Niagara Falls

Remember you can click on the photos to enlarge them!

As we spent time in and around Niagara Falls we were thinking of the Greyhawks and know that they would be just as awestruck by the POWER and majesty of the Falls as they were when they first spied the Grand Canyon (Hi, G & Mrs. G!!) If you have not been to Niagara Falls, we highly recommend a trip there (plan to spend at least one full day -- you will need to spend more time if you want to take in the sights on the American and the Canadian sides (be sure to check out the new documentation requirements to cross into Canada / enter the U.S. -- we highly recommend the new U.S. Passport Card).

Interesting exchanges at the border crossings. On our way into Canada (near Buffalo) we had this exchange with the 30-something female Canadian border inspector (who never got out of her booth).

She: Hello. Where are you from?
Me: Arizona.
She: What is your license plate number?
Me: XXX NNN
She: What state is that?
Me: umm, Arizona.
She: Are you the only ones traveling in your car? (I admit the windows are darkened.)
Me: Yes.
She: Do you have any weapons or ammunition?
Me: No.
She: No guns, ammunition, pepper spray?
Me: Not with us, no.
She: Do you own guns and ammunition?
Me: Well, yes, we do, but not with us. We left them home.
She: You don't have any guns with you?

Me: No. Not with us. (I wanted to tell her that our trip to Canada was specifically the reason we weren't packing and that we actually considered canceling our visit to Canada because of it... but didn't. After all, I don't want foreigners bringing guns into my country either....)

After checking her cameras (which were trained on the back of our car) and checking her computer screen a few times and looking at our Passport Cards for the umpteenth time, she allowed us to pass. The DH and I said, "What was that about??" DH said, maybe she reads your blog?? BBBWWAAAHHAHAHAHA.

On our way out of Canada (into Detroit) earlier today, the U.S. border agent asked our license plate number, where we were coming from, where we lived... then he asked DH whether we had any alcohol or tobacco with us. I assumed he meant duty free in quantity... but DH -- his military career so ingrained -- took the question literally and answered, "Just a half pack in my pants pocket." It took all my willpower sitting in the passenger seat to not burst out laughing! Gratefully, they allowed us to return to the greatest nation on Earth!

Finally, if you are inclined or have plans to go to Niagara Falls and do the Maid of the Mist boat trip -- be prepared to get WET. Those dry cleaner bags they give you will only keep you dry if you are on the lower level of the boat and tucked somewhere in the interior. We, on the other hand, figured how bad could it be? And opted for the rail right up front on the upper deck! Despite our Herculean efforts to keep our hoods clutched and to keep the wind from tearing the plastic away, we were drenched top to bottom (ok, the middle stayed somewhat dry) by about 5 minutes into the ride. So either bring your all-inclusive rain gear or do as we did and throw your head back and laugh!!! Bring dry socks or wear sandals that are "wash & wear"!! Don't wear makeup or clothing that runs or wear watches that can't take copious amounts of water. It is STILL a once in a lifetime experience! Exhilarating!!

That big cloud of mist was the destination of the boat -- up close and personal (also wet & wild!!)

From below/behind the Falls -- fabulous (even for a horrible claustrophobic like me!)

That glow to the left of the "Casino" sign is Niagara Falls back lit at night. Beautiful.

Lastly, we were wondering whether the gentleman on our Maid of the Mist trip wearing the "al Jazeera Sports" t-shirt would be visiting the U.S. and whether he'd wear it through the border checkpoint??