Another get away during bridal journeys for “stuff” was Bushkill Falls.
This waterfall park was quite lovely, however, need to be agile to do this hike.
Also, signage can be difficult to navigate so recommend traveling with a partner for that second set of eyes..
Cost. $18 adult weekdays. There are picnic grounds and a gift shop on the grounds.
It was here I dropped my cell phone in a bit of 💦. On the way back to the rehearsal I received an odd message from the cell phone which I didn’t understand. Because the phone got wet it was unable to charge. Luckily I made it back to the house with enough charge as roads in Pennsylvania can be challenging and a cell phone is needed for navigation.
From this experience learned of the rice fix for wet phones. Put the phone overnight in a sealed plastic bag of rice and viola it charges again.
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.
As of this writing my daughter has officially wed, and I am a mother in law. It happened June 24th, and went well. My 40 year old daughter found the right man, and right son in law to tolerate his mother in law’s antics. Did I say he does stand-up? I’m sure the material will improve with the addition of one crazed retiree..
The weather did not cooperate but all guests got on, and it was a pleasant event. I am told a rainy, thundering wedding day is good luck?
Let’s hope so, as this is the only wedding I am paying for.
Wiping Down The Rain Soaked Chairs..
Attendees came from Kentucky, Louisiana, Texas, Minnesota, Florida, and Washington… as working event planning contacts come from all over. And while I lamented having to attend I was able to soldier on as the bride’s only family member, and now have even applied to the American Marriage Institute to officiate weddings. Who knew? Would be a nice side line and maybe get a few free meals out of it…
Some other pictures which I’m sure my daughter will cringe at if she knows I’ve posted them.
The Ring Bearer got off course. “Did someone say bone?”
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.
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.
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.
Went the best route back but found 81 in Pennsylvania lacked chargers so ended up using Nissan’s one year free service when your car runs out of charge. Paid $250 out of pocket as the service sent me in the opposite direction and would have lost 30% of my charge should I went in the opposite direction. Don’t you love computer services? Then the station only allowed a 1 hour charge on a slow charger at the site plus parking fees.
Investigating further I found a spot 50 miles down the road in the appropriate direction which had a fast charger. I made arrangements with a tow company and they lowered their rates from $400 to $250 for the service. Nice touch. Had called my AAA but they only cover a 3 mile tow – what a waste of an annual fee. I guess AAA only is good for Disney tickets and even that I can find cheaper than AAA.
So, met accommodating service station folk, and a pleasant tow truck driver out of the debacle and am hopeful the Nissan service folks will come through with reimbursement. Once in florida I have my home charger done and ready for use. My days of traveling long distance are officially over.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 