Day 43. Niagara Falls, NY. 0 miles. 0 ft climb

Playing Tourist.   Interestingly, the Canadian side is not part of any national or provincial park and this is what has allowed for the heavy commercialization of that side.

Niagara Falls, Canada

The New York side is State Park land, and there is a grassy and forested buffer on the edge of the Falls area, making for a more peaceful and natural setting.  One just hears the roar of the falls and feel the mist from that side, not interrupted by anything commercial.

Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls State Park, Founded in 1885

Last night, the Falls were lit up with a light show and fireworks, a bit Disneyesque, but still pretty.

Today, Terry and most others took the classic tourist ride on the Maid of The Mist boat to get up close and personal with Niagara and Horseshoe Falls.   They were decked out in "tailored" plastic bags, shaped garbage bags basically, that covered the head and whole body.

Russell, I think

Terry And Others On Board Maid Of The Mist With A Rainbow

Maid Of The Mist & Horseshoe Falls

Despite the cliche of it all, it was quite spectacular.  Many of the group hadn't been to Niagara Falls for many decades, and really enjoyed this excursion.  The boat gets right near the two falls and the spray is huge.  It creates rainbows in every direction.   Looking up, through the spray, one can see the Falls and nothing else.   The amount of falling water is amazing.  The currents are very strong and it's obvious how powerful these boats are.  Horseshoe Falls is the more dramatic of the two.   The spray from it is enormous!

After the boat ride, Terry and others walked on top of the Falls on paths which take them over both Falls, the rivers that feed them and over Goat Island which separates them.  The views are dramatic everywhere.   

Niagara Falls, Goat Island, Horseshoe Falls Panorama

After lunch, Terry relaxed and took a nap.  Later this evening, he had a wonderful picnic dinner  on Goat Island with a small group of riders and Steve and his parents, who had flown up from Georgia (as in piloted a private plane) and brought the great food.

Julie & Terry at Picnic.  Julie has been sending me the photos from Terry's camera.  And Travis sent me this,  Thanks Travis &  Julie!!

 Tomorrow's start of the LAST week of cycling, en route to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  Even though they have come over the largest mountains in the US, some of the hardest rides are still ahead, crossing the Green Mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire.  There are just a little over 500 miles to go.   Unbelievable!