Niagara Falls

 After much discussion about the possibility of traveling east to New York first, we decided that, as Niagara Falls was one of the “wish list” places on our trip, we would head straight there from Nashville (truth be told, we were both a bit daunted at the prospect of navigating the vast traffic volumes in that enormous metropolis!)  It was quite a long drive, so we divided it into three one-night stopovers, which worked quite well and almost had us stop for good! We both fell totally in love with Ashtabula, the last stop before Niagara falls, and would easily have put down roots right there, in the Hidden Lakes RV Park, where the lakes, with trees, birds, squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits made an idyllic setting for the chalets set about the grounds. We decided on a two night stop there, and after a delicious pancake breakfast on Sunday morning and a quiet day strolling around the park and relaxing, we were ready once more for the road to Niagara. We avoided the toll road and took the older, quieter district road, which gave us a break from the endless onslaught of the HUGE trucks that barrel down all the major highways in the USA. These monsters seem to hold other road traffic in total disregard, and can present quite a challenge as they roar past one at speeds far in excess of the limits set on the road, so it was a pleasure to travel through villages and enjoy the scenery for a change, instead of dodging trucks!

After setting up camp at the Niagara Falls RV Park, we followed the map in to town, to the Falls, which the campground host assured us was easy to find – just follow the road. What he did not tell us was that the road leads to the border post that crosses the bridge into Canada, and that when one is anxiously trying to navigate a new city, it is SO easy to end up in the wrong place! The signs were confusing and unclear, and we found ourselves in the parking lot at the Duty Free shop, where we discovered to our consternation that it is impossible to turn around as there are really nasty tyre-ripping teeth in the road! We approached a security guard in the parking lot, who confirmed our fears – we would have to cross over into Canada, despite the fact that our passports were securely tucked away in the Camper back at the RV Park!! We were instructed to purchase a token in the duty-free shop, cross over the bridge, and then tell the Canadian border officials that we did not really want to enter their country. The man assured us that they would simply turn us around and send us back, but we had some anxious moments crossing the bridge, as all sorts of dramatic movie scenes flashed through our minds! In the end that was exactly what happened. The Canadian border officials were wryly amused, kind and courteous, assuring us that this happens regularly, and to our great relief, once we returned to the American side, the US folk were just as helpful. Life certainly is never dull!

And then, finally, Niagara – what an overwhelming, awe-inspiring experience. One sees the pictures, but they do little justice to the majesty of this magnificent natural wonder. Our ride on the Maid of the Mist was one of the highlights of this whole wonderful trip, and my heart was pounding as we boarded the tiny boat and laughingly kitted up in the bright blue plastic raincoats that we had been given. The Maid of the Mist set off into the turbulent water, and soon we were surrounded by the roar and spray and mist of that mighty waterfall – an indescribable, exhilarating sensation of “OH MY GOODNESS”!!! 

The trip was over all too soon, and we left there feeling grateful that we had been privileged to experience something so very special.