Friday, June 16 - Niagara Falls

Today was Niagara Falls. We wanted Lydia to experience the falls before she left to fly home. Here is her description of the river above the falls:

The current was strong and fierce, like a tornado. It brushed up against rocks and slammed into the banks until it let gravity take it over the falls in a white plume of mist and foam. At the bottom it crashed onto many rocks, big and small. The strong current swept anything in its way down the rough path and out into the open river below. 

Greg, Kaylyn, Chris and Lydia walked down to the Cave of the Winds, near Bridal Veil Falls. I stayed "up top" with Tobias and Etta Grace. We felt the noise and intensity of the water would be overwhelming for the little ones. So we had a pleasant walk along the river and I enjoyed seeing people of so many nationalities, some of the women dressed in beautiful saris or robes, also enjoying the river. 

Lydia was willing to try the wet boardwalk and steps, even with her ankle issues. In the photo below, taken from the Maid of the Mist, you can see people to the right of the photo walking on the walkway to the Cave of the Winds. 

We walked along the Cave of the Winds as water rained on us without mercy. Seeing the falls from the bottom was magical. the foam and mist covered the cliff walls, and the water splashed against the rocks below. As you look up water splashes in your face, and you can't help but squint.  The water drenches anything not covered with the poncho and the sound of rushing water fills your ears. No one can hear anyone else unless you yell at the top of your lungs. "Beauty" is all that comes to your mind! We walked away from the beauty of the falls, past all the seagulls, and headed back up.

The cave tour crew returned to the truck for dry socks and shoes. Other years the Cave of the Winds provided slip-on plastic shoes and bags to put your own shoes in to keep them dry. We didn't expect that they had stopped that practice, so everyone had wet pant legs, shoes and socks. 

We had lunch at the "Top of the Falls" restaurant. Chris ordered Fish and Chips. Please note that through the window behind Chris, over top of the stroller, you can see the water of the Niagara River. I know, I know, it isn't the sea. It is fresh water, not salt. But it seemed as close as we could get Chris to fish and chips along the water! 

I'll turn the blog back over to Lydia now: 

The next thing we did was the Maid of the Mist boat tour. It was amazing seeing the falls from a distance. It wasn't the same as being under the water as it pounded on me, but it was still beautiful! We sailed past the American Falls and over to the Horseshoe Falls, which, as expected, was shaped like a horseshoe. When we got close the pilot had the boat on [what felt like] full speed. [It is actually on 50% power and just sitting facing the falls.] The current is so strong that we weren't moving anywhere. I went up to the top deck and the mist fell suddenly and hit me like tiny little pins. We stayed right there in the pouring "rain" for a while and then headed back, passing Canada's tour boat on the way. 

When we got back we headed back to the car after enjoying an exquisite view of the falls. 

Kaylyn and I wanted Lydia to see Niagara Falls before she flew home, we are glad it worked out. We drove to our last AirBNB for this trip, on the south side of Buffalo. We are grateful this house has a washer and dryer so we could get Lydia's wet clothes and shoes dry for her to pack. We are bummed she is leaving us, but for some reason she is excited about a horseback riding camp next week...

Children's Activity

It seems appropriate to play with water. There are massive intakes up the Niagara River from the falls that collect water to send through the hydroelectric plant. The Maid of the Mist boats are all battery-powered and recharge in a quick 7 minutes for the next trip up the river. 

Use this as an excuse to play with water, pouring from one container to another - funnels, sieves, trays, all kinds of shapes. Water takes the shape of the pouring container. Change water levels by placing items in a container. Wet a cloth with a certain amount of water - can you squeeze that amount of water back out of the rag? Water play is great fun!