Al and Cathy Gustafson hosted the Buffalo reunion, and did a great job ensuring everything went smoothly. The weather was perfect all five days, with temperatures in the 70s and low 80s. Our hospitality room couldn't have been nicer. It had a wet bar and full size refrigerator, and even a pool Table. There was also plenty of comfortable seating. Our tour on Monday took us to Lockport, NY and a ride on the Erie Canal on a genuine stern-wheeler paddle boat. The boat went through a series of locks to raise us 50 feet to the level of Lake Erie and then back down again and traveled down the canal a ways. After the boat ride we had a tasty lunch at a restaurant right on the canal. After the canal the next stop was a tour of the New York Beer Project, a local micro-brewery. It was a very interesting tour with a chance to sample several of their craft beers. Tuesdays tour took us to beautiful Niagara Falls. A ride on the Maid of the Mist took us so close to the bottom of the falls we could just about reach out and touch it. What a great experience! Many also took the trolley around the park to other scenic overlooks of the falls. The Buffalo Naval Park was the destination on Wednesday. We toured the USS Little Rock CLG-4, a sister ship of USS Topeka. It brought back some fond memories. Lunch was a catered affair on the fantail of the Little Rock. Many also toured the other two ships at the park, USS The Sullivans DD-537 (a destroyer), and USS Croaker SS-246 (a submarine). All in all it was a fantastic reunion, and we all owe Al and Cathy Gustafson a huge 'Thank You' for all their hard work to make it such a success! |
Photos
| Group | Miscellaneous | Erie Canal | New York Beer Project |
| Niagara Falls | Naval Park | Buffet | Banquet |