Day 29 - Sunday, June 29 - McCain French Fries, New Brunswick

So as of today we have now travelled 6080 km since leaving home!  That's a long ways from our home.  But we are not yet homesick.  

This morning we are going to take the scenic valley route through to the Grand Falls.  As we drive along Hwy 2 (TransCanada) - I realize that each Province has it's own number designation for the Trans Canada - we call it Hwy 1, Quebec calls it 20 and now New Brunswick calls it 2.  New Brunswick is very scenic - in fact if you compare the most western province of BC with the most eastern province of New Brunswick - there are many similarities in the landscape, the farming activities, the crops and the forests.  Hmm. One might say that the two ends (much like a sandwich) are similar and the middle varies, ha!

Grand Falls - like Edmundston is an Acadian town.  We did not know about the Acadian plight until we talked to a girl at the info centre.  We saw red, blue and white with a yellow star on a large number of the houses and businesses.  I just thought it was the New Brunswick flag, but no it is the Acadian Flag.  The Acadians were being deported back in the 1700's by the British so they hid in various places, some being the coast of New Brunswick and some went down to Maine.  They suffered much hardship and are a very proud people.  Every 5 years the Acadians celebrate their freedom with a celebration, this year it is in Edmundston. 

This is the Grand Falls.

This is just a picture of what I thought presented a good overall picture of New Brunswick.  

This is Florenceville where the first McCain Potato factory came to life.  Mr. McCain grew up here and started the business here.  It is still in operation today next door to the Potato Museum.  We went into the museum - it was very interesting and disappointing as well.  We read that you could get fresh fries there and you can, but not today!

This is one of the antique tractors on display run by kerosene and max 16 hp!

So off we went on our travels and we stopped in Hartland where the longest covered bridge in the world is still in operation. 

Our next stop was the Covered Bridge Potato Chip Factory.  We went on a tour of how they make the potato chips and the beginnings were with a local potato farm family.  It was very interesting - they give you a sample bag as well.  On our way out we bought two bags of their chips for our happy hours - one was Lobster flavour and the other Montreal Steak Spice.  

So driving has come to an end for the day - Fredericton we have arrived.  Now to set up and get ready for Canada Day celebrations.  By the way did I tell it's a scorcher today?  31 degrees and I am feeling the heat.  Easy dinner tonight - tacos.  

Our camp for the next 3 days.

This is the sunset on the Saint John River.

 

Peaceful scene!

Day 28 - Saturday, June 28 - leaving Friendly Quebec

Well up early so we can get on the road.  It's going to be 29 degrees today, both in Quebec City and Edmundston, NB.  We are hoping to be in Edmunsdston tonight but that depends on the number of stops we make on our way there.  We were very foolish in thinking that we could still travel without planning for stops as this is now the long weekend!  So I called last night to an RV site in Edmundston and he said that there is no problem without reservation, it would take a miracle if they filled up before we got there.  So I guess we might be safe in some of the smaller places - we will really have to start thinking a bit more ahead.  

This morning on the way out we passed some falls raging over the banks with the mist plummeting into the sky - a beautiful sight.   Quebec City was named by the aboriginals and is pronounced Kaybek - this means narrow waters as Quebec City is located at the narrowest part of the St. Lawrence River.  

One sad thing we saw was a beautiful old Catholic Church up for sale and looking like it needed some major TLC - apparently the congregation does not have the funds to continue to pay the operating expenses.  The tour guide told us this is happening more and more in Quebec City.  

Yesterday we strolled along the streets listening to the music - a man and wife singing in front of a cafe, another woman singing in the square and yet another playing a violin.  We did not get the same sort of romantic feelings for the city that we had in Montreal.  In fact our choice to return to would be Montreal.  Quebec City is full of historic sights, lots of hustle and bustle, but the people and the atmosphere was not at all what we felt in Montreal.  In fact we think Montreal was more relaxed and friendlier.  

As we drive along the landscape reverts back to farming.  There are some huge farms here, lots of lush green hay fields, rows upon rows of haylage ready for winter feed, the smells of silage, manure and fresh cut grass over powered by the smell of pigs waft through the Moho.  Lots of pig farms out here.    Dan calls this the smell of money and he feels at home (without the pigs of course)! 

