travel

Wedding Side Trips – Columcille

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Spent the 5 days before the wedding doing projects to prepare for the event.. Much goes into these events, however, was able to find some side trips for rejuvenation. This one was the most inspiring occurring on the Summer Solstice.

Columcille Megalith Park was the brain child of a Presbyterian clergyman in 1974.  This private park is open to the public, and a sacred space for inspiration, renewal, and rebirth.   My visit on the Summer Solstice was the perfect date for this according to the volunteer.

 The chapel, is dedicated to St. Columba, who was an Irish Abbot and missionary.

Most of the rocks are from the area with 17 dump trucks used to transport these beauties.

The ashes of the founder are located in this stone structure.

There is also a Labrinythe on the property. To begin this experience give an intention to Labrinythe, then walk through the stones to hear your message or messages.  At the center offer thanksgiving to the Labrinythe via a rock, flower 🌸 or coin then continue your return walk.. Upon reaching the beginning turn, and thank the Labrinythe once again for the message.

A donation of 10 dollars is requested, and there is a film in the honor system gift shop with a nice collection of varied stones for purchase.

The Park can be used for special events with written requests.  

Columcille reset@ptd.net

What an inspiring place..

Good bye Clemmie

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When returning to Florida barely made it with electron capacity. Unable to find a charging station available, or one not broken, just made it to home base where I charged. Had placed a chair and rug over the exposed 4 feet of cable but someone did not notice and fell over the cord fracturing their wrist.

I am unsure what this will lead to. The condo board has sent me much paperwork which I will soon read, but today my first decision was to get rid of this albatross. Never buy a car during mercury retrograde was told by my masseuse who is in the know, however, who knew?? After a deer hitting the car on the first day, loosing a set of keys which I swear are still somewhere in the car, and a myriad of challenges where I was unable to find workable charging stations I have returned to polluting the Earth.

Photo by David McBee on Pexels.com

Went to 3 dealerships and was offered 14, 15, and 18,000. for a car with a total purchase price of 31,000. No wonder dealerships made 180% increase this past year. desantis just signed a law in florida you can only buy cars from a dealership- they donate heavily to his campaign, and a conservative republican bunch, so makes sense, (MSNBC reporting). It is always about the money.

Please, Joe, stay healthy. I love you and appreciate you.

AND for those who didn’t know.

Photo by Andrew Neel on Pexels.com

I digress.. Went to a car max type of place after the dealership woes. Have recently paid 25,000. for a wedding, (next blog), so another 10,000. is out of my price range. That is what the dealerships had to offer.

Sadly, I have a 100 year longevity psychics tell me so need to watch every penny.

I digress again.. Bought a 10 year old car with 124,000 miles for $7,000. with final price $9500. so I am in the black enough to have some monies when, and if, I am sued.

NEVER BUY A CAR DURING MERCURY RETROGRADE.

Photo by ZCH on Pexels.com

Boldt Castle Interiors

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Besides these pictures there is also a Boldt Castle AP available on whatever “store” your phone uses for more information and stories about the Castle.

George and Louise Boldt

Welcome to their Castle.

While neither saw the finished product the renovations done are based on the extraordinary details George provided.

The Ceiling Dome

The Grand Staircase

The Reception Area

The Dining Room

The Servant’s Area and Kitchen

Their Planned Bedrooms on the First Floor

George’s Bedroom

Louise’s Bedroom

Their Daughter’s Planned Bedroom and Sitting Room

The Library

And let’s end with a view from the top..

What an amazing work of love..

Boat Ride to Boldt Castle

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Upon leaving Singer Castle enjoyed more beautiful island homes.

Skull and Cross Bone Society Island and lodge.

And then Boldt Castle appears.

Boldt Castle was the brain child of George Boldt, an immigrant who raised himself up through the ranks of the hotel industry from nothing to hotel magnate. He and his wife Louise loved 1000 Islands, and George developed a grand plan for a 127 room mansion for over 100 guests on Heart Island in 1000 Islands. Tirelessly, workers worked 4 years, and upon completion of the outer stone structure, Louise died, and George telegrammed that all work was to stop on the Castle.

