Niagara Falls

Day two of our vacation started a little later so we could visit our destination of Niagara Falls during both the day and night. After breakfast we started on our two hour plus drive to the Falls. On our approach to the Falls we managed to avoid all the tourist traps the area is known for and headed directly to Niagara Falls State Park where we parked our car and put on our walking shoes for some serious steps. When we arrived I received a text from my friend Tracy encouraging us to ride on the Maid of the Mist. The goal then became how to ride on the Maid of the Mist without being wet all day. The solution was we hit it at the end of the day and we were glad we did.

We parked at the Goat Island parking area and walked the brief walk to Terrapin Point to see the Horseshoe Falls in what was now early afternoon. After standing in awe for a good twenty minutes and taking what seemed like a hundred pictures we formulated a plan. We took the trail around Goat Island to Three Sisters Island and were again in awe of the rapids as it approached the Falls. After spending a couple hours enjoying this easy hike we decided to have lunch at the Top of The Falls restaurant.

After lunch it was time to see more of the power of the Falls. I was as impressed seeing this as an adult as when I first visited Niagara Falls as a young child. We made our way to Luna Island where the American Falls were being fussy and spitting all over everyone. Since we were wet we thought we might as well make our way over to the Maid of the Mist. After crossing the pedestrian bridge we visited the Visitors Center and made our way to the Maid of the Mist. This is a perfect cap to the day as we were one of the last cruises of the day. As the pictures show below I did manage to get a little wet and it was all worth it. After we rode the maybe 30 minute Maid of the Mist cruise we took some time to visit the Crows Nest below the American Falls and then the Observation Tower that provides a great view of both the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls.

It was now dusk and time to make our way back to the Horseshoe Falls to see it at night. We saw some unexpected wildlife and I almost tripped over a skunk that crossed our path.

There was so muh to see that day that I have added a second Niagara Falls gallery.

We spent the night outside Buffalo before we were up early to head to Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The tourists have arrived.

Other people getting wet

Maid of the Mist is a good name for this boat

So glad we hiked along the river leading to the falls.

Niagara Falls

Anticipating getting even more wet.

Yes, another picture of Niagara Falls.

We have to go over there.

Where's Pat?

Look for wildlife.

The bridge to Canada.

On our way to the Maid of the Mist.

Path to photo opps by the falls.

Path along the river leading to the falls.

Another picture of moving water.

Welcome!

I think I see water.

Yes, I do think I see water.

A bit too close for me.

We are going way over there.

Better turn around.