Here are a few of my favorite shots from the trip.
Copyright 2009, Beth Schrader
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October 11, 2009
October 10, 2009
Boldt Castle, Thousand Islands, NY
On our boat trip around the Thousand Islands, we went ashore on Heart Island to explore Boldt Castle.
The story behind this extravagant structure is gloomy. In 1900, George Boldt was the wealthy proprietor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Being the typical "nouveau riche" millionaire of the time, he built a summer “cottage” for his family in the Thousand Islands. The structure became ever more grandiose to display his love for his wife, Louise.
During four summers, 300 workers constructed the six-story, 120-room castle. Not a single detail or expense was spared. The basement area included a pool and bowling lanes and the children enjoyed a whimsical playhouse.
Even the yacht garage was extravagant.
In 1904, Boldt telegraphed the island and commanded the workers to stop construction -- Louise had died. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love. For 73 years, the castle and its related buildings were untouched, deteriorating from weather and vandals. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977 and began restoration.
Most of the rooms on the first floor are restored and furnished, but most of the second, third, and fourth floors are unfinished. There are interesting exhibits in some of these rooms containing artifacts from the Thousand Islands region during this period.
At the top, we were rewarded with beautiful views.
October 08, 2009
The Thousand Islands Region, New York
I knew nothing about this gorgeous area (Yes, thousand island dressing originated here!). From Wikipedia:
The Thousand Islands is the name of an archipelago of islands that straddle the U.S.-Canada border in the Saint Lawrence River as it emerges from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario. They stretch for about 50 miles downstream from Kingston, Ontario. The islands, which number 1,793 in all [other sources say 1,864], range in size from over 40 square miles to smaller islands occupied by a single residence, to even smaller uninhabited outcroppings of rocks that are home to migratory waterfowl. The number of islands was determined using the criteria that any island must be above water level for 365 days per year, bigger than one square foot and support at least one living tree.
On a glorious Indian summer day, we drove to the picturesque town of Alexandria Bay, had lunch, and then set out on a boat tour of the area. The guide said it was the best visibility of the season. I believe it!
In the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century, this area was a summer destination for enormously rich families, many of whom came by train from New York City. They built mansions and beautiful garages for their yachts.
The homeowners included George Boldt, a hotelier; Frederick Bourne, president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company; Andrew McNally of Rand McNally maps; George Pullman, creator of Pullman railroad cars; William Proctor of Proctor and Gamble; and Nathan and Isidor Straus, owners of Macy’s.
Large hotels and guesthouses also catered to well-off visitors. Promotional literature for one advised, “Just bring your trunks and servants.” We saw many of these extravagant mansions along the stretch of the river dubbed “Millionaire’s Row.”
Supposedly, Deer Island is owned by the secret society Skull and Bones. Ohhh, I think I remember a movie set on an island owned by a secret society of wealthy political movers and shakers!
A series of bridges links many of the islands, though most are accessible by boat only. The international boundary runs down the middle of the river, and often the only way to tell if an island house is American or Canadian is to look at the flag flying outside. Legend has it that this bridge spans the two countries. True or not, it’s really cute.
In modern times, the area has been populated by more modest homes, and some not-so-modest.
I want to spend summers here!
www.visit1000islands.com/visitorinfo
www.alexbay.org/travel.nytimes.com/2007/08/24/travel/escapes/24thousand.html
Copyright 2009, Beth Schrader
October 03, 2009
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Some interesting facts about Niagara Falls
The water that flows over Niagara Falls comes from four of the five Great Lakes. From the falls, the water flows down the Niagara River to Lake Ontario, then on to the St. Lawrence to the Atlantic Ocean.
The American falls are 180 feet high with a 1100 ft-wide brink. The Canadian falls are 170 feet wide with a 2500 ft-wide brink. Over 90% of the water flows over the Canadian falls.The falls were originally located seven miles downriver, but the brinks erode as much as six feet per year, so the falls are always moving.
Maid of the Mist excursion
The Maid of the Mist boats have been plying these waters since 1845. Can you imagine doing this on a steamboat ferry?
www.maidofthemist.comIf you have any difficulty moving around, or might need a restroom during the course of an hour or so, do not get on the boat! But, of course, we’re reckless and hustled to the top front, pulling on the blue dry cleaner bags they call ponchos. If they’re handing these dinky things out, how wet could we get, right?
We were exhilarated by the tumultuous spray of the American falls as the force of the water battered the rocks.
Then we pulled near to the point and saw a glimpse of the Canadian (Horseshoe) falls up close.
And the boat kept going! We became enveloped by water and mist. The sensory experience was overwhelming and amazing.
And, in the middle of all this, a rainbow.
A wondrous life experience.
Copyright 2009, Beth Schrader
