Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Niagara Falls

When Mr. and Mrs. Claus came to visit back in July we took them to Niagara Falls. We had to wait for me and the kids to get our passport cards, which came at the last possible minute. We go through Canada because it is about four hours one way and can be a long day trip, as opposed to going strictly through the states and it having to be an overnight trip.

We have been three times now since we moved to Michigan a year ago, and this is the first time the weather was pretty. The first time it was rainy or drizzly the whole day. Here are three pictures from that day:



In late December when we took Hubby's parents, we went on the only warm day while they were here. Hubby wanted to make sure it wouldn't snow while we were gone. Well, it didn't snow, but the quick temperature increase caused intense fog the entire trip that never burned off, including at the Falls. There was about a 30-second interval where the fog blew away and there was a fantastic view, and then the fog was back. At least they got to see it.

This particular day in July was sunny and warm, a little too much to my liking now that I'm becoming an acclimated Michigander, but still fairly pleasant. Here are the grandparents and grandkids in front of the Horseshoe Falls.

This is a fantastic view of the Horseshoe Falls with one of the Maid of the Mist boats underneath. Pay close attention, because that's where we'll be later.

This is what we did the first time we went, the Cave of the Winds. See all those little yellow ponchos over on the little stairs under the single fall. It's called the Bridal Veil and is part of the American Falls.

That picture at the beginning of the post with the kids in the yellow ponchos sticking out their tongues getting soaked to the bone — that was the Bridal Veil. You might also notice the location of one of those boats at the bottom of this picture with the blue poncho people. Again, where we'll be later.

There is usually a lot of mist coming off of the Horseshoe Falls blowing towards the American Falls. When you walk on the sidewalk you get a little damp. So in between the first picture of grandpa, grandma, and the kids, there was a lot of mist, and here they are in front of the American Falls.

This is a side view of the American Falls.

On Goat Island we walked around a bit before preparing for our descent.




I'm pretty sure it's self-explanatory where we are now.

If not, here's a little more close-up shot.


I actually got a little seasick feeling on that boat before we got to the choppy waters. I think it was because I was fighting a migraine, but who knows. I used to get carsick when I was younger, but now I read in the car without getting sick. But since that little boat ride, any time we drive very far I get a little icky. It's not so much fun. I'll take yellow ponchos and splashing water any day.

Which thrills my kids to no end because they weren't happy with how wet they didn't get on the boat.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow the falls are beautiful and love your pictures too!

Betsy Brock said...

I've only been once! Funny, since I've lived fairly close my whole life! I think I was about 10 when our family went. They are absolutely breathtaking, aren't they? I'm sure I would appreciate them even more as an adult. We didn't do any of the boats with ponchos...I can see why your kids would love that!

Love Bears All Things said...

I've only been once. It was raining, and chilly. I was soaked by the time we got to our hotel and there was no heat. Taking a shower was the only way to get warm.
Mama Bear

Rochelle said...

Nice pictures! Love the Clauses. :) You are so funny. Glad it was a good trip! Hope the motion sickness stuff dies down for you.

MomsTheWord said...

Is Mich-i-gan-der how people refer to themselves?

 
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