crossing borders

We noticed the mouths on the cups the first day we were in this hotel. This morning, Angel went down to get coffee and used a sleeve. I guess it was the first time one went on correctly. Look! They are mix and match Mr. Potato head style. There is also a pearl one with a feminine smile.

Today's walk was a 15K. We did about 10, and we-kind off went off course. On purpose. The route had us go to Goat Island, and then cross the bridge into Canada. We decided to start in Canada and then work our way back. If we were too hot, and/or too tired, we would be able to go back to the hotel.

Our day in pictures:

Today, we noticed where the two countries met. It was designated by both flags and a brass plaque.

We wandered thru the Oxford Gardens.

And followed the river trail past the old power stations.

In Canada, the restroom lady has curves.

The flowers are late here. Tulips are still blooming as well as rhodi's and azaleas.

A view of the Niagara Falls, USA, from the power station.

A barge stuck since 1918.

Once we reached the barge we headed back. We did not do the section of the trail in Goats Island.

An hour later we were on the road again. This time to the Cave of the Winds. It was cool walking next to the falls in our plastic raincoats and cheap sandals. But dang was the water cold!

Afterwards we drove on the bus to Canada. We had several more stops to make. I had pulled off my cheap sandals and was barefoot on the bus when we arrived at the border crossing. We all had to get off the bus and go inside. I went in barefoot. Shocked, right?

After we were all cleared, we headed to the Niagara Botanical Gardens, but only for 45 minutes. A lot of space to cover and not much time. Had we the time I would have paid the extra to go into the butterfly conservatory.

It was there that we saw out first endangered species. I know the are extinct in my town. The coin return slot yielded nothing. Would a teen know what to do with this? Maybe. It comes with instructions in two languages.

Then it was back on the bus to Niagara on the Lake. About 20 minutes away. There we did a Canadian Volkssport walk around town. Bonnie opted out and went shopping. It took us to the waterfront where we could see Fort Niagara on the US side. The walk was less than 5K. Probably closer to 4. Our book stamps will come in the mail.

We met Bonnie an hour later, and the sky was turning black and the wind was blowing and we needed to get out of there. It was time to quick pick a place for dinner.

Eating, shopping, more walking. Then back to the bus. Two quick stops before the US of A.

 

The flower clock. (Sorry it was getting dark.)

And the whirlpool. On the right you can see the car that takes you by wire, to America. Talk about an interesting commute!

We had to get off the bus one more time to re-enter the country.

All exhausted, it would have been nice just to take a shower and hit the sack. But Angel was close to 35K steps and really wanted to make it. So we went for a 20 minute walk. Yeah, we are nuts.

Tomorrow, we start to head home. Only one walk left. So far we have logged about 40 miles.

wet

Today we shuffled off to Buffalo for a 10K. We hope to pass the Anchor Bar and let Bonnie eat chicken wings, but alas, the walk didn't go that way. And neither did Bonnie.

Bonnie wanted to do a 5K. Angel and I really wanted to do more—not necessarily a 10K. So she decided to walk with her seat mate and her friends.

Angel and I walked the route for the 10 K. The walk began at the confluence of four bodies of water—the Buffalo River, Lake Erie, Black Rock Canal and the Niagara River. Across the river was a small light house. I immediately wanted to climb it. I kept scanning the park to see how to get across the river.

To leave the park you needed to walk thru the Buffalo and Erie Counties Naval & Military Park. It was a huge area with warships parked everywhere. And a lot of memorials My not quite 13-year-old nephew would have loved it.

The route entailed a lot of walking thru downtown and the theatre district. Lots of ghost signs. Then I saw on the sheet that we were close to Dinosaur BBQ and I had to go. That's one of my brother Dave's favorite places. But they weren't open yet. It was a little early for lunch.

We worked our way back to city hall. Oh my, the beauty of art deco displayed in that building.  It said on the sheet that you could tour the building. I wasn't in the mood for security so I didn't. Apparently, you could go all the way to the top, and there was no security checkpoints.

Finally, we headed back to the waterfront.

We were two hours early for the bus. Being the walkers we are, we decided to walk to the light house. Angel googled the directions. Turns out there are no bridges and it was a 5 mile walk. Actually it would be 10, because we'd have to walk back. Ummm. No thanks.

