Fun at the Falls

I believe that I mentioned in yesterday's post that my brother, Paul, is visiting from Kentucky with one of his daughters (Becky) and her boyfriend (Zac). The weather here hasn't exactly been cooperating with their visit but since today looked to be the best on the weather forecast, it was decided that we would head out to do the touristy Niagara Falls attractions. Zac has never been to Niagara Falls and I always think it is so much fun to go the Falls with someone that has never been there before. For those of you not familiar with the geography of New York State, Buffalo and much of the Western New York area borders Canada along the Niagara River (between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario). The Niagara River will take you.....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, SLASH! over the Falls. So, yes, we are very close to such a natural wonder.

Anyway, Paul, Becky, Zac, Madeline and I (David was at work) went to Niagara Falls, walked around, and took in the sights (a very nerve racking thing to do with a child because it always amazes me at how close you can get to the Falls) I would not be surprised if Madeline ended up with bruises on her hands from me holding them so tightly. We also caught two of the attractions. (Sorry the pictures do not show all our action - it was just too wet to take out the cameras at certain points).

First we went on the Maid of the Mist. This boat takes you for a ride on the lower Niagara to the area near the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Madeline could care less about seeing the awesome view of the Falls that was directly in front of us. No, she just thought it was a hoot that the water was whipping all around us.

Next, we took a tour of the Cave of the Winds Tour. This is my absolute favorite "must do" attraction for anyone visiting the Falls on vacation. This tour takes you by into the Niagara Gorge where you follow wooden walkways to the Bridal Veil Falls. Madeline thought the boat was fun, but this is *insane*!! I wasn't sure if I could do this with Madeline, but we actually made it to the Hurricane Deck which is less than 20 feet water crashing over the Bridal Veil Falls. With Mama-Dirtyfoot holding on tight the entire time, Madeline had a blast! She pretty much a maniac - and the wetter she got the better (those rain ponchos they give you do not protect you from the water at all!). The more the water whipped around and splashed us the better. My brother, Paul, was amazed at what a little adventure child we have on our hands. In fact, when it was time to go, Madeline cried because she did not want to leave. After the tour, I had to change Madeline because she was drenched from head to toe!

In the evening, we ended up ordering up some pizza and wings and eating out on our back deck. Afterwards, the Kentucky crew headed back to the Falls to see the evening fireworks. I think I could safely say that Zac is enjoying his Niagara Falls experience. My out of town friends....are you next?? You are always welcome!

Zac and Becky














Madeline at the Brink of the Falls (you can see a Maid of the Mist boat below)














Mama and Maddie on the Maid of the Mist -wearing the ever so fashionable blue ponchos














Mama and Madeline after the Cave of the Winds - Madeline still semi-crying about having to leave.