For decades the stone structure sat until the 1000 Island Bridge Authority took the charge, and began renovation of the Castle. Thus far $50 million has been invested in the structure and it has become one of the largest tourist attractions in the State. Individuals come from all parts of the world to see the Castle as does those who have their weddings on the grounds.

Here are some of the results of their phenomenal efforts.

The Exterior Buildings

There is also a boathouse across from the Castle where for a nominal fee one can see some of George’s boats as well as the housing of the individuals who ran the boat house. During his day George had over 60 boats.

George had two children – a daughter and son. His daughter was known to be an astute business woman and lover of boats. His son had strength in customer service and a hearing disability. Upon Louise’s death George continued to immerse himself in his work and became involved with his children and grandchildren.

The Boat Keeper’s Dwellings

Next: The Castle

Singer Castle

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This Castle was the summer home of the Singer Sewing Machine president, Frederick Moore. Built in 1902, it took 2 years to build. It holds a long and interesting story of ownership and is currently owned by a German who in 2002 purchased it for $8 million, and renovated it. Currently, it is up for sale for $16 million, however, the German has a caveat with the property, he wishes it to remain open to the public.

The Entry -the architect based the construction on the book Woodstock, by Sir Walter Scott.

One can stay over at the Castle for roughly $1000./night which includes breakfast and dinner, with transport back and forth to the Castle as well as full roaming of the estate.

The Wine Cellar and one of the secret passage ways. The Castle has secret passage ways running throughout the entire house. Some were discovered after the latest castle purchase.

All that said – a picture is worth a 1000 words.. so let’s get those pictures going.

The Dining Room

The Breakfast Room off the Dining Room

The Bedrooms where one can stay over.

The Health Room

Frederick Moore had 8 children and at the time of his death only only child wished to have the Castle. She was married to a doctor and had no children so that is why the Castle passed through a variety of owners.

The Sunroom

The Library with another secret passage.

The exterior of the Castle

Much has been done since my visit 10 years ago. The tour guide was amazing, and if only I had an extra thousand dollars to burn.

Bucket list.

1000 Island Boat Ride: Singer and Boldt Castle

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Took a combination 1000 Island Boat Ride with stops at Singer and Boldt Castle. Recommend this venture should you visit. Cost: $60., however, it is an all day event and includes admission to both castles and the boat ride. It will give you a far reaching view and much information on the area.

Started the journey at 9 from Alexandria Bay navigating the waters of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Here are some of the islands we passed..

This is a shoal – a land mass to small to be considered an island.

The famous or infamous Skull and Crossbones Society of Yale University has an island dedicated to their members. This is a secret society of well connected, wealthy men who meet annually to discuss ways to change the world. Members include John Kerry, and George Bush. The society has been around since the 1900’s, and each year a certain number of Yalies are invited into the fold. Of recent date a fire occurred on their island and a priceless Bible was destroyed. While I have heard of these folks before, one wonders their intent and if it is nefarious.

Also, the 1000 Islands has been in the news as Clarence Thomas vacations here with his Texan “friend” who has a collection of Nazi memorabilia. While I asked the tour guide where this home was he stated he was unaware of what I was discussing. However, I believe we passed the home on our boat ride.

On to Singer Castle..

The Remington Museum Continues

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Sally James Farnham

Frederic Remington mentored a local artist who came to sculpture fame, SJ Farnham. She is famously known for her statute of Simon Bolivar in Central Park New York, and at the direction of Frederic’s wife, Ava, completed some of his sculptures posthumous. Some of Sally’s works.

Across the street from the Museum, behind the library, is also another massive work done by Farnham. It is amazing but pictures do not do it justice.

