Niagara Falls

Toward the end of summer we took a nice little jaunt up to Niagara Falls and it was well worth it.  I'm not sure why we took a picture by this truck-most likely we just needed to stretch our legs on that 8 hour drive.  But then we arrived and walked directly over to look at the falls before dark.  Pictures just don't capture their majesty-they were amazing!

We took lots of pictures from the observation deck and checked into our hotel before walking down the street to "Rainforrest Cafe" for dinner.  The atmosphere was more exciting than the food, but everyone ate something.  Then we headed back to the visitor's center for the movie where we learned about the history of different stunts where people survived going over the falls.  Blondin, the tight rope walker was amazing!  That night before bed, we came back out for fireworks over the falls.

The next morning we explored Goat Island (between American and Canadian falls) and then headed off to 'Cave of the Winds'.  We put on special sandals and yellow ponchos to walk up under the falls.  From above it looked like people were getting sprinkled at most with the waterfall but when we took a turn those innocent drops felt more like water lasers attacking your back.  It was very loud and very windy-super fun!  We REALLY wanted to go to the Canadian side but several years ago they began requiring passports for everyone and we didn't have the extra $460 for that view.

After lunch we started up the road to find the hiking trails toward Whirlpool State Park, but an intense rain storm got us right as we came under Rainbow Bridge.  We pretended the incoming water was lava and waited for a good 40 minutes before it has stopped enough to jog to the Nature Center. Then we hiked and hiked and listened to big boys whine and little boys point out 'nature' and hiked some more.  We made it half way to Whirlpool State Park before we pooped out and rode the local bus back to our hotel.

The bus dropped us off right by this chair in which Adam looked hilariously small!  Then it was time for "Maid of the Mists" and this was probably my favorite because we got to have a good look at the Canadian Falls. It was like being in "Ten Commandments"  when Moses parted the Red Sea-breathtaking and almost unreal. After dinner we drove the rest of the way to see the whirlpools and rapids which were amazing!  Why didn't I take any pictures???  Bad mom!  Took another hike down to the water's edge.  Jane counted a total of 28 centipedes along our way-yuck!  

Our final morning we took another scenic view to Goat Island and saw rainbows this time.  Leo had had enough but I could have stayed all day to listen to and watch that water.

This is a monument to Tesla, a famous engineer that designed some hydraulic system for Niagara. Aaron knew who he was and was impressed.  And then he kissed me-whoa!  We would highly recommend this awesome wonder of nature!!