Tuesday, August 2, 2011 Niagara Falls, NY 45 miles

Happy Birthday, Daniel!

Peace Bridge

We really have been blessed lately with some beautiful days and today, with our ride to Canada, was no exception. After a short ride to Buffalo, we got onto a 2 mile bike path that took us to the Peace Bridge where we crossed over the Niagara River to Canada. Before crossing we were directed inside the Customs building to have our passports 


We bike to Canada!

checked, then we rode the pedestrian/bicycle walkway over the bridge. (This is where I saw my first robot lawnmower. We were told that it cost $38,000. It mows 

Robot lawnmower

hillsides by remote control. Pretty cool.) Shortly afterwards we got onto a 13 mile bike path that ran along Niagara Blvd. and the Niagara River. The river is wide and very swift and beautiful. As usual, with the exception of one or two atrocious and very expensive homes, we saw many quite beautiful river side homes.   As I rode along, I remembered that seeing homes and flower gardens was the original reason I started riding a bike back in ‘94. I still enjoy looking around and taking in the yards and homes.

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Just before noon we reached the falls and, oh my, what a fantastic sight! As we got closer, we had to dismount because of the mob of tourist. Talk about a microcosm of humanity! We were from all around the world! Everyone inches along the railing looking for the perfect photo op, and we were doing the same thing! Judy and I each bought a $5 hotdog,

Great lunch!

 sat on a stone wall, and people watched while we ate. We had wonderful views of both Horseshoe Falls and the American 

American Falls

Falls. The mist was thick and wet depending on the wind. This natural phenomenon is just breathtaking. . . The Canadians have done a wonderful job of promoting the falls - lots of huge hotels and restaurants, beautiful gardens and walkways. . . Finally, our group of 5 made its way to the Rainbow Bridge to return to America.  Some who returned earlier were instructed to ride in the traffic lane. We, however, were instructed to use the walk and to WALK our bikes. Back on the U. S. side, we showed our passports again and were instructed not to return again today with bikes I have no idea what that was about! Our Days Inn Hotel was just a short walk from the bridge.  Rooming for 2 nights with Barb.

Dinner at Denny's

Since the parking lot for our trailer is unsuitable for

Wild Women!

 cooking or eating, our dinner tonight was at Denny’s, the hotel restaurant. Afterwards, some of us walked down to see the falls. The American side is junky and touristy in the worst since of the word. There is a pretty park, but it’s surrounded by souvenir shops and sidewalk booths. It felt a little like being back in Kiev at the outdoor market.  

I’m signed up for a boat trip in the morning on The Maid of the Mist and will see the falls up VERY close.