Picking Up Where We Left Off

Friday, June 25, 2016

This morning we headed to where we left off the last time we visited this area.  Starting with the Cleveland East Entrance Light.  Unfortunately, we were unable to stop and take pictures because we were doing 65 MPH on the Interstate, but we will be back the day we visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The next Lighthouse was the Vermilion Lighthouse This lighthouse was built in 1877 and was located at the end of the breakwater.  Finding this lighththouse took some doing because it was suppose to be moved to a park in early 2016.  However it wasn't. We did accidently find it in a ship repair yard and were able to photograph it.  It is being renovated so hopefully it will be back on display soon!

On the way to our next lighthouse, Huron Harbor, we ran across a classic car show at the local DQ.  Apparently this is an on-going Saturday night event in the summer.  Here are some pictures of a few of the cars we saw.  The 1964 Falcon convertible was Jim's favorite as he once own one himself!

A friendly resident gave us directions to the Huron Harbor Pierhead Light.

Huron Harbor Pierhead Light

Our final lighthouse for this day was Marblehead Lighthouse.  This lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating  lighthouse on the Great Lakes.   It was built in 1821 and is still an operational navigational aid today.  It has been featured on U.S. postage stamps and has appeared on Ohio's license plates.

It was a beautiful day to view lighthouses!

Til next time..............

Backtracking!

Thursday, June 24, 2016 

We headed to Erie, PA to see three lighthouses we had missed the last time we were in the area.

The first lighthouse was Erie Land.  This Lighthouse was built in 1818 along with the Presque Isle Lighthouse and the Buffalo  Lighthouse.

These three lights are considered the first American Lighthouses on the Great Lakes.   The Erie Land Lighthouse on the shoreline is pretty much in the middle of Erie, PA.  Moving on to the Presque Isle Lighthouse, one of the original three,is located on a long peninsula. Presque Isle is actually a peninsula and its' name in French means " Almost an Island".  From there we moved on to the third Lighthouse called Presque Isle North Pierhead.

Erie Land Lighthouse

Me at the Erie Land Lighthouse

Presque Isle

Presque Isle North Pierhead

Along the way we stumbled among many interesting sights.

Young boy was so proud of catching this large Sheephead!

They aren't really good for eating, so he released him.

We don't see many of these in Texas!

Even  "Speedy" has protection in these neck of the woods!

I want this!

Til next time...........................

On The Road Again

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

We left Clayton, NY and drove almost 400 miles to Westfield, NY.  We stayed at the Lake Erie KOA.

Thursday, June 23, 2016 - Once Missed!

In the morning we drove to Dunkirk.  Here are some of the pictures of original houses (built in the 1800's) still standing,  having been nicely renovated by their owners.  Part of the War of 1812 took place here.

We then visited the Dunkirk Lighthouse.  This lighthouse was built in 1875.  This light acted in tandem with a pier head beacon to guide ships to the safety of the Dunkirk Harbor.  It was refitted with a 3rd order Fresnel lens and lantern in 1857 and remains and aid to navigation today.

Dunkirk Lighthouse

Bottle light - Pierhead

Til next time........

A Long Day's Journey!

June 21, 2016

Today we went to Wellesley Island , located northeast from Clayton as the crow flies. It was the only lighthouse we saw this day as it was a very long drive with many wrong turns!  We were determined to find the Rock Island Lighthouse which we did by going to the Thousand Islands Park and viewing it across the river from the marina.  Mission accomplished!  In 1847 Crossover Island, Sunken Rock and Rock Island were purchased from private individuals for $250 to build lighthouses to mark hazards in the St. Lawrence River.  One of the more colorful lighthouse keepers, William Johnston, was labeled "Pirate of the Thousand Islands".  In 1838, he and thirteen of his men painted as Indians, commandeered a British steamer and burned it. For his act Johnston was declared an outlaw.  In 1841 Johnston received a Presidential Pardon.  In 1853 he was then serving as keeper of the Rock Island Lighthouse.   It was interesting little town and a marina in this park and some interesting architecture.

On one of our many wrong turns, Fishers Landing, had a barn quilt on one of  its' boat storage buildings.  We haven't seen one since we were in Wisconsin and it seemed out of place,  but since it had a nautical theme I guess it was legit!

Two views of Rock Island Lighthouse

"Barn" Quilt at Marina

An old "woody" for sale - $6.000 if interested

Best Italian food this side of Italy!

After our return to the RV Jeremy met us and we went to Alexandria Bay and ate at Caballario's , a restaurant recommended by a friend who had  eaten here many times.  We were not disappointed!  Best lasagna we ever have eaten! 

Til next time......

In Search Of A Light, a Rat and a Boat!

Monday, June 20, 2016

We got an early start to see lighthouses up river from Clayton.  Our first objective was Rock Island, but search as we may, we could not find it.  Moving on to Alexandria Bay, at the Bonnie Castle Resort Marina we were able to view Sunken Rock Lighthouse. Also from this location the famous Bolt Castle.  From where we were, we also got a picture sof the Boldt Castle as well. 

Our first lighthouse was the Sunken Rock Lighthouse which sits on one of the smallest of the 1,000 Islands measuring just over 20 X 20 feet.  It warns large ships of the hidden rock.

Sunken Rock Lighthouse

Boldt Castle Children's Playhouse

Boldt Castle

The next lighthouse is called Crossover Island.  We were able to view it from the back porch of a friendly resident  Crossover Island is a beautiful strip of land in the middle of the St. Lawrence River about half way between Alexandria Bay and Morristown.  Just wide enough for its red two-story house and small lawn, the island is dotted with tall trees and rimmed by a rocky shoreline.

The next lighthouse we viewed was the Crossover Lighthouse which a friendly resident let us take pictures from his back porch!  What a view!  Crossover Island is a beautiful strip of land in the middle of the St. Lawrence River about halfway between Alexandria Bay and Morristown.  Just wide enough for its red two story house and small lawn, the island is dotted with tall trees and rimmed by a rocky shoreline. 

Moving on to Ogdensburg, N.Y., the Ogdensburg Harbor Lighthouse is the eastern most light on the American side on the St. Lawrence River.  It is viewed across the harbor from a city park.  The existing light was built in 1900.  The lighthouse is now a private residence.

Also from this vantage point, we were able to view across the river in Canada, two more lighthouses.  The first one was Windmill Point and the second one was Prescott Harbor.

Windmill Point Lighthouse

Prescott Harbor Lighthouse

After viewing lighthouses all morning, we returned to Clayton and looking for adventures.  The first one we found was the River Rat Cheese Factory. Cheese produced with products from the local dairy farmers.   It was fun going around and tasting all the different flavors! 

Even speedy got in on the action!

After the River Rat Cheese adventure, we decided to visit the Antique Boat Museum.  There were so many varieties and styles!    There were speed boats. launches, runabouts and more.  Everything from canoes to the La duchesse, a 106 foot houseboat commissioned in 1903.   Here's a variety of pictures for your viewing pleasure.  Even "Speedy" had an opportunity to take a ride or two!

Til next time............................