Cleveland, OH (via Dunkirk, NY, Erie, PA and Mentor, OH)
After three days transit (23NM to Dunkirk, 50NM to Erie and 67NM to Mentor) we land in Cleveland, OH (20NM). This is a great city and our three nights here just scratch the surface. We are docked at the North Coast Harbor Marina right in front of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Hall is an amazing collection of historical memorabilia, vidoes, educational information and a garage band performance space which any ticket holder can use…guitars, drums, amps all set-up and ready to go. The Hall’s building was designed by architect I.M. Pei in 1988, who also designed the Louvre pyramid. We were sad to hear he just passed away on May 17th, 2019. Pei was 102! A walking tour of the city takes us along the preparations for the Major League Baseball All Star Game, which is next week. The downtown is buzzing with activity and road closures but we find our way to the architectural gems, the Warehouse District, the sweet bars and the friendly people of this city. The following day is the fourth of July and when the rain breaks we jump in the tender and head to The Flats. A collection of brew pubs, bars and restaurants where we are obligated to have a few beers and then do a slow cruise along the back waters of the Cuyahoga River. We return to the safety of the Independence, as all sane boaters know how crazy this holiday can be. We barbeque and watch the fireworks and are thankful for this great country we live in.
The entry to North Coast Harbor Marina…what a nice view.
The Independence crew and captain in front of the Cleveland syk line
Just a little history
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…I have the sign all to myself!
We spent about four hours in the RRHoF…amazing amount of information and memorabilia
Alas, sweet Prince. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Fountain of Eternal Life, also known as the War Memeorial Fountain.
Terminal Tower is a 52-stories and built in 1930.
The Sailors and Soldiers Monument is absolutely amazing. Each of the four edges depict battle scenes from the Navy, Artillery, Infantry and Cavalry. The column is topped with a statue of the Goddess of Freedom, defended by the Shield of Liberty. Built in 1894
Surprise…we had a beer at the ‘Nauti Mermaid’
Enjoying the architecture of the Cleveland Warehouse District
The Warehouse District leads downhill to The Flats with some great architecture
A Fourth of July tender ride to The Flats in between rain squalls. Photo courtesy Owen Doherty
The Flats on the Cuyahoga River…a great place to go for jog and later to grab a cold one
A tender ride along the Cuyahoga River. In the land of bridges..two Railroad elevator bridges
They may have a few years on them but these tugs are still in service
The old railroad elevator bridge, fire boat and fire house along the river
Back at the North Coast Harbor Marina on the night of the fourth of July with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame dressed in Red and the Terminal Tower in Red White and Blue
Wow, a front row seat for the fireworks. Happy 4th of July!