Jamestown Journey

Allegheny National Forest is as dark as Mirkwood Forest from the Hobbit. Between the shadowy trees live hundreds of foxes, mice, and deer. However, while driving by, it occasionally seems that the woods are also home to gigantic spiders or other mythical creatures. Anyway, since we were destined to spend hours driving through it, we figured that a picture should document the journey.

This center was our first stop. I could not have picked a better place! The interactive displays, rescued animals, and live bald eagle were a complete treat to see. I also especially enjoyed the bird-watching window where six or seven different bird species interacted to my delight and wonder. Although we did not get a chance to visit the trails, I was quite impressed by the center.

Once we had arrived in Jamestown, I quickly discovered that the numerous shops advertised on the Jamestown website were closed. It was quite unfortunate but allowed us more time for Niagara Falls later.

I could not help but visit the Lucille Ball statue. Well-known for being terrifying and entirely unlike Lucille Ball, the statue did not disappoint. A few comical pictures later, Christopher and I decided to see the lovely lighthouse on the point. The lighthouse was smaller than we had anticipated but, even though it was bitingly cold, we quite enjoyed the view of Lake Chautauqua.

Christopher jokingly suggested that we visit Niagara Falls while nearby in Jamestown. To our surprise, we finished with the Audubon Nature Center, Jamestown, and scary Lucille Ball and still had most of the day remaining. So, we spontaneously drove to Niagara Falls. It is clear that the American side of the falls is taking great lengths to improve the national park including more buildings, accommodations, and shops nearby. The walk along the three sets of falls was ridiculously cold but very worthwhile. We managed to stay at the falls until the great moment at 6:30 when the turn the lights onto the falls. Christopher managed to record the awe-inspiring moment with his GoPro. After we had seen all the sights, we turned towards home.