Victory at Sea - The Falls

This was the highlight of my trip - not the falls so much, I have been here before, but to watch Pat's reaction to seeing them for the first time.  I was not disappointed in her reaction.  Who couldn't be just gob smacked by the power of the rushing water.  But first we had to get there somehow (still haven't figured it out) but we did pass some pretty places along the way.

And of course for our friend, Chuck.

We all piled on the Hornblower and took off for the falls.  The route they, and the Maid of the Mist, take you so close it is unreal.  You are provided with a poncho to keep dry, which works well except for the wind generated by the moving boat; the spray from the falls is pretty intense too.  BUT you haven't lived until you have seen, tasted, touched, heard and smelled Niagara Falls from the bow of the boat.  Do it!  You will never regret it.

These photos are of the American side of the falls.  As you can tell erosion is playing havoc with them leaving lots of debris at the bottom. 

There is talk about turning the falls off in the next couple of years to study the erosion and what can be done about it.  They just divert the water to the Canadian side while they are working.

The Hornblower heading towards Horseshoe Falls.  The white specks are birds.  Everyone is covered in their red ponchos innocently believing they will protect them from the mist.  LOL, not a chance.

The Hornblower turning around and the Maid of the Mist returning with its load of water logged visitors.  Wet, yes but smiling from ear to ear with the wonder of it all.

Looks so peaceful doesn't it....

Or maybe not...can you see the power??  Wow!  Brave enough to crawl into a barrel and go over?  Double dog dare ya!

In Texas and in the South it isn't unusual to hear someone at a barbecue or camp out say "here hold my beer and watch this $@%#".  That is what I thought this little guy might have said right before taking off flying right toward the water rushing over the edge. 

Down stream it is a bit more peaceful.

All too soon it was time to get on the bus and head "home".  Along the sidewalk were beautiful flowers and trees.  Like the Maritimes when we visited there a couple of years ago, everything was clean and litter free.  Those neighbors up north take pride in their country!

After the crew insisted on stuffing us with food and beverage we headed to bed.  My bed was next to the window so I got to lay there and watch the sun go down.

I'll see you in the morning with a trip to the Henry Ford Museum.  ZZZZZzzzzzz