During our week in Niagara Falls, New York, I didn't have internet access. We were unable to get a satellite signal because of trees in the area and the WiFi internet at the RV Park did not work. So, I've been unable to make any updates for over a week. We're currently in White River Junction, Vermont. But more about that later. First, our week in Niagara Falls:
Though the actual Falls are absolutely breathtaking...like, one of the 8 wonders of the world. I told Mark, anyone's "bucket list", must include Niagara Falls. BUT, Niagara Falls the city, is without a doubt, one of the dirtiest, ugliest cities we've ever seen. It literally looked like the 'ghetto'...or at least, as the ghetto is portrayed on TV. The 10 mile drive from our location to the Niagara Falls area, was just block and block and mile after mile of filth...I know that sounds terrible, but it was. Almost like pictures of areas in overseas. House after house, neighborhood after neighborhood were just falling apart in disrepair. What's so ironic, is that such a short distance away, were these magnificent Falls and associated parks.
We spent an entire day at the various locations of Niagara Falls. In addition to Goat Island and several of the beautiful bridges and locations, was "Cave of the Winds". Mark just flipped over this tour. I loved it too...but you get just soaked! Here's how it worked: You get in line and ride down this elevator 5 stories and come out at the bottom of Niagara Falls. They give you a thin plastic poncho to put over your close that has a hood attached. (I should have guessed then what was coming). They give you these velcro slip on beach shoes and give you a bag to place you shoes and socks in to keep them from getting wet. You walk around the corner and you can see the massive/roaring Niagara Falls right in front of you.
They've built several sections of stairs...each one getting closer to the Falls. The top section literally right on top of the Falls, is called the Hurricane Deck. The force of the falls on that section is so intense, that you cannot stand up straight. It's like trying to walk towards three 747 engines...the force is so great, it just blows you back. Only in addition to the wind, water is coming at you like a hurricane, hence the name. The deck below that was actually built literally right next to where the Falls hit Lake Erie and you can reach your hand out and touch the rapid falls. It's difficult to describle...but it was exciting and awesome! The force of the water is overwhelming on the lower deck--I sure wasn't going to try the Hurricane level! But of course, my lovely husband never wants to miss in all the excitement. He not only managed to get on the hurricane deck...but stood there for a couple of minutes. Needless to say, he was totally soaked. Heck, I was soaked just going through the first 3 level of stairs. But it was awesome! We had a terrific time on Cave of the Winds.
Then on to the Maid of the Mist. It's the large boat that goes right up to the Falls. It's the boat you see on most Post Cards of Niagara Falls. They also give you another little measley paper thin plastic poncho for this too. Mark had the bright idea to hurry up to the bow of the boat. So we were right at the front of the bow, with 200 of our closest friends cramped right up behind us. Then the boat slowly moves up towards the falls until it's directly in front of them. At least, that's what I'm told it did. The force of winds and water was sooooooooooo intense I spent the entire 15+ minues simply trying to hold on to the bow so I wouldn't fall. I couldn't even open my eyes it was blowing so intensley! What wasn't already wet from the Cave of the Wind, was now wet. My hair right down to my feet were soaked. Strange as it sounds...it was exhilirating! We were literally 15 - 20 feet from the bottom of the Niagara Falls. Wow. It was awesome...we had a ball. Overall, Niagara Falls should definitely be on everyone's Bucket List! (Just stay on the Canadian side--it was really nice).
The following day we did something we hardly ever do--we spent an afternoon at the Casino near Niagara Falls. We had a good time. I've discovered that I'm just not comfortable in a casino, as I inevitably win something within the first few minutes...sometimes just a little and sometimes a lot. Well, that was the case this day. While playing on the quater slots, within 5 - 10 minutes I won $50.00. Minus my $20.00 invested, I was up $30.00 and just couldn't bring myself to 'waste' any of it, by just giving it all back in the slots. So I cashed in and quit for the day. Unfortunately, Mark of course wanted to continue playing. So he played a couple more hours while I watched and walked around. Bottom Line, with Mark's losses and my gains, we were able to eat and still netted a +$15.00. Not bad for a half-day of entertainment and food! That'll probably be our casino fix for at least another year.
We left Niagara Falls Saturday, heading to Vermont. We spent our first night in Brattleboro, Vermont. Unfortunately, there are so many trees in Vermont, we were unable to locate a campground where we could get a signal for TV or Internet. So we got up early yesterday and headed further north into Vermont and found our current campground. We're planning on getting up early tomorrow and checking out some of the sites in Vermont. We only have one day left in Vermont, before we head to Bar Harbor, Maine. From there, we'll begin our journey south towards home. Well, that's about it for the latest on what we've been up to. I've got lot's of pictures of Niagara Falls that I still need to upload. I'll get them uploaded as soon as I can. Hopefully, I'll be able to make updates more frequently and won't lose internet access again. Well, that's a wrap for now...stay tuned~
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