After a writing hiatus (but not a traveling one), I returned (by leaving and driving off). It was a long drive with several stops, including half a day in Toronto, Canada, and half a day in Saratoga, NY. But to put it in order, let’s start in Toronto.
Although the city is in some way, effectively, the most important one in Canada, I somehow had never ended up in the city, even though I’ve passed through both airports, including the little Billy Bishop (which was actually quite nice).
This time though, I stopped in Toronto. And tried to speedrun the “to-do” checklist. First, we visited the Hockey Hall of Fame. And in doing so was once again reminded that the Bruins have lost the most Stanley Cups out of any team in the NHL (14). But it was interesting to visit. Of course, the cup is there in replica form, as is the original cup. Not the cup that they actually present, though. Interestingly, the HoF is in an old bank, connected to a sort of mall with a very bright and airy atrium. The original Stanley Cup is in the old bank vault. It’s a nifty design.
Next, after some lunch and wandering the waterfront, came the CN Tower. I booked tickets in advance to be up there at sunset (and was happy that I did, as we heard them turning away people since tickets were sold out). Interestingly, I think if you want good photos, going just after sunset, like when I went to the Empire State Building last summer, is a better play. And looking at city lights is, largely, prettier than the city in the light. But the view over the lake was incredible. And the sunset itself was stunning (even if I didn’t get a good photo). Furthermore, the glass elevator overlooking the lake, which we ended up on, made for a great view as well.
CN Tower.
The glass floor that I was so excited about was, frankly, a bit underwhelming. I had thought I’d feel a rush when gazing down at a bustling city below my feet… only to be met with the roof of the aquarium below, entirely abstracting away the distance. So, it was cool, but what I really want to try is their Edge Walk, where you are walking on a catwalk atop the “bubble” with the observation deck. That should be exciting. But going to the “Top”, 300 ft higher than the main observation deck, does let you feel the swaying of the tower, which is an entertaining feeling. There's a plumbob by the elevator at "The Top" to help show this effect. Overall, it’s worth a visit, but don’t get your hopes up too high about the floor.
As we came down, the tower was lit for the night. They do themed lighting for some events, with most nights just lit in red and white.
On a separate note, this is the first time that I remember seeing Canadian geese in Canada.
After a lengthy drive, Saratoga was the next touristy stop. It might not be a full national park, but it’s an NPS-managed national battlefield. Entirely free to visit (but donations are welcome), it has a small museum about the two Battles of Saratoga in 1777, which led to the first time a full army of the British Empire surrendered, leading to significant political ramifications, including the French recognition of American independence. The battlefield has walking and driving paths, with further information available. Also, fortifications/redoubt/earthwork lines are marked in posts on the fields, with blue toppers for the Continental Army and red for the British Lobsterbacks (including their Hessian and Canadian colonial troops).
General Philip Schuyler (currently most associated as the father of the “Schuyler Sisters” in Hamilton) also owned a country estate nearby, which is open to the public during the day, but I got there too late to enter. This manse is by the city Schuylerville, which is Old Saratoga. Interestingly, although it was burned by the retreating British forces prior to their surrender, it was rebuilt in the same spot within about a month, which is quite impressive. There's also an obelisk nearby. Once again, they let people inside, but we spent too much time at the battlefield to make it on time.
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