That year, soon after we moved into our new home, we took an extended road trip by car.
S.C. had to attend a Conference in Minneapolis. We decided the family would tag along. After his conference, we would take a vacation.
Thus, we began our longest motor trip I ever had, covering over four thousand miles in two weeks!
From Ada, we went north to the twin city, Minnesota/St. Paul, by way of Kansas City and South Dakota.
we visited some of S.C.'s old friend in Kansas City. In South Dakota, we visited one of my second cousins, Alice. Alice is my mother's cousin - by Chinese definition, she is my aunt. However, Alice is my contemporary, she is younger than I am by four years. I had not seen her since 1959, so it was nice to be able to see her again and to meet her husband. We did not really have much time for sight-seeing. A Pity!
After our brief visits with friends and family, we went to the twin city of Minneapolis/St. Paul for his Conference.
The girls enjoyed the indoor pool at the motel. I had a couple of days' rest.
Then we headed East, driving through Wisconsin and Michigan. I noticed how different the countryside was. The farmlands were extremely well-kept. I was very impressed. I loved the distinctive red barns, and the cows grazing in the fields. It was so picturesque. Wish I had known about rural landscape paintings then, I would have enjoyed the scenery even more.
After spending a night at a non-descript motel at Sault Ste. Marie, we crossed the boarder to Canada, heading towards Toronto to visit some relatives - S.C.'s Number Seven Uncle and my second cousin, Janet.
The trip from Sault Ste. Marie to Toronto, was not what you would call "exciting." However, the peaceful scenery and the quaint atmosphere were a definite contrast to the State Highways in the U.S., and it was enjoyable. You did not see the many Howard-Johnsons or McDonalds or KFCs that you encounter on all the U.S. Interstates. It was almost like we were back in the olden days.
No billboards!
Every little town was different. There were not that many. The land was serene.
Then we came into Toronto. We encountered the best China Town ever and sampled many of the delicious dishes.
The girls were thrilled to see the Mounties, tall and handsome in their colorful uniforms, on their magnificent horses.
We had a good visit with our relatives, and they showed us the many sights.
I enjoyed this beautiful City.
I had the chance of going back to Toronto a couple of times in later years. Every time I found new sights to enjoy. One year I watched fireworks shot up from boats on Lake Ontario, from my second cousin's condo. It was a sight to remember. I also had the experience of a simulated trip on a mock space ship - that was an experience then.
Then, back to the U.S.
Niagara Falls!
What can I say?
If you have not been there. Go, and experience it! You would never forget this natural wonder ever, after being there! It certainly makes you realize how small and insignificant we are in this universe. Nature is awesome!
We stopped by Pittsburgh, PA., to visit S.C.'s aunt.
Yes, we had a lot of relatives in the U.S. and Canada.
Pittsburgh was a bit too industrial for me.
We had a whirlwind visit in out National capital - Washington, D.C. Not enough time to see everything - the museums and the monuments! You need to be there for a much longer time. But we had to Hurry - S.C. had to go back to work.
So we kind of rushed through West Virginia and went through the Smokey Mountains.
Poor Cissy had car sickness, I should have known to give her some medication, but I did not know any better. Sorry, Cissy.
The winding mountain roads were unkind to both of us!
The views were breath-taking though.
And we discovered a gem of a tourist spot!
Ashville! Ashville was a kind of hidden gem at that time. It was a playground for tourists, kids particularly. We had fun!
After the many more miles on the highway through Tennessee and Arkansas, we made it back to Ada the day before S.C. had to go back to work!
He did all the driving!
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