Niagara - an American perspective

The female portion of the Stringer Zoo has spent the past two days enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of Niagara Falls. On Saturday, March 21, we finally left our KOA campsite around 11am, and eventually made it to the American side of the Niagara Gorge by noon. (We are only camped an exit away from the Falls, but with 4 girls, and two dogs, one exit turns into one hour.)

We could hear the Falls before we ever saw them. My heart began to beat fast, as I grew excited to see the Lord's hand at work. I was not disappointed. The girls were picking up on my excitement and everyone was awed by the sight of thousands of gallons of water rushing over the edge of the cliff. We wandered out onto an observation platform and took a few pictures before meandering over to the Visitors Center.

We enjoyed lunch across the street at the Hard Rock Cafe (LOUD music, average food) where Hailey managed to spill an entire cup of chocolate milk onto the floor.

Back over to the cliffs we went, stopping at the car to leave the stroller and pick up the wrap for Hailey. I knew that our afternoon plans would not allow for a stroller. We picked up the Niagara Scenic Trolley and rode it over to Goat Island where we walked and admired the sight of the Niagara River rushing past us. Katelynn, Emily and Beth were able to bleed off some excess energy by running alongside of the paths, stopping to pick up sticks and various flotsam they called "treasures".

We eventually found ourselves off on the Three Sisters Islands - climbing over the rocks and among the trees. (The highlight of the day for the girls, they didn't want to leave.) We loved to watch small ice floes speed past on their way down to the Falls. We caught our breath while sitting on some rocks, gazing upstream. The sun was shining down, warming our backs, yet the cold water kept the air on the islands refreshing.

We hopped back onto the Trolley and ended up at the Cave of the Winds for the last descent of the day. (4:45 - everything closes up extremely early in April.) We took the elevators down 18 stories to the bottom of the American and Bridal Veil Falls, and ventured out onto the observation deck. During the summer season, there are walkways and numerous stairs that will get observers even closer to the falls. However, even at the end of April, the snow and ice prevent us from getting any closer than the first observation deck. One ice formation in between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls was estimated to be at least 70 feet tall.

After ascending back to the cliff top, we were ready for some ice cream, but all the snack shops had already closed for the day. So, we headed back to the trailer for a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich. :) Our adventures ended with a salisbury steak dinner and playing ball with the dogs. (Oh, and getting some laundry started - not finished, just started.)