Back in the USA

Niagara Falls

The advantages of travelling in the off season were obvious at Niagra Falls. Thousands of car park spaces with only a handful of cars and some tourist buses. No crowds jostling for a spot on the fence. From the Canadian side the Falls are spectacular...a massive amount of water sending spray high into the air.
 

Amish horse and cart

Over the border again and headed for Washington DC. On the way we spent 2 pleasant days at Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in the very scenic and interesting Amish area. Originally from Switzerland and Germany where they were persecuted, the Old order Amish and Menonites maintain a way of life unchanged for centuries. Side by side with the modern world are people driving horses and buggies and ploughing the fields using mules or draught horses.There are also many less strict sects making the most of the tourist trade.

There are many shops selling exquisite hand sewn quilts and cottage furniture. The population of the Amish is increasing rapidly so there is not enough land for them  all to live a rural lifestyle. Their beliefs do not allow them to ride bikes, yet they can get around on scooters with large wheels. Not sure of the logic there...We found the area fascinating. 

No bikes allowed, only oversized scooters!

Gettysburg

We also spent some time brushing up on history at Gettysburg, scene of a massive battle in the Civil War which changed the course of the war and gave the North the upperhand. There is an excellent museum which explained the war. Military and civilian deaths in the Civil war were over a million people!

We are now in Washington DC with our friend Donna. We returned our rental car today with 4500 MILES on the clock.
Electioneering for the Mid term election is in full swing everywhere and it is really dirty politics. I thought our last election was bad...
We have a week here then back to New york and home.
Look forward to seeing you all.
Julia