 So instead we walked back out toward town and went looking for Shark Girl in the canal area. Thankfully, she posed for a picture. I do not look good in this pix at all.

We returned to the meeting point, and people had started to come back. But we still had nearly an hour before the bus left. Bonnie arrived about 10 minutes before departure time. She looked like she had fun with her group. Didn't miss us at all.

Then it was back to Niagara for the Maid of the Mist tour. I once asked mom if we could go—I was maybe 14 at the time—and she said no. It was too expensive. But it was fun. And the silly rain gear keeps you mostly dry. My hat kept the water off my glasses—for the most part. Hiking up the stairs next to the falls afterwards was even more fun.

We came back to the hotel for a little break, then headed out to the Jain//Vegan Indian place for dinner. Then back to the hotel. At 7:30 Angel and I went on the evening hike with a few club members, ultimately ending on Goat Island. For another up close and personal look at the falls.

Tomorrow, it's off to Canada to walk. I hope the stamp in my book says Canada on it!

no longer a "virgin"

Yesterday Bonnie, Angel and I began a four-day Volkssport bus trip to Niagara Falls. I think this is Angels first bus trip in a long time. She prefers to fly. And change continents.

Angel arrived at my place at 5 am, and we were picking Bonnie up 5:10. Then it was to Warminister we went. We did have a choice to be picked up in Qtown, but we wanted to sit together. Oh so we thought.

We arrived plenty early, and got seats together. Angel and I shared, and Bonnie was a cross the way, alone. It was maybe 6:55 and we were joking Bonnie didn't have to share. Then I saw a car speeding up the driveway. Shoot.

Bottom line, Bonnie was moved forward on the bus. We didn't get to sit together. We drove to Warminister for nothing.

First stop was in Binghamton. A city right over the New York border. We signed in and received directions on the bus, so it was off the bus and on the way. Binghamton is a nice town. They actually still have a Boscov's downtown! We we so busy be amazed about a department store downtown that we missed the street. We ended up shaving almost  a mile off the 10K.

After walking we signed in. Angel got to stamp her books for the first time. Not too exciting. But she'll have a half book done by the time we are done. We were also able to get vanilla ice cream at the Y's cafe. Huge amount for a buck eight.

Then back on the bus. They showed a PBS documentary on the falls. Pretty much it said that 75% of the falls power is being used to generate electric. So what you see is not what is really there. Worse, the Army Corp of Engineers have extensively modified the falls. So what you see isn't natural. I was so bummed. Turn the bus around, I want to go home! I'm only half kidding.

Finally we arrived in Niagara. What surprised me was how empty this town is. It's the week of Memorial Day and the town is dead.

After checking in, we decided to walk to Canada for dinner. (He didn't mention that only Indian restaurants in the US would be open. We counted seven.) The bus driver said Canada was to the left. Follow Rainbow Ave to the Rainbow bridge and you are there. Wrong.  If you follow the highway signs you arrive at the closed sidewalks. We had to backtrack, take the path toward the park, then follow the signs to Canada.

The view from the bridge was spectacular. But I kept thinking how much better it might be had the ACOE kept their dang hands off it. That documentary will haunt me.

Finally we are at the entrance to Canada. A line had formed so we waited somewhat patiently. The group in front of us had some issues getting in. Someone had a British passport. Oops.

We got thru with ease. And found a place to eat with a view of the falls. Dinner was interesting. Angel had eggplant and a salad. It was beautiful. Bonnie had a burger with a gluten free rolls. It was both messy and yummy. I had stir-fried veggies and pasta. Well, at least that's what I ordered. What arrived was a mound of spaghetti with what seemed like a quart of sauce. On top was half a grilled tomato. Around the sides were steamed broccoli, carrots and peppers. Very odd indeed. I was expecting sauteed veggies and pasta, with maybe EVOO or butter.

By the time we finished eating the lights were on the falls. Not nearly as spectacular as in the movie. Again, a little disappointed.

