Road Trip: Mighty Waterfalls
I’ve driven across the country numerous times. Asphalt must be in my blood. Three generations of my family were truck drivers. I get fidgety until I know a road trip is being planned. Every year, I would take at least two weeks hitting the highways, byways, and rural routes, exploring the U.S.
“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”
This time, New York state and Canada were the destinations, with plenty of stops leaving from home (Santa Fe at that time).
The first short break was in Dodge City, Kansas.
The things you see on the road…
I enjoy exceptional literature and have partaken in many book clubs over the years. Mark Twain is one of the wittiest American authors, so I had to stop at his childhood home in Hannibal, Missouri.
I also appreciate humorous but truthful quotes. Here are some of Twain’s best:
A successful book is not made of what is in it, but of what is left out of it.
It’s a classic… something that everybody wants to have read, and nobody wants to read.
If everybody was satisfied with himself there would be no heroes.
My books are water; those of the great geniuses is wine. Everybody drinks water.
Always do right; this will gratify some people and astonish the rest.
Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love Truly. Laugh uncontrollably. Never regret anything that makes you smile.
The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.
Action speaks louder than words, but not nearly as often.
The second overnight stop was Springfield, Illinois — which means Abraham Lincoln. There are many sights devoted to preserving the legacy of the 16th President of the United States. I always arrive first thing in the morning to avoid crowds, allowing me to take photos in peace.
The first photo is of Lincoln’s home, built in 1844, before becoming President. The home is surrounded by four blocks of historical structures.
The second photo is of the Old State Capitol, built in the Greek Revival style in 1837. This building was in use from 1840 to 1876, during Lincoln’s time as a lawyer. He argued over 400 cases before the Illinois Supreme Court and delivered his 1858 "House Divided" speech
Just after leaving Springfield, I spotted a sign for a covered bridge. Oh, yes. I had to pull over!
Located near Glenarm, Illinois, is Sugar Creek Covered Bridge. There’s an ongoing debate about the age of the bridge, either 1827 or 1880. It closed to traffic in 1984 and is now part of a public park.
My next stop was Cleveland, specifically for the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. I can’t even remember one exhibit. It was like the Hard Rock Cafe dumped into one museum. Then there’s the debate of who should be inducted every year.
Here’s one sound argument for the Indigo Girls:
Why Aren’t They In The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
The joke goes, when a lesbian comes out, she’s “handed a rescued cat, softball mitt and an Indigo Girls album”. “Closer to Fine” has become a lesbian anthem, and a lyric from the song is the title of the 2023 documentary.
The lesbian family and the queer community in general are reeling from the recent news of Emily Saliers. She will still perform -- for now -- with challenges, after her diagnosis.
This lesbian folk duo, performing together since 1985, are not just musicians but also activists, supporting not only the queer community, but the unhoused, Black Rights Matter, Women's Rights, Native American Rights, and so much more. They gave a voice to the voiceless. They’ve helped up-and-coming artists. They even recorded a song with P!NK directed at President Bush.
Note: 7 Grammy nominations. 1 win (New Artist 1990). Inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame 2022. Their songs have been in TV shows and films, including "Barbie" and "Boys on the Side".
Next, I spent some time in the Finger Lakes area of New York state, known for its wine, scenery, and waterfalls.
Taughannock Falls is 215 feet tall, making it the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. But no waterfall in North America can top Niagara.
It’s actually three waterfalls. Bridal Veil Falls is separated from Horseshoe Falls (the largest section) by Goat Island and from American Falls by Luna Island. A must is taking a rocking boat ride on the Maid of the Mist. You can feel the power of the falls. You will get soaked!
Stay on the Canadian side of the falls. The gardens are enchanting.
I explored Toronto for a few days before driving home. Two memorable experiences were strolling around both Centre Island and the Distillery Historic District.
You must board a ferry to get to Centre Island, but you are treated to the best skyline view of Toronto and CN Tower.
The Distillery District is ten streets filled with 40 historic buildings, now hosting shops, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Founded in 1832, Gooderham and Worts Distillery (by two brothers-in-laws) reached its peak in the late 19th century. The distilling company was the largest in the world, producing over 2 million to 2.5 million gallons of whisky annually. Most were exported to the world market.
The company merged and was then sold — twice. Eventually, the machinery became obsolete and was shuttered.