Niagara Falls - Take One

If you haven't seen Niagara Falls... it MUST be on your "bucket list" of things to do.  WOW.  While we were in New York last week for Brianna's college graduation (Dave's little sister), we drove the three hours to Niagara Falls.  Words cannot express the noise we heard when we got out of the car at the hotel and heard the rushing waters from about 1/4 - 1/2 a mile away. 

We were so excited to go and see them (we got into town around 1 or 2pm), so we got checked in and quickly unloaded everything into the hotel room.  It was a little cool and overcast, so I decided to change out of my capris and Drew out of his shorts to put on jeans.  Big mistake.  I'll get to that in a bit.

We hurried out to see the majestic Falls, and it did not disappoint!  We took full advantage of every tourist attraction at the Falls (well nearly all - we didn't do the aquarium or see one section of the park).  There are so many pictures we took, that I figured I'd spread them out over two days - since we spent 2 days exploring.  Let me just say, the photos do not do it justice.

First on the agenda... hitting up Maid of the Mist, the boat that takes you right down into the falls.  With the admission price you get a "pretty" blue poncho.  Um, you definitely need it!  In fact they should just give you a body suit!

 Drew shows us his new get-up, and we were amazed at just how handy this sucker would be...

Now that we're on the boat, Drew is in awe of all the falls...

American and Bridal Falls - the first of the three main waterfalls.  The view from the top deck.  Be prepared, all the blurry/hard to see photos coming up, are because of all the mist from the waterfalls!

Now for the big kahuna... Horseshoe Falls.  The one that stretches from the US to Canada.

It was tough to pull the camera out too much since all the mist and spray was pelting the camera.  At one point it wouldn't close properly it was so wet!

 (over our shoulders - to the right of the picture - is the Canadian side)

After the Maid of the Mist tour, Grandpa Tim, Dave, Aunt Brianna and I walked up toward the American Falls (some stairs/deck that goes right along side it).  It was a drenching so I didn't even bring the camera.  Drew who was cold and wet opted to stay with Grandma Lolly.  I cannot tell you how spectacular that walk was!

Afterward we took the elevator to the observation deck where it was SUPER windy.  I'd guess 30 mph winds (nearly knocked Drew over several times) but it was perfect to catch some of the scenes and dry off some.  We were SOAKED!

On the left side of the picture you see the American Falls, and in the distance is Horseshoe Falls.

From here we began making our way to see the Falls from above at a closer vantage point.  Dave and I just wanted to soak it all in because who knows when we'll be able to make the trip back here.  We were amazed by just how fast the water rushes toward the American Falls - they said about 30mph, and the depth is only 3-5 feet.  There's a point just beyond that bridge where they say it'll take you 3 minutes from start to the bottom of the Falls.

And the gang (I'm taking the picture obviously) - L-R: Brianna, Lolly, Drew and Daddy, Tim

That's what the end of the Bridal Falls looks like!  Below where you see the decks, that's Cave of the Winds.  I'll share that adventure with you tomorrow. But that gives you some perspective for tomorrow's post.

Drew and I in front of American Falls.  What's amazing about these waterfalls, is that it's a straight edge/cliff.  nothing rounded or anything.  Just a great big shelf.  In the distance you can see the observation tower where we were drying off, and below that is the Maid of the Mist boat tour.

I think that's enough photos for one post.  I'll share the rest of the day's adventures in tomorrow's post along with our Cave of the Winds tour!