Part 1: From Chicago to Niagara Falls.

Part 2: From Niagara Falls to Chicago.

Remember to watch the video of this trip: From Chicago to Niagara 2018

Dublin, May 2018

As one of our humans was going to Chicago to speak at a conference, we were invited to join our humans and it would include an opportunity to see the fantastic Niagara Falls.

Click each photo to enlarge

Dublin, May 2018

Here we are waiting at the gate in Dublin Airport. McBear noticed we were going to fly with an Airbus A330.

Cape Farewell, Greenland, May 2018

Our flight route followed a pass just south of Cape Farewell, the southern tip of Greenland.

Cape Farewell, Greenland, May 2018

Pontiac, May 2018
We arrived Chicago O'Hare, picked up our rented car and headed south on the Interstate 55 to Pontiac. We were staying at the Best Western - with a corn field just outside...
"A corn field!" Roger mumbled. "I had hoped for something a bit more exotic..."
"I prefer that to a stinking industrial chimney." McBear pointed out.

Pontiac, May 2018

To have some dinner we went down town Pontiac and found Bernadi's - great place, good food and they were quick to fill up our glasses of mineral water.

Hannibal, May 2018

One of our humans wanted to visit Hannibal as this was the home town for the world famous writer Mark Twain. Just before we reached Hannibal, we crossed the mighty Mississippi River and entered the state of Missouri.

Hannibal, May 2018
Our humans took their luggage and went inside! Phew, we had a hard time unloading our own luggage and bringing it up.
"Keyna and Donald Mac got lucky: they got a lift in our humans' luggage." McBear said. "Downside is they could get a bit squashed..."

Hannibal, May 2018

From our room at the Best Western we had a fine view over Hannibal with the Mississippi in the background.

Hannibal, May 2018

We went down town to learn more about Mark Twain. We had coffee at a local cafe - nice people!

Hannibal, May 2018

In the evening we went out on the Mississippi on a river cruise. We had been on a cruise with a river boat on the Mississippi in 2012 in New Orleans.

Hannibal, May 2018

The combined Missouri-Mississippi make up the fourth longest river in the world. At nearly 4,000 miles it is only a few hundred miles shorter than the Amazon.

Hannibal, May 2018

Sunset on the Mississippi. There are many bridges across the Mississippi. Here's a railway bridge.

East through Illinois and Indiana, May 2018

The next day we were heading east on the interstates, first 72, then 74 and then the 70, and we bypassed Indianapolis in Indiana.
McBear and Roger had hoped we'd be driving into Indianapolis to see the world famous Indy 500 race course.
"Next time perhaps..." McBear sighed.

East through Illinois and Indiana, May 2018

As we were cruising the interstates we had the backseats. It was very comfy though there was one thing missing: a cruise cafe. Boy, was McBear coffee thirsty as he called it - a Danish expression for when you're dying for some coffee.
"Maybe we should invent a mobile onboard cafe," Roger proposed.
"Good point! We could make a fortune..."
"Howabout a onboard bar?" Tom asked.
"What? An onboard bar? Only on the backseat if it's out of the driver's reach." Roger pointed out.

Englewood, Ohio, May 2018

In the evening we reached Englewood northwest of Dayton in Ohio. It had been a long day - 430 miles! We stayed for the night at the Best Western - Roger noticed it was in fact a Best Western PLUS!

Northeast through Ohio and Pennesylvania, May 2018

The next day was more or less a copy of yesterday: 430 miles along the Interstate 90

Niagara Falls, May 2018

We finally reached Niagara Falls and was happy to find a nice room at the Hampton Inn near the city centre.

Niagara Falls, May 2018

The Niagara Falls is made up of 3 falls: The American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. Here we are on Luna Island between the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The buildings in the background are actually located in Canada on the other side of the Niagara River.

Niagara Falls, May 2018
We went to "Cave of the Winds" to enjoy the American Falls from the bottom and admiring the power of the waters as it pours down.
Before we went down McBear asked: "Will we get wet?"
"Wet? Nahhh, it's like a couple of dew drops on your fur - you won't even notice it..." Roger tried to convince McBear.
"Okay, so I'll get wet! I'll stay here..."

Niagara Falls, May 2018

One can also enjoy the Horseshoe Falls by boat.

It was fantastic to see the Hoseshoe Falls from beneith.

Niagara Falls, May 2018

We had to have a group selfie at the Horseshoe Falls!

Wineries and Vineyards in New York, May 2018

We went on a drive around western New York. There are many vineyards and wineries and we visited 5 wineries. Here's A Gust of Sun - actually, the name derives from the founders, the Gustafsons!

Eveningside was another winery with its own vineyard. The name derives from the opposite of "morningside".

Tom found it all extremely inspring and he had a taste of several wines from all the wineries we visited!

Niagara Falls, May 2018

Before we left Niagara Falls we enjoyed another lovely breakfast at the Hampton Inn: coffee with Danish pastry, yummy.