Niagara Falls, New York & Ontario
The title may appear a little strange to some but that is because we visited the falls on both sides of the border, I think I could actually have listed this under the Canada heading as our first Canadian day trip.
We arrived in Buffalo, New York late in the evening on May 2nd 2008, Sarah had work in New Jersey so we took a few days to explore whilst up that way, our friend Brenda hired a car and we set off for Buffalo to overnight before visiting Niagara Falls the next day.
On the morning of the 3rd I woke around 06:00 and decided to take a walk around Buffalo for a hour or so until Sarah and Brenda were ready for breakfast. It's very quiet at that time on a Saturday morning and I had a good wander around without seeing more than 5 people the entire time, the Sheriffs car said Erie County on the side.....they were right.
We crossed Peace Bridge from Buffalo into Canada and headed North along the Niagara River toward the falls (after I got shouted at for taking a photo of the border) "too late" I said to myself as we got in the car and drove away.
it's only about 20 miles along the river to reach the falls and we were there in no time, it was a warm day but overcast with frequent showers.
the falls themselves really are magnificent, the water thunders constantly and the ever present spray cloud hangs in the basin ensuring all who take the 'Maid of the mist' tour need waterproofs no matter what the weather.
those walking through the cave to the side of the falls also need the protection of a cheap plastic cagoule
as the day brightened up a little we took a walk downstream toward the American Falls and of course through the souvenir shops and cafe.
we didn't bother with the boat ride as the long queues for a security search were off putting, and the reason behind them just bloody annoying (is the 'Maid of the mist' really a terrorist target?) . My favourite shot of the day was made as we walked back along the causeway toward Horseshoe Falls, even with a few spots of rain on the lens this is easily the shot of the day and one of my all time favourites from our stay in America.
We returned to the car and crossed back into the US over Hope Bridge right at the falls, we then parked on the American side and headed onto Goat Island that stands between the American and Canadian falls. At Terrapin Point a sign tells us that 675,000 gallons of water a second pass over the falls, a couple of gallons of which passes over your head too.
a little way upstream we explored the rapids as they approach the falls and came across this spot where people throw money in, why do people always throw money into water?
We had a great day at Niagara Falls (thanks to Brenda) and really enjoyed the experience though I do find myself wondering what those people who come here for a week find to do with themselves.