June Photos from Niagara Falls

Railroad Museum, Six Flags
and Niagara Falls
June, 2001

May and June were very busy months for Nancy, Panjee and myself. School closed at the end of May for a three month summer vacation. Panjee did well and was promoted to third grade. At the end of May we drove to Springfield, Massachusetts to attend the Bus Bash. Because of problems with our van, we had to buy another van and change some of our plans but we still had fun. Here are some of the photos.

Nancy has had more and more problems with her e-mail at Eudoramail. Hence, I opened an account for her with our local Internet Service Provider where our personal web site is located. You can now send her e-mail at her new address which is shown at the bottom of this page. Please send her a note and tell her you saw these photos.

Larry

On Saturday, May 12, we decided to go to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois. This is one of the largest operating railroad museums in the world and is only about 80 minutes drive from our home. My grandson Devon offered to accompany us because he likes trains too. Here, Nancy and Panjee go for their very first train ride. This electric (600 volts D.C.) interurban car once ran from Chicago to Milwaukee before being retired in 1963.
Our original plans were to drive from Springfield, Massachusetts to the Six Flags amusement park in Darien Lake, New York. Unfortunately, we had van trouble and got stranded in Springfield for a few extra days. However, we rented a van and went to Six Flags amusement Park in Springfield so the kids could enjoy the rides. Here, Nancy, Devon and Panjee meet Daffy, Tweety and Bugs Bunny at Six Flags.
After buying a newer Van in Springfield, Massachusetts, we drove directly to Niagara Falls, New York. This photo was taken on Friday morning, June 1 on board the Maid of the Mist boat. In the background is the Canadian side of the Niagara River. You can see the Space Needle which has a revolving restaurant on top and the former Sheraton Hotel to its left.
Now you see what the raincoats are for. You will get wet on this ride. We are still on the boat with another boat and the famous Horseshoe Falls or Canadian Falls in the background. This boat ride only takes about 30 minutes and goes to the base of the American and Bridal Veil Falls as well as the Horseshoe Falls. You get to keep the raincoat as a souvenir. You can see photographs of Niagara Falls but you get a completely different impression down here at the base of the falls with the roaring water and mist all over.
Nancy asked me to take this photo to show how close we were to Canada. This photo of Panjee was taken at Prospect Point in Niagara Falls, New York. Immediately behind Panjee is the Niagara River and on the other side of the river is Canada. You can see the new Sheraton Hotel in Niagara Falls, Canada. Unfortunately, Nancy and Panjee could not cross over into Canada because they do not yet have American passports. With a passport you simply drive across a bridge and go through customs which takes less than ten minutes.
Nancy and Panjee pose with my daughter Sarah on June 3 when she graduated from Polo High School. Sarah was one of the top ten students in her class. She plans to join the Air Force in August. Panjee has been busy taking swimming lessons and we just got her a bicycle. She may take piano lessons when school starts again in September. Don't forget Nancy's new e-mail address which is shown below.