Erie Canal and Niagara Falls (Day Two and Three)

Even though we arrived at our campground near Niagara Falls on Wed night, we were not planning on visiting the Falls until Friday, when we could meet up with my mom, sister and niece to see it together. So, our first outing, on Thursday, was of much less hype, but I really enjoyed it. 

We drove to the town of Lockport, which is about 30 minutes east of Niagara Falls. Lockport is one of many towns on the Erie Canal with a series of very old locks. We took a tour of the locks and an underground cave with enough water to float a boat. 

The locks were revamped 200 years ago so we kept hearing about all the new attractions that will be built (including a new zip line) for the anniversary celebration next year. Seems like the place to be in 2017! Favorite fact I learned: 200 years ago boats would wait up to 3 weeks for the lock to open and let them pass. This was because it took so much effort to open and close the locks. Men were positioned at the walls and moved them manually. During the 3 week waiting period. the boat occupants would visit the town and spend money, which helped the lock towns to thrive.

Our tour guide...full of stories. Told of an old fire hydrant factory that burned down and mentioned how ironic it was.

Upside down bridge over the Erie Canal

Fay picked and ate wild black blueberries

Underground cave boat ride. This old cave was used to divert water pressure to old factories along the canal. 

Before seeing the locks, we stopped for lunch at an amazing cafe nearby called Carson's Deli and Bakery. Thanks to a random suggestion over the 4th of July from a friend, we recognized a local menu favorite at the bakery called “Beef on Weck”. We knew we had to order it and it was the right choice. Beef on Weck is simply a hot roast beef sandwich on a roll. The roll, covered in caraway seeds and salt, is the star of the show.

When we returned to the campsite, we did in fact get our reserved spot which was as glorious as I hoped it would be. The kids had Lake Ontario as their backyard for a night. We played tag, played cards, and took a swim in the lake. A pretty good introduction to our RV nightlife.

Only Fay and Jess were brave enough to swim in Lake Ontario

Rex was a bit creeped out by the murky water and Ryan thought the water was too cold.

We had to depart fairly early on Friday morning to drive to my mom's hotel on the Canadian side. Luckily, the border crossing was fairly quick (and I got to use my expedited passport!). The Canadian side was much busier than the US side. It reminded us a bit of Vegas; there were so many more crowds, lights and cars. After breakfast, we had tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat ride, which was on the US side. Back across the border we went! This time, we piled Mom, Mimi and Natalie in the RV. We were were all snorting with laughter by the time we got past the border patrol because we looked like quite the crew (5 adults and 2 kids in a small RV) and the border control were so serious. I guess I got nervous because everyone said I was rambling with my answers to simple border control questions. When asked, “what were you doing in Canada", I explained that my mom was staying in Canada but we weren't, ,and basically told him what everyone had for breakfast by the time I was through.

Niagara Falls was beautiful and the boat ride was spectacular. We took a boat ride called Maid of the Mist. There are two main falls at Niagara, Bridalveil and Horseshoe. Bridalveil Falls is on the US side but you can’t get a good view of it unless you are on the water or viewing from the Canadian side. Horseshoe is split between the US and Canada, but is also best viewed from the Canadian side. However, the best view of all is from a boat. Maid of the Mist gets you right up close to both Falls and you get super wet. It was so much fun as the sprinkles turned into full on rainstorm. We all started off, eager to have a spot on the rail up front (running!). By the end, we were happy to view from a drier spot further from the edge. Of course the best part might be the amazing ponchos we all wore together. 

Next up….

heading to Rochester, NY for our Lowe family reunion.