The Seaway Trail follows along the southern coast of Lake Ontario, but the acres and acres of orchards provide me with the vistas for quite sometime-more than the sea. The harvest necessitates incessant activity by the pickers, packers and road stand vendors as the trees bulging downward are eased of their fruit. Eating an apple reminds me of its incomparable taste when picked that day.

I meet Dorothy, who works at a State Park store. She keeps extra change on hand so no kids, even those lacking funds, need leave her shop empty-handed.

There is another night in my tent, further along and by the shore, with a campfire to compete with the stars.

Crossing into Canada, I arrive at my destination, Niagara Falls! Quickly I don a flimsy plastic poncho with the other tourists as we attempt to encounter this astounding force aboard the sturdy ship.

All that I heard and the pictures I have seen could not have prepared me for the overwhelming majesty and beauty. The Niagara Falls are sublime.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement.

Americans love their cars and highways.

If I ask directions, the locals guide me to the nearest highway, even while gently nudging along the idea that I would prefer the two lane roads. Only once did I receive an empathetic response by a shop owner who said, “Everyone’s in a hurry these days.” As a result the backroads are nearly empty which makes for smooth travel and with stretches of 50 mph speed limits the pace is surprisingly none too slow.  But most importantly the corn fields, silos, hay stacks, cows, horses, tractors and farms are welcome indications that the ways of old live on.

My first stop outside of Brooklyn was Roscoe, proudly hailing the title, “Trout fishing capitol of the USA.” Some folks tending shops here seem to have time to shoot the breeze. One woman spoke of Margot’s experiences camping in the area as if we were all old friends. It took me some time before I realized that Margot was this kind woman’s daughter.

Binghamton was quiet for city standards, but the Lost Dog Cafe, whose owners started in the East Village of Manhattan was bustling and a friendly spot for a good meal.

An incorrect turn prompted a visit in Cortland to the 1890 House Museum. An exquisitely designed and decorated mansion of Chester Wickwire who made his fortune in of all things, wire. The stain glass, craftsmanship and furnishings were magnificent and emblematic of a wealth and style of that era. The volunteer guide showed me an unusual item. It was a  framed intricately woven wreath of flowers made from human hair: a popular pastime in its day.

Passing through Syracuse then up to Oswego, I camped on the shores of Lake Ontario. The weather has been glorious and the leaves are in various stages of displaying their flaming transformations.

The road awaits me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement.

Happy Autumn!

Few images are more iconic than the open road.

One of the grand and simple pleasures this country has to offer is a road trip-and so I am off to see, for the first time, Niagara Falls.

I will be leaving New York City in a rented car (It won’t be anything as classic as the one pictured here-a pristine 1971 Le Mans Sport which according to the loving owner has retained its original condition.), and seeking a route where lakes, agricultural plains, small towns and cities will be my inspiration.

My quest is to experience Americana: to discover local history, cuisine,  geography and culture while welcoming conversations with others who live on this land.

I will do my best to keep you posted while I’m on the road.

Best wishes for those celebrating, on Wednesday, the new year 5775!

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Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement.

Traveling in countries where I do not speak the language offers certain challenges, particularly when finding something to eat. But with street food, quantity and cost can be conveyed with fingers and the ingredients are usually self evident. Ease, however is not the main appeal. Primarily, it is a means of being part of the local culture and daily life. The people preparing and eating the food are almost always locals. I have spent countless, pleasurable moments sitting on stools, a curb, perhaps at a tiny table or just standing while eating something fresh and usually made to order.

The sellers may offer just a few items, sometimes only one, so it is often his or her speciality. You can almost be certain it is going to be good.

One of my fondest memories lingers from Thailand, many years ago. On two or three occasions I ordered Som Tum, the green papaya salad, from the same seller; his cart was just large enough to hold the few ingredients in a small display case. I would say “Som Tum” with a smile and he would get to work, slicing, cutting, mixing, preparing and then the moment came. He would hold up a very hot chili pepper as his way of enquiring how many I wanted. The cuisine there can be notoriously spicy. The locals might ask for four or more, but I would timidly raise a single figure to indicate only one. I suspect he already knew my answer, but each time he chuckled kindly as he put the finishing touches in place.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement.