Oct 22, 2013

The morning started cool mild and sunny which was good considering we had been looking at forecasts telling us we are unlikely to get into Chicago without snow. Enough of that, we donned another layer of woollen long johns and tops and waterproofs over the top and headed west.



We soon headed north towards Lake Erie but before then there was plenty of water and this is typical of most areas where boating is a summer pastime. Boats wrapped up ready for the winter.



And a bridge we would probably have ridden over had the GPS not sent us on a shortcut but we wouldn’t have got the photo then so good news. On our way we discovered large areas where most of the leaves have already fallen, others where the leaves are falling around us and even others where little colour change has occurred. This was mainly near the lake so I guess the temperatures have been warmer near the water.



We headed for the Peninsula at Presque Isle and moved through an obvious summer playground region with all sorts of theme parks including a massive rollercoaster with a section literally flying over the roadway as we headed along Peninsula Drive. Cafes, fuel stops and most shops were locked up tight as a drum waiting for the next summer season. That said there were heaps of people walking, running and driving along the Peninsula anyway enjoying the dappled sights of trees and water and even sandy beach onto the main lake area. The majority of this area is a State Park and there are huge areas set aside for camping and picnic sites. This is a shot Norm took of three birds, not sure what, pheasants? Bush turkeys?



And a shot of some of the wetland area with a little colour behind. The balance between beautiful colour and green was about half in half throughout the park which is amazing since snow is forecast to be here by tomorrow night.



And a shot of some quirky caravan type floating houses which I don’t think we have anywhere in Australia. One of a rego plate for you Kevin!



We got into Cleveland by 3pm warm, dry and relieved. We are near the University Circle so went for a walk to check out the ‘Little Italy’ area and had a delicious cappuccino and a wicked snack then headed back and wandered through the University area. This is a shot of some of the differing architectural styles at an intersection on our way back.



One of many impressive University buildings.



And on to the Botanic gardens which were closed but this is a shot of some parkland on the perimiter.



And an attractive display at the Garden entrance.

Bits and Bobs:



We went into the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Little Italy to say a prayer and light a candle for our friend Ian Miles who died yesterday and this is a sign which is on the entry.



And some posters under the rail bridge on our way back. Like these better.

Last night’s Accommodation:



Horton House Bed & Breakfast Inn
504 Market Street
Warren, PA 16365

A delightful experience of living in a stately home which is an outcome of the lumber boom in the 1700’s and is generously shared by the two brothers who were our hosts. Room really spacious and light and airy, bathroom small with shower but adequate and generous inclusions in the bathroom not to mention all sorts of things available downstairs. The bed was comfortable and the included breakfast delicious. The only negative for me was that we could lock ourselves in our room of a night but the only key we had was for the back door to let ourselves in and out of the house so couldn’t lock our room when we weren’t in it. There was room in the garage for our bikes which was appreciated and they had the softest toilet paper we have found since coming to Canada and the USA which might sound a silly little thing but so nice.