Mitchell Kernels!) and concerts – and there was a great display of all the artists who have played there. From Bob Hope to Tommy Dorsey.
We’re pleased we left early because we arrived at Badlands early enough to do a few walks through this incredible landscape. It’s well set out and just amazing
Tonight we are in the Badlands motel. It’s basic and cheap. Close to the park and just fine. Air con is blasting away as it unseasonably hot.
We’re eating at the Wagon Wheel having a burger. Chicken. Does that count? A real cowboy bar. Drinking Budweiser watching Miami vs New England in American Football, trying not to think of the Wallabies losing to Fiji in the Rugby.
The sunsets here are amazing.
I love a good sunset.
Tonight we went along to the ranger chat at the caravan park. The first session was on the types of fossils found in the park.
The second session was probably the best night sky session I’ve ever been to.
We even saw Elon Musks satellites running in a row across the sky. We saw so many of the brightest stars and the Milky Way so clearly.
This is a photo from the internet but it looked just like this. Moving quickly across the sky.
Every city has its personality and coming to Chicago I can’t help but feel the love of building here.
Our expert guide on the Architecture cruise yesterday talked passionately about the buildings in this city. It doesn’t want to be the poor relation to NYC so has developed its own ‘thing ’
And the thing is architecture. The buildings are breathtaking and many are very environmentally conscious. I’ll include a few photos from our cruise down the river. The river adjoins into the giant Lake Michigan & is shaped like a Y. It’s divided and each arm has its own style. And there are many bridges.
The names of the types of architecture : there is contemporary , art deco, mid century modernism, beaux arts, and trump style. Big !
Willis Tower and next door a pink / blue building with a crown! A car park like a children’s toy with a boat garage underneath Making a statement Mr TrumpReflection
It goes on and on.
I also did the Skywalk. I visited what was the tallest building in the world. I zoomed up 103 levels and was greeted by views. In every direction.
It was a grey day so it would have been more stunning yesterday but it was still amazing. I skirted around all sides of the building. Trying to capture the height. I’m not at the selfie. Steve didn’t come up. He’d been before so saved the $US 44 !
I took the plunge and went out onto the skywalk. The clear perspex overhanging walk. First step felt eerie but then ….
Then I loved it. All 103 floors up See the river below.
Whilst I was dancing in the clouds Steve was walking and checking out the street art, the buildings and an Aussie pie shop
Chicago your style is great. From Frank Lloyd Wright to modernism.
To finish our day we had what should have been a 4-5 hour drive to Winona, as we start our route 90 drive. We hit the most incredible rain storm. I was terrified.
But we made it ……..to our BnB called Alexander Mansions. Just wait for my report on this place !
I’ve combined two days into one in this post. So much is happening!
The Amish countryside is peaceful , quiet like stepping back in time to a simpler life.
The countryside is a rich farming area and the farms predominantly owned and run by the Amish people are beautifully kept.
The towns in this area worth exploring are Berlin, Charm, Walnut Creek, as well as pottering up and down the much smaller roads reviewing the farms.
Everywhere you will see the buggies being driven by mum or dad. Mum in the traditional head piece and simple plain fabric dress. Bearded Dad is in work pants, braces and a straight brimmed hat.
Today I wore my simple grey dress and if I’d added the headpiece I would have almost fitted in. No makeup. Simple hairstyle.
There is a lot of corn growing here and it’s the sweetest corn ever.
We went into Berlin and found barns full of furniture rustic in style and made by the Amish people. Also all manner of bibs and bobs. lots of flower stalls and fruit stalls and as Thanksgiving is approaching, pumpkins everywhere.
Driving along you must be patient as you’ll often find yourself behind a buggy. Also cycles are now popular – ones with electric motors to get them up and down the undulating hills.
We stopped in Charm for a few things at their general store where we were served by the loveliest Amish girls. They have the best sweet peaches here!
In the afternoon we arrived in Millersberg. Once again the County Courthouse dominated the centre of town right at its only set of lights.
We stayed in the Millersberg Hotel an oldy worldy place with a baby grand in the parlour, carpet runners and an enormous bedroom with two double beds and a huge bathroom.
Steve caught up on his washing. Travelling makes it hard to wash clothes. We washed everything at Lynn’s in NY and I wash little bits every night. But all the space meant washing and hanging to almost dry in the morning and final drying in the car.
