Niagara Falls

Shelley at the Falls

Let's take a Road Trip!!  We rented a car and the next thing you know we are cruising down I-90 across upstate New York from Albany to Buffalo, then up the few miles to Niagara Falls.   We crossed the border into Canada, as the word was that the Canadian side of the river is much better.   They are right.  We stayed at a very nice, but very expensive Marriott with a fabulous view from the 15th floor of both the Canadian (Horseshoe Falls) and the American Falls.   The island that separates both falls is an American Island called Goat Island.

The Canadian Falls with the Maid of the Mist at its base

The American Falls

I was prepared to not be overwhelmed, but actually found the falls to be great.   Yes, it is very touristy, and very expensive.   The Canadian side has several casinos now, and it looks a bit like Las Vegas.  We took the packaged tour of 5 different sites in the area on a tour bus driven by a local guide.  His knowledge and insight made the whole day.  We learned so much more than what you would otherwise see on your own.

We went underneath the falls in tunnels built under the edge.  We saw a beautiful exhibition in the Niagara Parks area of butterflies from around the world.   And of course the last tour of the day, was a trip on the Maid of Mist up the Niagara River to the base of the falls.   You and 500 of your best friends each with their own blue rain poncho, get on the Maid and prepare to get wet.   The wind roars down the canyon driving the rain and mist sideways.   The poncho blows all over and up your body, and you get soaked.  But it was very invigorating and beautiful.   I was awed by the power of 34 million gallons of water falling every minute, down 180 ft. over a horseshoe shaped rock edge 2200 ft long.  Max and Leo said it well, "Awesome!"

So Cool!

I can't wait to get wet

It was worth the drive.   We had a fun weekend, while we waited for the flood waters to recede over on the east side of New York state.  If you get a chance, go visit Niagara Falls.   There is much more to do than just look at the waterfalls.   Marc

Le Papillon