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.