As we near Riviere-du-Loup the hills rise out of the lush green fields and we see a ski hill.  We have been driving alongside the St. Lawrence but now the land widens and the River disappears.  Ahead of us a mountain range comes into view - the land is becoming a bit more rugged. 

The fields are long and narrow running towards the highway with defined ditches as dividers.  Do they flood irrigate or are the ditches for erosion or some other purpose - hope to find out. 

The province of Quebec is very welcoming to campers.  There are many campsites within short distances, unlike some of the other provinces.  In fact most of the campgrounds range from 120 to 200 sites.  We also noticed that there are many RV sales and service businesses with huge inventories, ranging from tent trailers to Class A's and a lot of them Dutch Stars.  Dan was talking to a fellow about this and he said that most here in Quebec camp within the Province.  This accounts for the large numbers of RV related businesses I guess.  

We are on Highway 185 heading south from Rivière-du-Loup and the nearer we get to the border of New Brunswick the more the terrain looks like that of Vancouver Island. Low hills, groves of small trees, lush green grass and older houses scattered here and there.  

An old Royal Canadian Airforce plane.

Welcome to New Brunswick!  

Did you know that New Bruswick was an official bilingual province?  I didn't - the province is approximately 30% French.  Hmmm.  We arrive early in the day we think, but not really as we lost an hour coming into the info centre. So now really it is late afternoon - we arrive at our campsite, set up and jump in the Geo to explore the area.  

We went to the Botanical Gardens and started our tour.  A buffalo greets us at the entrance - cute!  The Butterfly room is very humid and filled with foliage, trees, plates with orange slices.  The butterflies are all over the oranges drinking in the nectar.  Can you see the butterfly on the trunk? 

It looks lie they have an eye when the wings are closed but when they are open the inside is a beautiful blue color.  

The area is just starting bloom but the peace and tranquility is still there.  Many benches are available throughout for sitting and taking in the aromas of the lushness.  It was a very nice stroll through.  There is a carver there as well located in a little gazebo by the stream.  He carved up a little man figurine for a small boy when we there - he had his works on display - he is very talented.  

We went for a drive around the area and then returned to camp for dinner - grilled pork chops and new potatoes, yum.  Gidget is getting pretty scruffy looking - so bath time after her evening walk.  Quite a performance, I used the outside shower with a dishpan set on a small coffee table for her.  She wasn't too sure about this, but we did it.  Then in the other side of the Moho we set up the little table again and plugged in the blow dryer and she became all clean and fluffy once again.  She was quite happy once the performance was all done.  

Decisions - we need to figure out what we are doing for Canada Day.  We look at the info I got when we got here and we decide that Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick is where we are going to celebrate - those lucky people get to celebrate with BC'ers!  So tomorrow that will be our destination for the next 3 days.   

Good night,

Day 27 - Friday, June 27 - Quebec City

This morning we woke up to sunshine and predictions of very hot temps compared to what we have been at - a high of 28 C with clear skies.  So we have set the air con in the Moho to come on as soon as it gets hot so Gidget will be comfortable all day.  We get the shuttle and head off to Quebec City.  It is already hot already for me.  We arrive in the City and the architecture is beautiful.

We choose a Hop On Hop Off tour as the heat will be too much for me to do a lot of walking on our own.  The tour guides speak both in English and in French so there will be much to learn today.  

Our first stop is the Place D'Armes.  This is the military square where all the troops gathered.  Here is a statue of Samuel De Champlain in the square and the Chateau Frontenac off to the right.  

Beautiful architecture.  The roof on the Chateau is copper and that is why the color green is not consistent, it rusts and changes shades of green as that happens.  

Out in the harbour of the St. Lawrence there is a cruise ship, a ferry and a tourist boat that offers rides along the St. Lawrence.  It is a beautiful day for a picture of the harbour. 

There were many fires in the city and the government made a law that all buildings must be made of cement or brick as a measure to protect the city.  The smooth stone buildings are those constructed by the English and the rough stone finish was made by the French.  The roofs on the buildings here are either copper - as seen on the Chateau Frontenac or galvanized. 

