Beaucoup d'eau

A picture is worth a thousand words!

My sweet hubby on the Observation Deck on the American side

View from the Observation Deck

Johnathon Livingston on the American side

6-23-11:  American and Bridal Veil Falls:  Today we went from Grand Island, NY (where we are set up) to Niagara Falls, USA.  Stopped on the Niagara River at Fort Schlosser of 1814 to take in the view of the huge bridge we'd just been over, and the city we are heading to.  Even from this distance of a few miles, we can see the mist of the falls rising up.  The water is a beautiful green.  Niagara State Park is what we were looking for. We weren't 100% sure where to turn, and we saw some guys standing on the corner furiously waving orange flags,  holding their hand up as if to stop us, and pointing for us to turn to the right.  So we turned to the right.  As soon as we did that, we realized they weren't holding their hand up as a gesture to stop. Rather it was a gesture that meant $5 parking.  We are such tourists. So we turned around and found our turn into the State Park, which was $10 parking, but was right there.  The first thing we did was hang around on the observation deck going “wow!” over and over.  Amidst the gorgeous green water, and white falls, were some brilliant rainbows.  We tried to imagine how it must've looked to the early explorers!  (and in the winter!) Etienne Brule was prob the first non-Native American to see them in 1613.  He is recorded to be the first of the white missionaries to visit the Neutral Indians along the banks of the Niagara River. Wow, again. I've been  told by several people not to get in a barrel here (I do love props).  I actually learned today that the first person to go over the falls in a barrel was a 63 year old former teacher, Annie Taylor!   Annie was hoping to capitalize on this.  She survived with only bruises, but died about 20 years later in poverty.  What teachers have to do to make ends meet, right?? 

Boarding the Maid of the Mist (Rainbow Bridge in the back)

Heading to the Falls on the Maid of the Mist

Maid of the Mist 

Maid of the Mist heading into Horseshoe Falls, Canada

After the ride

We  boarded the Maid of the Mist.  They gave us a raincoat and boy did we need it!  They took us slowly up the river and as close to Horseshoe Falls (Canadian) as it could get.  The water was pounding down from the Falls and mist was drenching us.  David and I were standing at the front of the boat so we got a great view.  They just let us drift there for what seemed like a long time – but was prob 5-10 minutes.  It was wonderful.      
         

American Side of the upper Falls

American and Bridal Veil Falls from Goat Island with the Observation Deck and Rainbow Bridge

View from below at Cave of the Winds

Becky heading on up to Hurricane Deck

Hurricane Deck got it's name for a reason

David on Hurricane Deck

Rainbow Bridge

Upper Horseshoe Falls from American side

Footbridge over Niagara River

  Went over to Goat Island and did Cave of the Winds. This makes me want to see that Marilyn Monroe movie, Niagara, again.  This is where the big chase scene took place.  Now, when you go to the Cave of the Winds, make sure your toenails are done.  They make you take off your walking shoes and put on their sandals – even if you have your own sandals or flips!  They also passed out raincoats – but it did practically no good.  We walked up to the top deck, called Hurricane Deck (for a reason) and got drenched.  It was so windy and wet.  I was amazed that some folks were putting their small children up there for pix.  Looked like they could easily get blown off the deck!  David and I, on the other hand, were well anchored. LOL. Evidently, these stairs and decks are rebuilt every year!  The winters take a toll on them.  This area is also, officially an IBA – Important Bird Area. You'd think it'd have a more scientific name.  It's a habitat for thousands of gulls. And right now is fledgling season, so we got to see the fuzzy young ones, too.  Cute!  After a walk along the USA side of Horseshoe Falls, we went across the footbridge to Three Sisters Island, then caught a trolley and headed home.  What a great day!






(Just before we got here, there was a rescue of 2 cops who very nearly went over the Falls when trying to rescue 4 teens – at night – in the fog.  You can google that newstory.  Pretty intense!)

View of American and Canadian Falls from Rainbow Bridge

David at Horseshoe Falls in Canada

Johnathon L made it to the Canadian side

Becky in Canada at Horseshoe Falls

6-24-11:  Canadian (Horseshoe) Falls:  Everyone has told us how much prettier the Canadian side is than the American.  After yesterday, we just couldn't believe that.  But we grabbed the passports and headed on over there anyway. Could've walked across Rainbow Bridge, but decided to drive it instead because the weather isn't quite as great today.   As soon as we got through the border, I could see what people mean about the Canadian side.  Wow!!  Just seeing them all from this perspective, straight on, was amazing!  The parking was nearly twice the price over here as the USA, but worth it.  Great views above the Maid of the Mists as they eased underneath Horseshoe Falls' heavy mist.  Lots of beautiful French being spoken around us. Yesterday, in America, it was the beautiful languages of India.  (now and then we heard English) 

Scow hung up in Canadian Rapids

There is an old rusty scow hung up in the Canadian Rapids. Such an amazing story.  I googled it and you can read it at:  www.niagarafrontier.com/scow.  We did the Journey Behind the Falls.  A couple of field trips were in the tunnels with us, so it was loud.  (Visited with the one of the teachers and I think Toronto teachers feel about the same way we do in TX.  It's the same everywhere I reckon).  Got pretty wet on deck.  Nice views.  But this is prob not worth the $ if you've done the American side activities.  If I were going to spend time in Niagara Falls, the town, I'd want to be on the Canadian side. Much more inviting!  The Falls is a great trip with lots to do for the whole family. 


Back in Grand Island, we stopped at Brick Oven Pizzeria.  Boy oh boy, these New Yorkers know how to make a pizza pie!!  Best ever!!  Love the thick New York accents!!  I can't understand them, but I love to listen to them!  Really warm, friendly people here in Western NY. 

Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara Lighthouse

6-25-11:  We visited Old Fort Niagara today.  Wonderful, well-preserved fort with some pretty important history.  And a great lighthouse!  It is on the Great Lake Ontario. 

Old Fort Niagara entrance

David at Old Fort Niagara

David in one of the lookout towers at OFN

Looking Out

Bunker at Old Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario

Armed and Ready

The French Castle at OFNSP

Becky and Soldier before the firing of the musket

Toronto skyline across the bay at Lake Ontario

Becky at Old Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario

 It changed “garrisons” a few times and finally ended up in the hands of the USA on Aug. 11, 1815.   If you ever visit the Falls, make time for this excursion as well.  Across the bay from the fort, is the Canadian town of Niagara on the Lake.  Our Canadian friends, Wayne and Barb, recommended this, but we just ran out of time.  Another trip..........




After spending a couple of days in Campbell, NY, we will head to PA to see places such as Lancaster, Gettysburg, Hershey, and Scranton.



Until later, 
Jim and Pam
(gotta be an Office fan to get that one!)