Dinner was Mexican ! Strange but great choice. I had a margarita as big as my head and Steve a thirst quenching beer. We felt bad because other people sitting around us in the restaurant were Amish and they had water.
As you can see from photos I’m wearing my black white checked dress a lot. It’s perfect for the climate along with my plain grey Amish dress. In Scotland I wore jeans and black pants with a light jumper / shirt/ puffer. Here’s it’s warm not really hot. Perfect touring weather.
When we left this beautiful area early the next morning it was misty and cloudy and again the countryside looked prosperous.
We detoured on the way into Chicago. We stopped to look at Notre Dame University. What a campus it is.
Centre piece at Notre DameThe Mosaic at the Library at this Catholic University
Our sat nav , which is great, confused us a few times. The lady started with the directions then said ‘ I’m sorry …… I’ll start again’.
Not once but on two separate occasions. So funny.
We made it to Chicago through a freeway traffic jam. Our hotel is in a great location.
After checking in we took off to explore and a train ride to an area north. We were visiting The Green Mile. A jazz club recommended to us. On the way we tried Thai Street food. Very good.
The club was funny. One cranky sullen door man collecting the $10 cover charge with no smile. No welcome and no information about what we would see.
It was jazz swing night. A very good 12 piece band and some good singers. Some great old favourites and they encouraged dancing. I love watching the dancers. They are usually a bit older and obviously practice at home. There were locals there. They knew each other and were dancing together. Great fun but it got very crowded so decided to leave around 9.40. Early by jazz club standards !
We had a full day of sightseeing planned !
We headed out to Oak Park. We’d booked a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s own house and studio. The tour given by Patti was great. I’m loving all the FLW architecture. Prairie style it’s called.
A huge gable dominates the front of the house
The house is so unusual. Attention to detail and lots of rooms within rooms to house his 6 children.
The main bedroom. Windows in the children’s playroom. The bathroom with a window angled for privacy.
His studio was equally spare. He was the Marie Kondo of his time. No clutter everything especial designed and loved.
We then walked Forest St with 9 FLW houses. They are very different to the style of the other houses in the street. They too are beautiful but suddenly look rather fussy when next to a FLW design.
FLW Prairie styleTypical of the other houses in the street l. Which do you prefer?
We walked to Oak Garden Station. if you are going to see FLW architecture it is a long way out. And check the right train. Several stations have the same name. Get to Oak Park Garden on the Green line.
Back to downtown we caught the above ground loop train which gives great views of the city streets.
The loop train sits above the streets.
We got off to see the art gallery and to walk in the gardens. Particularly the Millennium garden with the famous Bean which reflects the buildings around it. Only problem ….. it’s being renovated and was fenced off
.
A picture through the fence.
We enjoyed an hour and half in the late afternoon sun in a First Lady Architecture tour. It was great. The boat we chose has architecture people give commentary. Our lady was perfect. Other boats seem to have brief commentary but this gave an excellent overview of the buildings and the history of architecture in this great city.
I’ll do a separate post in the buildings.
We finished the cruise just out in the mouth of the river at Lake Michigan as the sun was setting. It was stunning.
We walked a little after the cruise before getting the metro up town to Kingston Mines- a blues club. We had a great night eating, drinking, singing and soaking up the atmosphere in this blues club. We were in the Fullerton area another lively neighbourhood.
We reluctantly left the big 🍎 and managed to negotiate the roads out. The spaghetti freeways are something else !
We were on a fairly major state road, 3 lanes both ways and loads of trucks. Many of them Fed Ex trucks delivering all those things bought online! Perhaps we should go back to shopping in stores not online. It would half the traffic in the roads.
We needed coffee so had to exit the freeway into a neat town with lots of white timber houses, many with flags outside. We found a a Portuguese cafe. Great coffee.
Back on the freeway. More driving. Observations. So many trucks, lane changers, and bumpy roads.
I’ve always wanted to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright designed house Falling Water. We got to the gate at 3.40 for the 4 pm tour to be told our name wasn’t on the list! Had I forgotten ? Hadn’t I booked ? I thought I had. I was so disappointed that young Jay on the entry gate rang the visitor centre and they found a spot on the last tour of the day. The numbers per tour are strict because you go into the house in small groups as it doesn’t have overly big spaces.
