Buffalo New York is one of six Buffalo cities in various States within the United States so we had to be careful to ensure we caught a plane to the right Buffalo and then this one has three international airports so really could become complicated but we arrived on time at the correct airport. Our carrier this segment was a budget carrier called Jet Blue in a Airbus A320 with less then 1/3 of the seats occupied.
Why did i title this entry a dime a day city. For non US readers a dime is a low valued coin in the US. Well on arrival we had a choice catch a city bus into an unknown city and hope w could walk from the bus stop with luggage to an unknown hotel. That was not a considered option. Option 2 was to catch a taxi about $40-60 fare. Safer but expensive so we looked for Plan C. I rang the hotel using my international TravelSim number and asked for their shuttle . Well Sir we don't have one for guests only one for air crew. Well can we ask to get aboard sure Sir one has just left. Well some 40 minutes later it arrived and the driver was only too happy as he only had 6 passengers and 15 seats. On arrival he was quite happy with a $2 per bag tip as that is what the aircrew offered. Needing to go on the light rail we were delighted to find that within the main city area it is a free service.On the next day Coors Light (a beer manufacturer) offered a free day any where on the light rail for NHL Draft Day (US/Canadian National Hockey League player exchange day national convention).
We were in Buffalo to visit Niagara Falls (see next blog) so again about a $60 taxi ride or travel free on the light rail 3 stops walk about 70m and purchase a Seniors Pass (0ver 60 qualification) all day return ticket to Niagara Falls (with local stops) for $2. This also gave us the opportunity to discuss US politics directly with average voters. First hand chance to compare with the news papers and TV reporting.
Day two was scheduled to explore locally so an Internet search showed up Canal side ( a free light rail trip) and the days events included a Historic river tour for $19 if booked on the net or $26 walk up I booked on the net. That was for the morning the afternoon was scheduled as a seniors $8 visit to the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park & Museum.. With no advanced knowledge we fluke both the visit to Buffalo and Canal side on the first day of the National Ice Hockey League 2016 Draft procedures so we got free entertainment at the park.
The historical river tour highlighted the combination of canals and the Great Lakes in opening up a cheap sea route for Agricultural produce from Mid USA to the Eastern seaboard in a timely manner given the lack of speed and infrastructure available in the 1800-1900's. Of special interest was the many remaining silo's that acted as storage before transport by larger vessels was arranged. Interestingly many of the canals and indeed some of the Lake's entrance were hand dug by Irish workers. At it's boom time over 100 sets of grain silo's were working the river and port area. Advances such as moving and above ground elevators can still be seen and allowed ships a turn around of less then 2 days compared to weeks of hand shoveling Some have long gone,others are in a sad state o disrepair and some are still in use holding millions of bushells of grain which is traded on the International Grains Commodity markets.
The area is largely owned by one investment group with eventual plans for hotels, restaurants and entertainment functions.Some progress has been made with apartment blocks a brewery and function centre but will it ever be finished? The river front has started to revitalise over the last 9 years and one such example is the Naval & Military Park (www.buffalonavalpark.org).
Three of the special exhibits of particular note are USS The Sullivan's destroyer.A National Historic Landmark which is named after five brothers who all lost their lives in the Battle of the Solomon's Islands. It is a real survivor of the US Destroyer class vessels from World War 2. However it's service extended well beyond the Marshall's,Carolines,Mariannas & The Philippine's where it engaged in battle winning 9 battle awards but also rescued the pilots of many downed fighter aircraft. After WW2 it continued active service in the Korean War,the Cuban Blockade as well as assisting in rescue efforts associated with the US Nuclear submarine USS Thresher.
Talking of submarines the park is home to USS Croaker. Listed on the US Registry of Historic Places she served also in WW2 against Japan's Navy & Merchant Navy. She received 3 battle awards and is credited with destroying 11 enemy vessels.
The third ship is the only guided missile cruiser left on display in he US & the world. This vessel is the USS Little Rock and later this year will participate in a unique event when the new USS Little Rock comes along side and receives it commissioning.
The park also includes M41 tank from the Korean War,UH-1 Huey helicopter an Air Force F-101F Voodoo Fighter Interceptor jet that was originally stationed near Niagara Falls.Not with standing these excellent displays the park has a Navy FJ-4B Fury jet and a then locally produced P-39 Airacobra.The only 4 star General from the area is recognised as part of the history of the area beginning with details of the 1812 British/US war to the present.