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Sally was married to a Tiffany designer and when she became ill, and hospitalized he brought her modeling clay to occupy her days. This spurred her interest in sculpture, and she like Frederic was self taught. Upon their divorce she found herself a mother with 3 children to support and her skills as a savvy business woman/entrepreneur rose to finance her life. She had a studio on 57 West 57th Street in NYC.

Other Interesting Museum Items

Take time to visit the upstairs rooms of the Museum where a local car dealership owner, and his wife collected fine glassware, and other items of value. They are in cabinetry and scattered throughout the rooms.

And last tid bit of note and scandal… read of Ameriga Vespucci, a women who was the paramour of many men, and who came to live in the home after being won in a card game between the home’s owner and a former president’s gambling son. Sad story for women and what a beautiful woman. She eventually returned to her homeland of Italy.

Leaving Ogdensburg you will find a small lighthouse on the right of the road. Worth a stop and take a peek.

You never know what you’ll find when you travel!

The Antique Boat Museum of Clayton, N.Y.

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Though not a boater received this ticket free when visiting the Remington Museum (later blog). Did find the Museum interesting, and if not a boater worth a visit. Let’s take a look..

Was unaware of this sport and how fast these beauties travel using an airplane motor.

The Motors

The Powerboats

Some Antique Boats From the Collection

The George Boldt Houseboat

But perhaps the most interesting part of the Museum was the La Duchesse. This houseboat was owned by George Boldt of Boldt Castle. It sunk, and then was raised, and renovated by the owner of the Rand-McNally Map Corporation and fortune. Little is known as to the cost of the renovation but here are pictures of the final renovation. It is on permanent display at the boat museum and several times a day a volunteer docent gives tours. Sign up when purchasing your ticket as it is a rare event to see such a houseboat.

Many parties and occasions occurred on this deck. The Steinway Piano pictured below was also renovated, and played during these events. This piano is a one of a kind as it has less keys than a normal piano, and only a few remain in the world.

Family Dining Room and Kitchen or is it Galley?

Some of the bedrooms and a bath..

The Owner’s Office

The owner had a flair for fashion and one of his party slacks were on display, note the flags and canoes painted on the slacks. Understand he held quite a sense of humor and my wasn’t he slim.

The Living Room

And a stained glass dome..

Will close with a picture of a monster ship, which passed by while touring. Ships pass often through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Seaway carries ships from the Atlantic Ocean to as far inland as Duluth, Minnesota.

Next: The Remington Museum

Cornwall Museum

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Thousand Islands has a fascinating history and knew little of it so followed my nose when I saw this sign.

Here at this free museum learned much of the area – its role in the War of 1812, the Gilded Age Hotels, their role in the boating industry. All this was contained in a former Alexandria Bay Store, Cornwall Brothers. Built in 1866, this building was the main commerce center of the area providing for fisherman, and tourists.

The original telephone is viewed below, and also stop to see The Cornwall Workhorse, an elevator which began as a rope pull device, and electrified by Otis Elevator in 1902

There was much information on the boating industry which flourished in the area during the early 1900’s.

And a fascinating exhibit on the Golden Age Era. Much to read but worth the read.

If in the area this is a must see..

Next Visit -1000 Islands New York -EV Concerns

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Every 10 years like to visit this area as it is beyond words in its beauty and people. Was unsure if Clemmie, the EV, would make it but found a charger at a Pulaski car dealership on route – a slow one, but it worked, and another, a fast one, in Watertown, New York. This helped.

Also what helped was this fast charging station at the 1000 Island Welcome Center..

While charging at this Welcome Center one can sit, be cool or warm depending on the season, and wait the hour while the car is fast charging. Open 24/7 it also is situated near a park to walk about, or one can even walk across one of the 1000 Island Bridges, (I was told this but didn’t do it). More areas need to incorporate these points into their charging areas.

Nice touch 1000 Islands!

Don’t know if I’ll be up again as getting up there in age, but glad to see you are on the way with EV charging.