In 2013 and 2019, I had the very good fortune to cross the Atlantic Ocean from Southampton on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. In 2013, I spent the 5 days before the return crossing travelling to Toronto to visit cruise friends I have known since  1997.  At the ungodly hour of (I think) 07.15 hrs, I remember boarding the 5 car Amtrak Maple Leaf service at New York’s Penn Station. The journey was roughly 13 hours.  In 2019, to avoid an early start, I caught the mid-afternoon Lake Shore Limited at around 15.35 hrs as far as Schenectady, where I stayed the night. I would then pick up the Maple Leaf to Toronto to meet my same friends.  That was the year the Royal York Hotel’s extensive refurbishment was completed ahead of its 90th anniversary.  By coincidence, I would be the first person to check in.  The media coverage merely extended to an online article where I was referred to as “Britain’s David Nevell!”  All sorts of dignitaries  and live musicians were at the spectacular opening which attracted no newspaper, TV or radio coverage as far as I know!   I digress!

Travelling to Toronto on the Maple Leaf, gives the passenger an opportunity to enjoy the countryside, endless miles alongside the Hudson River, with mountains, a “long term” backdrop almost as far as the state capital, Albany.  If you make the trip, bear in mind that all the good scenery is on the left-hand side of the train – travelling to Toronto.

As I became familiar with the stations we called at, I had the urge to leave the train and explore the cities (or towns) we would stop at.  Schenectady was the first in 2019, and then this year, Buffalo and Syracuse, as well as Niagara Falls ON.  Today in Syracuse, the Creek Walk was recommended to me by Stephanie at reception. The thought of a five mile round trip felt daunting, but I was assured that a continuous painted yellow line along the entire route would prevent me from becoming lost.  My disorganised plan to wander downtown and photograph what interested me was shelved in favour of a good walk.  Needless to say, the yellow line wasn’t as continuous as it might have been. However, wrong turns were few and of minimal consequence. I hope the pictures I have chosen give some idea of this unexpected adventure.

There were times when I felt I was in a dodgy area, and I certainly wouldn’t come  here after dark!  However, there were nice parts too where parents took their children and people walked their dogs.  Now for the walk back!  Stopping to take photographs and the occasional wrong turning where the yellow guide line had been obliterated. the walk took me far longer than normal for the first two miles.   

I was saddened to pass a lovely memorial garden for a baby.  While tempted to photograph this beautiful area of flowerbeds and bench with explanatory plaque, I felt photographing it might be disrespectful. It was surrounded by a large plot of manicured lawns. It’s hard to tell if they were part of the dedication.

The Creek Walk is 2.5 miles from downtown to the river. This is the equivalent of walking from Parsley Hay to Friden Brickworks in Derbyshire.  I’m sure a Syracusian would be thrilled with that particular relatively unspoiled walk.  I was/am intrigued with this walk, however. . A yellow line guides people along a route that is away from most of the main roads. The route does go along the side of some highways, across junctions and crossroads, but failed to keep me out of a manicured and highly private and security guarded grounds which I genuinely believed were to attached to a hotel.  There were picnic benches outside. The security guard wasn’t at all concerned that I was “bursting…” but he reassured me of a nearby restaurant.  That was closed, but they let me in!  Let’s hear it for the “Preserve at 405, ” where I called on the way back, for (yet again) a Caesar salad!  At the adjacent table, two fierce-looking uncompromising gun clad cops, each with a mountain of burgers, fries, and other forbidden (to me) goodies. 

I have definitely felt the impact of too much sugar intake. Nocturnal trips to the bathroom mirror a bus timetable! 

I shall have walked at least five miles today by the time I am back downtown.   I would like to think that I will explore the city a bit before sundown.   It took me a small amount of time to get to be comfortable in Syracuse.  The hotel staff gave me some good ideas, and I hope that I can learn more from the book that I have ordered on eBay.  Trying to pay my bill at The Preserve @405, my credit card was declined.  No unauthorised payments have shown up, and my card worked later in the evening. 

I am surprised not to be sweltering right.  The weather is just like at home, 14°C cloudy and with the occasional biblical downpour.  I was caught in one such shower on the return Creek Walk.  It soon passed, but sunbathing is out of the question!  Being slightly cool did make the walk more comfortable. I chilled out at my hotel, which I discover was built as an hotel in 1927.  Even now, it still appears prominent in its surroundings.  

Some eateries around here have unusual titles.  I have already mentioned (several times!) Pastabilities.  I came across another one last night, Oh My Darling.  Although busy, I was shown to a table, amusingly somewhat out of the way.  A “house made” chicken and vegetable pie was recommended and was delicious!   But, I was ready for some sleep.  Being my last night in Syracuse, I took some final nocturnal photos.

Wow!  Parking with Laz!  For some reason, I just had to record this image, which I walked past on several occasions. I was very glad of the opportunity to stop off at some of the places I would normally merely see from a train window

I slept a little better last night.  The bus timetable was less intensive!

Many thanks for reading,

David, putting off the packing for the final leg of this journey, to New York.  11.05 hrs 21/8/24.