This is a golden statue of man and his dog.  It really shines, the picture does not do it justice.  Apparently this dog saved his life so was immortalized in this way.  This is the Notre-Dame-De-Lorette. 

At the square Placed'Armes there is a museum of the Battle at the Plains of Abraham.  We went in and saw a historical movie of the events that led to Quebec staying as part if Canada.  The steep slopes that surround this battle field made it a natural fortress.  The city is behind the large stone walls that were built in the early 1700's. Very interesting.  

Above - A sample of the architecture of the era.

A restaurant that shows the difference in the brick work done by the English and the French.

Another picture of the area around the Place D'Armes.  

We visited the Holy Trinity Cathedral near the square.  The church is Anglican and houses many precious objects donated by King George the 3rd.  The benches are made of imported oak and  the stained glass is everywhere in the church.  In the Cathedral Courtyard artisans display and sell their wares.  You can have your picture sketched, buy a woollen sweater, various handmade scarves or hand made soaps. 

The bus takes us back at 4:00 pm and this has been a full day and oh so hot.  I think it feels hotter as it is also humid.  Good day, now for some rest.  

Day 26 - Thursday, June 26 leaving Montreal

This morning the sun is shining - maybe it's summer now.  We gather up our stuff and get ready to head to Quebec City.  Our provisions are getting low so we need to find a grocery store - we have not seen many Costco stores on our journey.  Aha here is a Costco and we can take the next exit to get to it.  Now we can get some meat for the next while.  This Costco has liquor as well.  Bud is just $1 per can, a box of wine is only $23, water and food is very reasonable as well.  So a few hundred dollars later, the fridge, freezer and coolers are full.  We are set now and off we go to find Quebec City and our campground for the night.  

It is still very rural along Hwy 20, lots of farming - very pretty drive.  The are also lots of signs warning about deer and moose crossings.  

We do another circle tour but we find our campsite and we are setup for the next two days - a new home and lots of sunshine!  

Dan & Gidget living a dog's life!

Day 25 -Wednesday, June 25 - Old Montreal

Well it rained all night again - hmmm must be June we hope for better weather next month.  Today we are going to attempt to drive into the Metro Station via the freeway in the Geo and take the subway through Montreal.  The gal at the RV resort here gave us a map with directions so we hope we don't get lost.  The biggest challenge is that everything is in French and I do not read French well at all.  Some basic words I remember from school but that was a long time ago.  Off we go into the traffic and follow the directions and yeah we make it to the Metro parking lot.  Now to find the Metro. Hmmm, okay follow the buses and people.  This doesn't seem right so we ask a fellow in a uniform - he looks like he would know.  Yes we have to go downstairs - of course the Metro is underground.  So here we are at Station Longueuil and we need to ride the yellow or Berri Quam line to our next changeover.  Then we get on the Angrignon line to go to Peel.  Peel is the stop that is the heart of downtown Montreal.  

During all this we are having trouble to get our tickets out of the ticket machine.  A young fellow offers to help us.  We get our tickets successfully and then we find out these two young men - with packs and guitar are from California.  They rode a bus to Vancouver and have hitch hiked all across the country to Quebec.  They are both very nice, adventurous young men.

We get off at Peel and start to look for the downtown and info centre.  Downtown is very crowded and compact - so we choose a direction and head that way, hoping for success.  It's a bustling place, not unlike any other downtown I guess. I spot a question mark the sign of an info centre.  We follow that and find a very friendly group at the centre.  We get some directions and downtown maps for Old Montreal and off we go.  

First stop is the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.  This church was inspired by the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and was built in the Anglo-Protestant sector of Montreal at the end of the 19th Century.  It is open daily for visitors and it is huge.  The architecture is very Roman, inside is a marvel of gilded arches and carvings with marble bases.  The church has a most peaceful feeling of awe and serenity, if that makes sense. 

