Niagara Falls!!!!

Jonathan took this one because he wanted to show how it just went over the edge sharply

"Maid of the Mist" boat cruise. People all wore blue rain parkas, but still came out drenched.

the horseshoe shape of Niagara

this rainbow can be seen at the base of the falls

The rapids leading up to the falls ... moving very fast

Thursday, July 15th, 2010
This is one of the destinations that I was most looking forward to. Niagara Falls!!!! We knew we were just a few miles away, so there was no hurry. However, this was the most humid day we’ve experienced thus far. It reminded me of the summers I experienced as a child. The temperature only hit the low 90’s, but the moisture was high! Apparently, this is not typical - more like a heat wave. We’re praying that this will break before we get to other parts of the East Coast! If not, than we just deal with it as the locals do.

Awesome, Breathtaking, Overwhelming,, Powerful, Non ending are all words we used to describe the falls. We had learned just a day earlier to be prepared not see the famous view - the horseshoe view of the falls, as that’s from the Canadian side. But it was still full of powerful and awe inspiring views that we did have. Jonathan took far better pictures than I did, so his are the ones that will be posted here. If any of you are planning a trip up here, a word of advice: follow the signs for the state park (it’ll be to the LEFT). There are many people flagging you down to park by their souvenier shops, and in all the flashing lights and waving flags it’s hard to tell what’s “official” and what’s people trying to get your money. If you park at the state park parking lot, it will cost the same, but you have in and out privileges, as well as you can drive to other parts of the park and park in the other lots. Plus your money goes to the state rather than opportunistic individuals. Lesson learned. However, the walk/hike along the Niagara river - with rapids, the bridge, and from one fall to the other made us feel as if we accomplished something bigger than if we simply drove to each part.

We were tired by the end of the afternoon/early evening, but on the way back to the hotel, there was a DDD right in our route! This one is called "Pizza Junction". The pizza took a while to cook, and when it came we knew why. It wasn't deep dish, closer to a pan crust. We ordered 2 small pizzas - one beef and cheese pizza and the other pulled pork pizza. Mmm-mmm-mmm!

Buffalo wings in Buffalo, NY, what can be more appropriate?

Yes, Guy was here too.