Our tour lasted over an hour and we could also walk through the large gardens.
The house is spectacular.
Amazing waterfall design over a waterfall. So many interesting features.
We left Falling Water in falling rain. Heavy rain! We lost our sat nav so had to use what I remembered to find our hotel in Pittsburgh. The Embassy Suites. Turns out valet parking made it easy to arrive! Then up to the 16th floor to find a very big suite. All very comfortable so a 3 🛌 🛌🛌 stay.
Out for a walk and dinner before a great nights sleep.
Breakfast was also a bonus the next day before we made some discoveries in Pittsburgh. The area called The Strip is definitely worth an explore. Lots of cafes, bars, shops, etc.
The bridges – there are so many of them that the traffic flows really well in and around the city. Brisbane would benefit from a few more bridges.
A view across to the stadium.
We went up the hill on the opposite side of the city to Washington Heights and found the two ‘incline’ or funicular. Down we went admiring the views. Then up.
We had a walk along the top and I spotted some of the lantern bugs. They are causing a problem. Aline , who we were in the Hamptons with was telling me about them. They are attaching themselves to trees and killing them. People have been asked to literally stamp them out! So there are dozens of them squashed all over the footpaths of NY and here they are in Pittsburgh.
Do your bit people Stamp away. I read in the paper that an actor ( I’ve forgotten who) was declared a bug warrior as he had removed his shoe and killed at least 70. It made the news .
Next stop was the Andy Warhol gallery / museum. A wonderful chronological history of his work.
Leaving Pittsburgh we headed west towards our next stop Millersberg. We left time to visit this Amish country side.
It’s like stepping back in time. I’ll post tomorrow on this interesting area.
I just love NY. Even though this trip is short …. It is still sweet.
I do miss not having Jordan & Rob here. We had such great visits with them when they lived here. We usually stayed near them in West Village.
This time we stayed mid-town. It was close to our Avis car drop off. And close to our friends.
View of the Chrysler building from our hotel room.
It was so wonderful to catch up with my Brisbane therapy friend Sharyn ( therapy as in a group of girls who catch up a lot ) She recently moved here to be near her daughter and especially her first grandchild
We met at Grand Central station. This is a beautiful station. The spaces are grand, it’s like stepping back in time. Built between 1903-1913 there are 56 passenger tracks. Built in the Beaux Arts style you could think you were in France – until you spot the eagle on the clock. There are cafes, wine bars, an oyster bar, shops if all kinds, a whispering corner, and of course trains.
We chatted for ages and even visited the ‘whispering corner’. It’s a trick of building and sound! You stand in opposite corners of a wide corridor and turn your back and whisper. The other person can hear you. Works like magic.
When we finally left – Sharyn to work & Steve to shopping & finding the best Reuben sandwich, I explored the station.
Then I walked and walked which is what you do in NY. Not to Central Park. I headed south.
I browsed shops and book shops. I bought nothing ! It’s not sales time and we can get everything in Australia now. And I haven’t got too much room in my suitcase. Justify. Justify.
I love the food trucks on each corner. Never short of a place to eat in NYC.
I was hot from walking so headed to my happy place. The NY public library. Outside there are tables and chairs set under the trees. I bought a cool drink and sat and people watched. Always interesting.
A little photo shoot on the steps.
I visited the library, wandering and sitting. And of course visited the shop. I bought another book to share with Ollie , Leo & Alby. I’ve a little collection from places we’ve been.
Back to our very big room for a rest just before a rain storm. With thunder & Lightning. The full show!
Fortunately, it stopped and we left to walk the 10 blocks to our friend Lynn’s stunning apartment on the river near the UN.
We were meeting up with Bill and Marie-France, who we’d met up with in Edinburgh. They made the effort of cruising on the Queen Mary to NY so we could all have dinner. Such a sacrifice! Thanks Bill & MF.
Also joining us were James & Aline – whom we met at Lynn’s beach house. Great company and they lowered the average age!
Starting with a drink we moved on after the rain to Patroon a really lovely NY restaurant. Great food. Great service.
Marie-France, James, me, Bill, Lynn, Steve & Aline
frans travel tales 