Next we get back on the Metro - I should clarify that statement - getting on and off the Metro means going down under the city and climbing back up many times.  It is definitely lots of walking, and lots of up and down.  We are at Central Station and on our way to the train we pass what we think is the underground city, full of shops and eateries.  This is on the middle underground level, we need to be at least one more level down.  We may seem lost looking at our map and a fellow stops and asks where we are going.  He points us in the right direction and off we go.  He told us we could have walked to Old Montreal in about 15 minutes!  Hmm it has already taken us about that amount of time and we are still not at our station, ha!  Oh well we need these experiences to make our day interesting.  We are off to our stop - Place D'Armes and it is only a few stops from where we get on.  Now the climb back up to the street.  Ok which direction, looking at our map again another nice fellow stops and asks where we are going and points us in the right direction.  In Montreal it seems you don't need to ask for help - you just need to look confused and people help you.  

On our way in the square are the horse and buggies calmly waiting to take passengers for a tour of the city.  We think about it but it is $48 for half an hour tour and we don't have that much cash.  So that's put on the back burner.  

We are off in the direction of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal.  It massively protrudes into the skyline, all grey and ornate.  It was built between 1824 and 1829.  Gothic architecture abounds this church.  Many are lined up to enter and pay for a tour which we decline.  

Next we are looking on the map and a lovely older lady (older than us that is) comes along and takes the map from Dan and points out free things to do, where to shop, etc.  wonderful - we have free tour guides along the way!

Down we head in the direction of the Old Port.  The streets are lined with shops, tables with umbrellas and people wandering about.  This is a romantic place this Old Montreal.  We are thirsty so we find a shop and bistro combined and order a latte to drink while we sit outside under the umbrella watching the activity around us.  Hmm, coffee is excellent, waitress is very pleasant and we enjoy.  My feet are starting to protest a bit, but we still have lots of walking to do yet.  

A bit rested and thirst quenched we head off toward the port.  There are benches full of people of all ages sitting, chatting and looking out into the harbour.  Lots of boats, including tour boats, are moored along the harbour.  There are many shapes and sizes of tour boats just waiting to take out the next group for a tour of the area. We wander along the pier while beside us is the set up for Cirque de Soliel, it is fenced all around, so we assume they are opening a show soon.  The area is very relaxing with trees and walkways everywhere, not a place to be driving - it is set up for those on foot.  In and out of the little shops we walk up the hill, lined with cafés and flowers everywhere Dan decides to seek out a building he saw down at the dock.  It is tall with a Canadian flag flying.  I sit on one of the benches to wait for his return - hmmm getting hungry we should look for a spot for lunch.  

Dan found the buildings at the top of the hill, one was City Hall and the other two were law courts - very stately and old.  Wandering along the streets we listen to music and look for a place to sit.  It is very busy and obviously there are not too many places available.  We get seated on the street at Chez Suzelle Crepes & Fondues.  Ah, so romantic!  We order some wine and food and just enjoy!!  Awesome.  

Now we are off to make our way back - it is already 2 pm and we have a long ways to go and Dan hopes to be out of the city before rush hour.  We wander in and out of the shops - I am looking for a magnet that has the Fleur de Lis on it for my collection.  Yes I found it and some other souvenirs and off we go to find the Metro.  Our journey back to the campsite is without incident and we sit outside and revel at our day.  Dan's take on the day - Old Montreal is reminiscent of Gastown - old, quaint and very clean.  

We did not have to pay for a tour guide, we had many very helpful citizens provide us with info and directions.  We both remarked how impressed we are with the locals - thanks Montreal for a great time.  We met a couple in the park here that came to show us a good place to camp in Quebec City - right before the bridge and they have a shuttle.  So I call to make reservations - we were told by the fellow at the tourist info that we should be looking at making reservations now that all kids are out of school.  So I guess we will have to plan more now - no more flying by the seat of our pants.  Till tomorrow. 

Day 24 - Tuesday, June 24 - Bon Jour Quebec!

The rain woke us up bouncing off the roof of the Moho.  We discuss the day and decide that it would not be too pleasant to take a cruise to see the islands if it is overcast and raining.  The weather report is 80% chance of rain today and tomorrow with lightning and thunder storms.  So we decide to take a little run down to the docks to see what we can see before taking off.  

The dock at the Lea.  

It's kind of hard to see but the vegetation you see out there is actually individual islands.  These pictures were taken in between rainstorms.  No visiting the 1000 Islands for us this trip. 

