Today wasn't quite as action-packed, since we spent most of the morning on the bus. We woke up this morning to a mild thunderstorm outside, which was kind of interesting to see. Some of the kids haven't seen that many thunderstorms, so they were a little more intrigued by it. Once again, we had our breakfast at the bowling alley before getting on the road.
Our morning drive took us through five states: We started in Massachussets, went through Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York, and ended up in New Jersey. It rained for most of the drive, sometimes quite hard, but by the time we got into New York, it had cleared up, and it was sunny and beautiful (though quite windy) by the time we got to Liberty National Park. That's where the ferry terminal to Ellis Island and Liberty Island is, and I especially liked the building, which at one time was a major train station for lines going all over the area. There were 15 or so numbered railway platforms, with their old signs up, showing where the lines went to. No rails remain in place, and all of the rail beds are overgrown with brush and bushes, but it still looks like a great old 19th-century railroad hub.
The ferry took us first to Ellis Island, where the stories of millions of immigrants intersected. It's an impressive collection about the island's history, the kinds of things that went on there, and the changing immigration laws over the years. It would be nice to spend more time there, when I didn't have to shepherd kids through the place in a short amount of time.
Then we hopped back on the ferry and went to Liberty Island, and got to see the Statue of Liberty from close up. We didn't have time to go up into the Statue, unfortunately, but it was great to be there, right next to it. My image of the size of the Statue was a bit off, though. From movies, TV, and comic books, I had the impression that it was much taller than it is. It's still an impressive sight.
Back to the bus again, and to our hotel in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, where we had a pizza dinner, and were set free for the night. I took hall duty, making sure the kids behave themselves until lights out, when they're in their rooms for the night.
Tomorrow: Philadelphia, Liberty Hall, and the Liberty Bell, and whatever else we can find to do.
(Can't seem to upload pictures tonight. I'll edit the post when I can.)
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