Back in the Good Ol' USA - Upstate New York

After 3 fun, but wet days in Montreal, we drove south along the St Lawrence Seaway toward the New York border.  The fertile soil of this valley is perfect for growing crops, as there were non-stop farms with heavy equipment dotting the countryside. 

No problems with border this time.



Canadian span of the Thousand Islands bridge.



Our next stop was the 1000 Islands Region, which is on the St Lawrence Seaway just east of Lake Ontario.  This area has a long history as a playground for the rich and famous.  A 3-hour boat tour gave us more incite into the area.  Large private island estates and castles were often owned by the heirs of inventors and entreprenuirs, such as McNally (maps), Singer (sewing), Emery (Lucky Strikes cigarettes), and Boldt (hotels).   Barclay's favorite castle was built by the inventor of Lifesavor Candy.  For a mere $14 million, country singer Alan Jackson recently purchased a gigantic estate along the river.

Boat Cruise around the 1000 Islands to Boldt castle.

Frontenac Post Office

Smallest "official" Island in the Chain

Smallest International island

We toured the largest and most extravegent island estate, Boldt Castle.  George Boldt immigrated as child from Germany in the mid 1800's, with only his shirt on his back.  A gregarious and driven man, he married a wealthy bride and continued to build the family fortune in the hotel industry in New York City.  His most well known jewel is the Walforf Astoria.  After buying many islands in the 1000 Island chain, he hired a staff of 300 to build a castle, remenisent of his favorite childhood castle in Germany, for his wife.  Three years into a 4 year construction timeline, George's wife unexpectedly died.  He ordered all work stopped and did not return.  The castle was completed years later and is owned by the Bridge Authority Organization.

Leaving Boldt Castle on Heart Island

Boldt Castle

While camping in the Wellesley Island State Park, we enjoyed many hikes and bike rides along rocky bluffs overlooking the river.   

Fishing off Wellesley Island

Last night, the sunset and perfect temperature beckoned us to a rocky point where Barclay tried his hand at fishing for the first time.  Although no fish were caught, he was excited to take control of the pole.

Jeff  Irvine