So off we go down the road to find a Future Shop to see if they can tell me why my iPad is having such a hard time publishing my blog.  I find out it's just the internet signal I am getting in the places we are going, old routers and restrictions on some places, such as McDonalds.  So with that said I am happy.

We are now heading off in the direction of Montreal.  Still overcast and raining, hmmm.  

Yeah it is 3:30 and we are in Quebec!  Awesome - there is a large tourist info centre and it is the best info centre I have ever seen.  4 students sitting at computers just waiting to answer your questions.  We have maps, camping books and hospitality all in one place. 

Off we go to the Alouette Campground on the east side of Montreal via Autoroute 20 - which is the continuation of the 401.  We are going to use the bypass around Montreal.  The area around Montreal surprises us - we thought it would be industrial on the outskirts, but it is very rural.  Lots of farming, dairy cows and pigs.  Lots of pigs between eastern Ontario and Quebec, or as Dan says Pork bellies and butts!!  The bypass is a great road with a toll road as well.  We pay $6 for the Moho and Geo.  If we only had the Moho it would have been $3.  Nice highway so the price is worth it.  So far Quebec has impressed us.  New York and Vermont must be very close as there are exits for both states.  The drive is awesome and we arrive at 5:30 pm and are greeted with very personable young people once again.  The campsite is nice and right beside a RV Sales and Service lot - how convenient.  

We tried to get a shuttle into Montreal tomorrow to connect with a tour but no luck - they will only come out for 6 people.  So we are going to try to venture to the Metro parking lot and do our own tour.  We will see how that works. 

Dinner time, pasta and veggies, with a glass of red wine from BC.  Still raining! 

Day 23 - Monday, June 23 - 1000 Islands

So long Niagara - it was a great time we had there.  Now off towards Montreal.  We head out and it's not a bad day, but the farther east we go the more rain we are running into.  The 401 is a good highway, with lots of access to get off when necessary.  Well we are looking for a place to get an oil change done on the motor home - it's time we have almost gone 5000 km.  We stop at a few places but they don't have a bay large enough for us.  Well it's lunch time so we try a Swiss Chalet - we have never eaten there before.  I decide on chicken soup and I am glad I did.  It was awesome.  Bellies are full so off we go still looking for a place to get an oil change.  Finally at Tim's Truck & Equipment in Napanee, Ontario we are able to get it done.  The shop boss rearranged jobs so that it could be done for us by 5:00 pm.  Awesome that is great.  We looked at the map and decide we will try to make the 1000 Islands tonight.  We arrived about 7:00 pm and find a spot for the night.  We are talking about taking a cruise tomorrow.   Now it's time for some smoked fish, crackers and cheeses for a very light dinner. 

Day 22 - Sunday, June 22 - Niagara-on-the Lake & Wine Tour

A while back when we met Ralph and Mary they said we should do 2 things once we get to Niagara. #1 - go into the states to see the other side of Niagara with the ghettos and the low standard of living and a tourist attraction in the middle it.  Well we didn't make that one.  

#2 - go to Niagara-on-the Lake.  Well we added a wine tour in there as well and that way we didn't have to drive.  We called up Grape Escapes and they came and picked us up right at the RV Park.  Our driver, Keith,  was a very nice retired fellow that does this one or two days a week depending on his golf schedule! 

The group consisted of 3 relocated Brits, now US Citizens, 1 young couple from Ohio, a couple from Canada, she from Montreal and he from Hamilton and ourselves.  Quite a mix I say.  The older Brit lady was fairly loud and a bit obnoxious at times.  But all in all it was a good group.  

Keith was full of information about the are and the wineries.  Niagara-on-the Lake was originally the Capital of Upper Canada in and around 1814 when the US lost this area back to Canada.  In 1812 the US plundered us and took possession, but lost it when the British conquered Napoleon and came to rescue Canada.  This area is very quaint and Victorian.  Nicely manicured places, cute parks and live theatre throughout the summer.  A cottage on the or near the lake would range in the area of $300,00 to start.  A lot of Americans own summer cottages here.  It is a good retirement area from Toronto as it has lots of activity happening year round and many golf courses that can be used right up until February each year, with the exception of this year of course.  

