New York, Niagra Falls, & Michigan

Tuesday: We visited the Grandin print shop where the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon were printed and walked on the floor where Joseph Smith and the other early members walked. It had an amazing spiritual feel. Before the pageant, we walked through the sacred grove. The trees are much larger now than when we went there when our 4 older children were young. The pageant was amazing, and brought out many highlights from the Book of Mormon. To think they brought it all together in 1 week! I’m sure the planning took all year, but the cast didn’t arrive until a week before the first performance.

Wednesday: Niagara Falls! What an amazing trip. I agree with those who say you should go to the Canadian side if at all possible. You see both the American falls, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The latter is larger and more impressive. (Okay, they do fall short of Iguasu Falls in Brazil, but still amazing.) We rode the Maid of the Mist. Where I let my hair and face get drenched, but I had to wear the poncho to protect my back pack.

Thursday: Attended the Toronto temple then spent a quiet afternoon at our campground. I love hearing the birds singing, and crickets chirping in our beautiful campground. Below are pictures of Toronto and the Ontario countryside.

Friday: Attended the Detroit temple and spent a quiet evening at Wal-Mart. Pictures of Michigan.

Saturday: If you are ever in the Detroit area, the Ford Museum is a must. It isn’t just about Fords. It’s the history of the automobile plus much more. Imagine sitting on the bus where Rosa Parks refused to relinquish her seat to a white man. The limousine Kennedy was riding in when he was shot, Regan’s also. It isn’t just cars either there are a lot of historical artifacts including the chair Lincoln was sitting in when he too was shot. It goes on and on. There is a lot more in that complex including a fascinating tour of the Ford truck manufacturing plant. No pictures allowed in the latter, at least not in the manufacturing part or movies. Plan a whole day. We wished we had left the campground earlier. Notice the Nash Rambler. Who remembers the song “Beep Beep?”