Georg's travel journal – USA 2007
#49 – on the road (32) – westwards towards Niagara Falls

having a break on an otherwise long day on the road.

The typical service area on a sunny summer day, along the interstate highways of upper New York.

A “Historic New York” plaque that says we're in the Syracuse area. Nice to know, but I'm just passing through.

Wikipedia on Syracuse, New York.

For some strange reason we have to eat now and then while on the road, which is where the larger rest areas where they sell just about everything, come quite handy. A warm factory-made pizza and a cold softdrink, saves us from having to spend time on preparing more elaborate meals while on the road.

another break.

At a small rest area on our way towards the Niagara Falls. The “Historic New York” plaque informs about the building of the Erie Canal nearly 2 centuries ago.

Wikipedia on the Erie Canal.

The red MACK will probably shine like new for years to come, being polished like that every day.

Green corn fields near the rest area. I could only catch a small piece of the farmland in one picture.

back on the road.

We seem to be heading west on Interstate 90, but the US road system is rather confusing so at this point I'm happy as long as we're heading in the right direction – towards Niagara Falls. For those interested; here's Wikipedia on Interstate 90.

on the road.

We stopped at many rest areas in order to stretch our legs and look at maps, etc. Here's another of those “Historic New York” plaques, informing us about the Rochester area. Sounds about right.

Wikipedia on Rochester, New York metropolitan area.

The locals appeared to be quite busy doing whatever the locals do, so we didn't stop to ask for directions. Pity, really, as they looked friendly enough.

Roadsign indicating we were in the Greater Niagara Region. The road-conditions were fine and we were clearly still heading west. Still a long way to go to reach the falls though.

On the highway overlooking the countryside.

on the road.

Another pit stop and another “Historic New York” plaque, this one informing us about the Seneca Indian Country.

Wikipedia on the Seneca nation.

Entering Niagara County – the town of Royalton. I kind of missed the town, but you don't have to.

Wikipedia on Royalton, New York.

In case you haven't noticed: I prefer the open countryside with signs of active farming. The above goes well with my preferences.

on the road.

The roadsign says Gasport is 5 miles down the road to the left, and Middleport 9 miles in the same direction. So, again we have a pretty good idea where we are, and keep on driving.

We're going west on New York State Route 31, and the roadsign says “Welcome to Historic Lockport”. The direction looks good, so we're passing through.

Wikipedia on Lockport (town), New York and Lockport (city), New York.

on the road.

We're at the junction of New York State Routes 425 and 104, which indicates we're getting pretty close to our destination for today. We should be in Cambria if I got my maps orientated the right way around.

Wikipedia on Cambria, New York.

A last stop at Coulters Farms Market for some ice cream, before heading for the selected campground in Wilson.

Wikipedia on Wilson (town), New York.

finally, at the campground.

Got space for the night on the Niagara Woodland campground. Seemed like an alright place to settle down for days or maybe weeks and really explore the area, but we had too tight a scedule for long stays.

If you've followed me all the way down to here, you may have noticed that today we have just passed a lot of places without really taking time to stop and look around. Yes, it has been a long day on the road, and I have brought more than 175 pictures (extras not included), loads of impressions and a lot of other stuff home with me from the area. Pity I can't present more than glimpses on the web.

June 28th.