This Niagara region produces 80% of all of Canada's wine.  The area is on the same parallel as Northern California - that is why it is such a good wine region.  We visited four wineries - the Reid Estate Winery, Pillitteri, Hinterbrook and Strewn - all very different indeed.  The Hinterbrook Winery is very green - it produces it's own power via a huge solar panel and they have enough to power the entire operation and excess for others to purchase.  They collect rainwater and have storage for 30,000 gals.  They use the pulp from crushing the grapes as fertilizer for the vines.  They also handpick, so no damage occurs to the vines and hand sort as well so no bad grapes will enter the wine making process.  

A great day and wonderful tour guide!

Day 21 - Saturday, June 21 - Journey Behind the Falls

Up early we need to get going so we can take in our two other attractions today.  The RV Park has a group here from all over Canada and the US called the Heartland Owners Group.  It is camping club of those that have purchased RV units made by Heartland.  They go on camping trips or rallies throughout the year.  There are about 40 of them in the park, mostly around us.  They are all very nice and well travelled.  So this morning the RV Park is having breakfast in the Barn.  We decided we would like to go and have a bit of socializing this morning as well.  The breakfast is excellent but the group is downstairs in their own area.  Off we go to the bus - get it? WeGo, ha,ha, that's the name of the bus system. 

Our first attraction is the "Journey Behind The Falls".  You go down another elevator, with a yellow raincoat on this time - another clue that we might get wet?  You walk through a series of tunnels and then we are out on the main platform where we can see the beginning of the Horseshoe Falls pouring and whooshing into the gorge below.  Wow we are really high and it's a long ways down to the gorge. Through more tunnels and then we come out right underneath the falls, down more tunnels and again we are behind the falls.  A bit scary to think of the erosion that has happened over the years and the fact that the tunnels could break away from the gorge at any time!  I guess that is why every so often in the tunnels there are emergency phones and alarms!  Hmmm, might want to be making my way out of here soon.  Wow, that was amazing, but I am glad to be back on top of the gorge.  

Next we are off to the "Fury of The Falls".  It's a 4D film experience on the falls and how they came to be.  Oh yes another rain coat - blue this time - so we are getting wet inside a movie theatre?  Really!  Ok let's see what happens here.  The movie is an animation of a beaver experiencing the creation of the falls.  Glaciers covered this area very many years ago, and as the weather warmed the ice started to melt.  The trees started to fall and the rivers started to run.  And the Niagara River overflowed its banks until it covered a large area with the waters teaming it's banks.  The force of the water came to a drop point about 300 feet and bailed over to create an eddy.  The force of that carved out the gorge and kept eating away at the walls of the falls until they are as you see them today - in a shape of a horseshoe.  Originally the falls were more straight across and after many years of erosion they are now horseshoe shaped.  Still a tremendous force of water falling and swirling today, just amazing.  Dan wants to know how the water can continually run with such force and volume and never run out.  It truly is one of the wonders of the world.  The next part of the experience is the 4D part, where the water runs, the trees are swept away and the thunder happens, as we stand in this platform that is vibrating and we are surrounded by the water, which rains on us when least expected, but this time I have my hood on - I am not looking like a geek when we are done here!  It really does feel like you are a tree being swept over the falls.  It was a neat experience.  

Well after that we are off to see the Floral Clock, back on the bus WeGo.  Ha!  It's a long ride but we get to see lots of sights along the way.  The clock is made up of over 20,000 flowers and the flowers are changed each year.  The clock actually works too.  

Back on the bus and our next stop is Souvenir City.  They have lots to choose from here, from chocolate to hats and blown glass.  Interesting, we shop a bit, take a pic or two and back in the bus.  One more shopping stop where previously I had only looked, today is the purchase.  By now it is 3:00 and we are hungry and thirsty - I want to go to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.  So now we need to figure out how to get there, everything from Niagara Parkway is uphill, very uphill.  We find someone and find out we can take the blue bus - so on WeGo and a short walk we are in!  We get a drink (Margarita for me and Corona for Dan) and we sit on the rooftop.  We get a very small view of Bridal Falls - share a plate of nachos and call that supper.  Now back on the bus and head for camp.  Once again we arrive to a happy to see us dog and a lawn chair to fall into.  Another day of walking our feet off.  Some refreshment and early to bed.  

