After an unexpected stop in Ohio, we headed straight for New York on a calm but gloomy morning. The drive to NY was pretty smooth, minus a few small roads and unexpected dips that really slowed us down. We got to our host's house in good time; it took us about 4 hours from Ohio to NY. Once we got to our host's house, the sun started peeking out of the clouds as if to welome us into today's adventure. We met our lovely host, whose name is Nicole, coincidentally. Nicole was also hosting two other guests in her house at the time, and one of them was from Germany - Eva - whom we quickly befriended and spent the whole day with on the Canada side of Niagara Falls.
Fortunately for us, Nicole's place isn't situated too far from the Falls. Supposedly, it's only takes 20 minutes from where we're staying to Rainbow Bridge. Supposedly. But, some kind of shenanigans were happening near the border and construction was all over the place so it took us at least 15 minutes longer. We walked around, in what seemed like circles, as we pondered contradicting signs of "Pedestrian Walkway Here" and "Pedestrians Do Not Enter," situated right beside each other. Just when we were beginning to tire from the ridiculous run-around, we found a hidden pathway, leading to the passport check, thanks to another wandering soul who happened upon it.
Crossing Rainbow Bridge was a feat in itself as winds were blowing at such high speeds, we felt like we could've got blown right off. If we had had a kite, it would've snapped right off the string. Our first glimpse of Niagara Falls was breathtaking. No one or not a single postcard, movie, magazine, etc. could have prepared us for such a majestic sight. Once we survived the attack of a thousand winds, we explored Ontario for the rest of the day. From great food at a local bar & grill to a plethora of gift shops to drinks at the Hard Rock Cafe, our legs got one heck of a workout from all of the walking. Oh and maple, maple, and more maple. So many maple products. Among other goods, we bought a maple chocolate bar to share and it was pretty good.
Fortunately for us, Nicole's place isn't situated too far from the Falls. Supposedly, it's only takes 20 minutes from where we're staying to Rainbow Bridge. Supposedly. But, some kind of shenanigans were happening near the border and construction was all over the place so it took us at least 15 minutes longer. We walked around, in what seemed like circles, as we pondered contradicting signs of "Pedestrian Walkway Here" and "Pedestrians Do Not Enter," situated right beside each other. Just when we were beginning to tire from the ridiculous run-around, we found a hidden pathway, leading to the passport check, thanks to another wandering soul who happened upon it.
Crossing Rainbow Bridge was a feat in itself as winds were blowing at such high speeds, we felt like we could've got blown right off. If we had had a kite, it would've snapped right off the string. Our first glimpse of Niagara Falls was breathtaking. No one or not a single postcard, movie, magazine, etc. could have prepared us for such a majestic sight. Once we survived the attack of a thousand winds, we explored Ontario for the rest of the day. From great food at a local bar & grill to a plethora of gift shops to drinks at the Hard Rock Cafe, our legs got one heck of a workout from all of the walking. Oh and maple, maple, and more maple. So many maple products. Among other goods, we bought a maple chocolate bar to share and it was pretty good.
We decided early on that we were determined to stay all day until past sunset so that we could see the rainbow spectrum of lights turn on behind the Falls. It was well-worth the wait. After snapping a ton of pictures of the Falls at night, we finally made our way back across the bridge and after a brief interrogation by a tough-guy security guard, we were back in the US. Also, it cost us 50 cents to cross back into the US, but it was free to cross into Canada. What is that about?! If only you could've seen the 3 of us struggling behind the security glass to scrape up quarters and Canadian moose coins (actually also called a quarter) to get back into our country of citizenship (except Eva). If it weren't for Eva, we probably would've been trapped in Canada indefinitely because the two of us together only had 25 cents and a moose coin on us in change. So thank you Eva!
Today was another exciting day full of unexpected events, and actually our first day being tourists since we began this Crusade. To be honest, it felt a little strange being amongst so many other travelers since for the past 6 days, we've been kicking it with the locals. Nonetheless, it was nice experience, albeit, a little more tiring in a different way.
[TKC Road Trip Pro-Tip #1: When roadripping over long distances, pack your own disposable toilet seat covers! Bringing our own toilet seat covers on this trip has been one of the most useful decisions we've made.]
..and the adventure continues!
Nics & Riks
[TKC Road Trip Pro-Tip #1: When roadripping over long distances, pack your own disposable toilet seat covers! Bringing our own toilet seat covers on this trip has been one of the most useful decisions we've made.]
..and the adventure continues!
Nics & Riks