It was a long drive in the bus/coach from Washington DC to Niagara Falls, Canada.
After waiting ages to clear customs we were finally driving over the bridge towards our hotel. We glimpsed the falls from the moving bus. The American Falls are on the left behind that ugly observation deck, and the Canadian falls are in the middle. The town of Niagara Falls is perched on the edge of the river. It has developed so much since we were here back in 1970. There were no high rise buildings just the observation tower now hiding in between the accommodation blocks. The mist obscures the falls.
By the time we had booked in it was dinner time. So we walked into the town to find a restaurant. What a shock, it was such a tacky main street. It was cluttered with garish tourist attractions for young families. It was difficult to find a quiet restaurant with any semblance of ambiance. After dinner we strolled back to our hotel passing the falls lit up with different colours.
As we got closer the spray was like a full on rainstorm with the wind to go with it. It was very difficult to take photos as the camera lens was getting wet and steamed up. You had so much water in your eyes you couldn't see the LCD screen, luckily I have a little viewfinder on my Sony Cybershot point and shoot. As we pulled out of the worst of the mist, I managed to get this shot.
It was very pretty.
The next morning we were going on the 'Maid of the Mist" boat and sail up to the foot of the falls. First we had a look over the top. It was mesmerising and wet from the spray.
Soon we were on board the little boat, searching for a good possy. (Ozzy slang for position). We were following a boat full of blue aliens.
Actually we were all supplied with a blue plastic poncho, which we could keep for a souvenir and to use again on the tour if necessary (it wasn't). We were very lucky with the weather.
You made some good photo's in spite of the wet winds.
ReplyDeleteAt Niagra Falls there were huge snow flakes falling ... I found that almost exciting and memorable as the falls where are truly magnificent. Your photos remind me of it and our ride the Maid of the Mist the next time we visited there.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots! We saw Niagra falls a few years ago, and really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your travels with us. ...Marsha
What a lovely holiday. The photos you are displaying are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the message on my blog regarding the App. for my iPad...works well :)
Awesome for me to see this through your eyes/camera, Diane. What a pity about the dinner and area in town. I laughed at "pozzy" That's also SA slang for position. Have a great day (evening for you already) Jo
ReplyDeleteDiane,
ReplyDeleteI have left a message on my comment area for you on my blog.... I hope you can get it to work well for you.....
Margaret....
We spent out honeymoon at Niagara Falls almost 37 yearss ago, and I know it has sadly chnaged into a casino/carnival place since then. I read that because of what happened at Niagara the US government made more of an effort to preserve beautiful scenic areas into National Parks, like Yosemite and Yellowstone. Unfortunately, it was already too late for Niagara.
ReplyDeleteWe went on the Maid of the Mist with our children about 20 years ago and we also also went into the caves behind the falls. Your photos brought back fun memories!
I remember getting soaked on the Maid of the Mist, felt like I needed windscreen wipers on my glasses :) It's a lot of fun to see where you traveled to.
ReplyDeleteWow!! looks amazing! And that is a beautiful shot with the birds. Yes, it's official, these falls are on my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteThe water looks so... powerful - what a wonderful view you had from your little boat.
ReplyDeleteSounds like this was not your favorite place, Diane... ha.... I can understand. So many wonderful tourist areas in America have turned into places like that.. Here in the Smokies, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are all tourist 'traps' these days filled with all kinds of junky things for kids.... Just kills us!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe went to Niagara Falls in 2002--and loved it. Of course, we went to see the waterfalls. We also went on the Maid of the Mist boat ride. George almost ruined his camera there --when it got so wet.
We stayed on the Canadian side farther south a bit at the Holiday Inn (not near the 'strip' area where you were)... We did eat dinner (and paid big bucks) up in that big tower.. RIP-OFF for sure.... Another tourist trap!!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
Niagara Falls is pretty and it is a little too touristy. I hope you found a decent place for dinner. I enjoyed the boat ride and all the blue reminded me of little smurfs. Great photos, Diane!
ReplyDeleteIf it's beautiful it attracts visitors. If it attracts visitors, someone has to make money by ruining it.
ReplyDeleteWe were also surprised (not pleasantly) at the changes in Niagara Falls, Ontario, from years ago. I imagine the changes have helped bring in more tourist dollars, but it certainly changed the town.
ReplyDeleteWow, it's AWESOME, it's also scary! So much water.
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing sight! Yikes, that boat really looks loaded with people.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to see these Falls! I especially liked the photo with the birds circling.
ReplyDeleteyou bring back a lot of memories ! I remember well these boats ! I have all that on video.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the last photo with the birds flying through the mist. Glad you kept trying for that perfect shot.
ReplyDelete