We climbed back up to the rainbow bridge and headed back to America. Where the Canadians were stoic, the American's were friendly and welcoming. He scanned my passport and it was off to the ext person in line. Angel says to the officer. Her passport doesn't have any stamps. Can you stamp it so she's not a virgin. He agreed.

june email

This is the email I sent yesterday. If you want on/off the list, let me know in the comments section.

Here's a list of where I'll be walking in June, so far. Anyone wants in, let me know. I try make firm plans for just one day per weekend.

Also attached is a flier I received for a 500 mile challenge. Very low key. Only $10. If you finish a total of 500 miles in runs (or in my case, walk) you get a t-shirt. Not too exciting, but for someone like me that's goal oriented, I'm going for it.

June 6 - National Trails Day
The Lehigh Gap Nature Center is doing a night Whip Poor Whil hike. It starts at 6 pm in suburban Slatington. I am going. I am also open for a day walk.

June 13 - Tail on the Trail Event at Hugh Moore Park. These start at 10.

June 20 - Nothing specific planned. Thinking Hellertown Rail Trail. Have a wedding at 5 in the Poconos. I should walk in the morning.

June 21 - FITNESS ADVENTURE (Let's stop calling these challenges. They are adventures!) Laser Tag at Lehigh Valley Laser Tag I haven't gotten tickets yet, but it will be late morning.
     **Fair warning. I will have my 13-year-old niece and nephew, my 11-year-old friend, and two of their friends, with me. (Aunt Gayle now gives experiences, not presents for birthdays.)

___________________

Fitness adventure suggestions so far.
-Actually do a complete Fitness Challenge course in one of the parks.
-Roller Skating.
-Racquet Sport (tennis, racquetball, squash, handball whatever)--Do they offer single classes in these things? Can you rent equipment to look like a fool for an hour? I have no idea. (Received a rely from my friend Pam. Her son is a squash pro. She's going to talk to him about a Squash Basics clinic. Sounds fun.)
-Volleyball.
-Archery. Apparently it's not just for GS camp. Who knew?

Happy Trails
Gayle

It wasn't open!

I was so disappointed. Actually nothing was open—Artsquest was closed so I couldn't show Angel and Darrell the sculpture. The welcome center was closed so no water or potties. And the trestle was closed. It looks about 98% finished. There are places on the handrail of the stairs that have no mesh. Seriously bummed.

The group was not as big as I anticipated. Lyd was sore from painting yesterday, so she bailed. The medium human chose to stay at grammys and watch tv, and Megan was working. It was just me, Angel, Darrell, Bonnie and the wee one.

We all met at my house, and then headed off to ArtsQuest. We went down the hill, out Itaska, down and then up Fiot. We followed Pawnee until it ended, and went down Fourth to Wyandotte. Up Wyandotte to the bridge and down Third to the Greenway entrance. Then out the Greenway to the skatepark.

We crossed to the casino, headed under the trestle and double backed to ArtsQuest where we got the bad news. We took a little break so the wee one could run for a few minutes. He liked none of the play equipment.

That giant Boyle sign is blocking the entrance to the incredible staircase. (The grey tower is the elevator. I'm not sure what is happening at the top but the sign looks like it's blocking the entrance!

 This elbow is where the stairs have no side mesh.

This is an alternative staircase. There is also one on the casino side. The red sculpture in the first photo is new to the area by the Welcome Center. There are two.

We headed out First to Webster, up Webster to Second, under the bridge and through the Banana Factory parking lot. They were also closed.

But some one did yarn bomb all the bike racks!

We crossed, went back up to Broadway and headed home. Bonnie's "Map My Run" said it was 5.08 miles.

We forgot to take a group picture! That's because Lydia wasn't along. Since I no longer have a real camera, she has become the official photographer.  My iPod stinks at photos.

The roomie asked today why I wore my bra tee shirt from The Moonwalk. Because it's a flag, of course. It is Memorial Day after all.

will it be open?

I have myself all excited. The Hoover-Mason Trestle—the half by the furnaces
that is done—is supposed to be open by Memorial Day. It's Memorial Day! What if it's not open? I'll be crushed.

A large group is going to walk today—Bonnie, Megan, Angel, Daryl, and one medium and one wee human. Only two more hours and we will know for sure.

Fingers crossed.