On Saturday, June 15, twenty-one hardy OON’s set off in the cloudy, rainy morning for Buffalo. Our destination was the Buffalo waterfront where we were to board a boat to tour the Buffalo River and learn about its history. When we arrived the clouds had disappeared and the sun was helping warm up the morning. We were excited to be the only people on the boat which enabled us to sit, either in the warmth of the lower deck or up on top for a better view.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and willingly answered all of our questions. We also were able to see two large cargo ships in port. They were both unloading dry bulk cargoes. Since lunch was on the river we were treated to a full-size view of one of the ships leaving to go out to Lake Erie. The ship was so close we could almost touch its side!!!
After the boat tour, we drove across the river to have lunch at the Riverworks Restaurant. This area is fairly new and, in addition to the restaurant, it contains hockey rinks, a roller rink, Escape rooms, climbing walls, a sculpture garden and more. We all enjoyed our own selections for lunch from the menu. No complaints were heard about the very delicious, and somewhat unusual food choices.
Our caravan then moved on to Aurora where Kathy and Pat Furlong welcomed us to their cozy log home. We then had a choice of visiting the village in East Aurora or remaining at the Furlong’s to enjoy their amazing pond and landscaping. Ten of us ventured into the village while the others stayed back or began the trip back to Kent.
The village visitors went to Vidler’s and the Roycroft campus. What a contrast —- biggest five-and-dime to very fine works of arts and crafts.
The day ended with very tired OON’s enjoying a yummy picnic supper created by Pat and Kathy with desserts prepared by their guests. All agreed that it was an enjoyable way to spend a Friday.
Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association 