Ohio, Pennsylvania

Dayton:  Dayton is the birthplace of American aviation.  We started our first day with a visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force where we spent most of the day learning about military aviation history through various aircraft.  We were able to go aboard several of the Presidential Air Force One planes!

XB-70A Valkyrie

 

Flying Saucer!

"Air Force One" used by Presidents Kennedy thru Clinton

We also went to the Wright Brothers National Museum in the Carillon Historical Park.  The day we were there was the day it was officially designated “national museum” status!  We ended our day at the Wright Brothers Memorial where we could overlook the area where they flew.

Original 1905 Wright Flyer III -- Stayed aloft over Huffman Prairie for over 39 minutes

Wright Brothers Memorial

Huffman Prairie Flying Field / Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Cleveland:  The best treat we had in Cleveland was having dinner with a friend who previously worked with me at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.  The other highlight of Cleveland was our trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  This continued our music “pilgrimage” as it brought together much of what we had learned so far and put it into perspective within the history of rock and roll.  Our favorites at the museum were the interactive displays and the sound booths where we could listen to our favorite One Hit Wonders.

Where in the world is Cheryl?

At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!  ROCK ON!

Michael Jackson's Glove, 1992

Hall of Fame -- Wall of Inductees

As we left Ohio on our way to upstate New York, we drove through Pennsylvania.  We did see the Erie Canal and had a lovely lunch in the town of Erie.

“The Erie Canal Song” by Thomas S. Allen:

I've got an old mule and her name is Sal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
She's a good old worker and a good old pal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
We've hauled some barges in our day
Filled with lumber, coal, and hay
And every inch of the way we know
From Albany to Buffalo

Chorus:
Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge for we're coming to a town
And you'll always know your neighbor
And you'll always know your pal
If you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal