Taking a break in Erie, PA

A break in Erie, PA

Arriving in Erie, PA from Dunkirk on another super calm day, we dropped anchor across from the town of Erie in front of the Presque Isle State Park Marina.  Then we spent a few hours riding our bikes around the park on a multi-use trail which meant we were dodging not only bikes, runners, and walkers, but peddle powered surreys and speedy roller bladders, all while admiring the scenery of the bays, ponds, lake and fragrant greenery. We also noticed that it was essential to keep our mouths shut or inadvertently consume an abundant meal of flying creatures. The temps were perfect for a little exercise, but folks here are willing it to be hot, HOT summer weather since they were massing on the beaches of blackish sand in skimpy suits and shorts. Many are in denial about the temperatures and insist on wearing their finest and briefest summery clothes in spite of the thermometer reading in the 60s.  Don’t hear any complaints from Steve about those bikini gals running round. (I would be worried if I did!)

 

Well, I guess those bikinis did it since the weather has warmed up and even we are pulling out some summer clothing finally for a trip into Erie proper. It was too rough in the harbor for a dry trip by dink so we opted for taxi/water taxi transport to explore the Maritime Museum housed in an old power plant. This is a first rate exhibit honoring the maritime heritage of this harbor which includes the construction of Commodore O. H. Perry’s fleet for the decisive battle at Put-In-Bay during the War of 1812. This battle occurred in September 1813 and there are celebrations all along the lakes to commemorate the victory and Perry’s famous report. Sadly the reconstructed Brig Niagara which is based at the museum is off touring as part of the summer long celebrations, but we may catch up with her later in Michigan. The museum also has an exhibit on the navy’s first iron ship built on Erie docks – The Wolverine (originally named the Michigan). This ship was in service on the great lakes for 79 years – the longest continuous service of naval vessel according to the exhibit. We also enjoyed the collection of old maps of the lakes and Erie Harbor – wishing a few of them could make it back to our boat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our return trip dropped us at the ‘Waterworks’ in Presque Isle State Park so called because it was a pumping and settling station for drinking water from Lake Erie piped to the town of Erie across the harbor. The tower at the ferry dock resembles a lighthouse, but was part of the water pumping works used until the mid-1950s. The pump house itself is now a bike/surrey rental concession in the park. (The actual lighthouse in the park is on the lake side of the peninsula and was viewed by hiking out on the beach from the bike path. Since it is a private residence we were not able to visit the inside although we noticed the light is functioning as we passed it heading west this morning.)