Well a summary of Niagara - it is amazing, we got to wear red, blue and yellow raincoats - we got to see some amazing feats of nature and meet lots of really nice people.  We wore out our feet and legs.  We ate some good food, some cooked by my very own BBQ chef, Dan and we are glad we were there before July as we understand it gets crazy once summer vacation starts.  We were there at the perfect time, weather was warm, traffic was not bad and we found a really nice campsite.  Would we go back again - no I don't think so, once done it's off our bucket list.  But Truly amazing! 

Niagara Falls in all it's glory.  

Day 20 - Friday, June 20 - The Falls

After a restful night, with all the laundry done we woke early - well we thought it was early as it was just getting light, but really it was 6:30 am.  Really not that early.  Anyway we are finding the days are actually shorter here.  It starts to get dark about 9:00 - Hmmm back home it probably is still light till almost 10 pm.  

Anyway it's an exciting morning - we have our bus and attraction passes and we are off to see the falls.  The bus stops right here by the rv park so that's great - it's only just over a 5 minute walk.  The ride downtown is about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day.  This is a really a nice park we are staying at, it is called Campark, as seen below.  

The drop off point or bus exchange is at Table Rock and that's where we get our first shock.  We get off the bus and it's raining - well no it's not rain, it's the mist off the thundering falls carried by the wind.  Here's our first glimpse of the falls - right bedside the bus stop.  

Off we go to the Welcome Centre to see about our attractions.  We get our bus pass - WeGo it's called and with this package it's good for 48 hours from the first time it's used.  Today we are going to do the White Water Walk.  Hop on the bus and you get dropped off right at the attraction.  The bus runs down the Niagara Parkway.  The walk takes you down an elevator a long ways until you are level with the gorge.  The water runs from the falls at a speed of 106 mph and creates waves in this gorge of 5 meters high!  Powerful.  The waves are Category 6 - that is the highest in the world.  The force and power of the water is amazing.  The walk is quite long, but very interesting there are many viewing points along the way.  

Dan is standing at one of the points with the Niagara Gorge behind him.

We grabbed some popcorn after this and caught the bus to get dropped off at the Hornblower, the boat ride that takes you as close to the falls as possible.  I thought it was the Maid of The Mist, but they lost the contract this season to the Hornblower.  The Maid of The Mist is still running but from the US side.  As we enter they give us red slickers to put on over our clothes - first clue that we might get wet.  The boat is big with two decks and can hold up to 700 people.  It seems full - we are last on and can't find a place near the railing on the upper deck.  Off we go for our tour - the first set of falls we see are the American Falls - Bridal Falls.  They are split into two distinct falls due to erosion and the bottom is full of jagged rocks that have broken off over the years.  

They are amazing as well, but not as grandiose as the Canadian Falls called the Horseshoe Falls.  The boat gets closer to the falls and the closer it gets the wetter we get, until it is raining and the wind is blowing and we are soaking wet now! But so amazing to be that close that you can feel and smell the water!  Our Red Canadian Slickers are stuck to our bodies - of course I didn't put my hood on as I don't like hats and my very short, very thin hair is plastered to my head!  With my sunglasses on and the red slicker I look like a bug!  As we turn around and head back Dan notices some cement windows off the side of the gorge - it used to be the generating station for power but got moved downstream some time ago.  Then we also notice a ledge with people on it and it has a sign "the Journey Behind The Falls". The people look so small on that ledge, hmmm - we are doing that tomorrow.  

Well wet and laughing we get off the boat and decide we are hungry - so we are looking for some lunch, a little late in the day, but heck it doesn't matter what time it is.  We find a market place and Dan buys two beer, I get some sushi and we park ourselves where we have a great view of the falls.  After lunch we wander around and do some shopping, then we catch the bus back to camp.  We are tired and we did a lot of walking today as well - we make it to camp and crash into a lawn chair.  Gidget is glad to see us! After a light snack we play a round of crib - which I win and then we are off to bed.  Tomorrow is another day.