New York State.

Unwinding from the huge day in New York City was never going to be easy. Our plan was to do some tripping around in the car in the immediate Greenwich / Stamford area of Connecticut, maybe a visit to the beach or such. Well, the idea seemed great, the execution a different matter. Why you may well ask? Firstly we discovered that public beaches are non-existant in this very affluent area. They are all private beaches with guards in sentry boxes to ensure that their privacy is maintained. One guy kindly said we could drive into the parking area of one such private beach, if we paid $US40 for the privelege - no prize for guessing what we told him to do with his beach.. However we did see some magnificent homes set in lovely winding, tree lined streets that were almost compounds. Not surprising that the likes of Paul Newman, Barbara Streisand and friends have their East Coast hangouts in this neighbourhood. Silly us we forgot to ring ahead and let them know we were visiting from!
Down Under.
The weather continues to be very hot, high humidity and at times breathless, so a plunge in the ocean would have been nice.
Tuesday morning hit the road again for the drive to Niagara Falls in the north west corner of New York state, a distance of almost 500 miles. En route we passed through a number of lovely little villages and hamlets. New York state is quite a pretty state, greenery everwhere, window boxes and hanging baskets in the small towns adding a very colourful addition to the mainly weatherboard homes. Initially we had planned two full days for this trip, but by swapping drivers every two hours or so managed to knock it over comfortably in one day. We did have pre booked accomodation at a B&B within walking distance of the Falls, but due to our early arrival had to book into a nearby motel for that night. After settling in we walked to the American Falls (Wow), then across to Goat Island for a different perspective of both the American Falls and the much larger Horshoe Falls across the border in Canada. It is very hard to describe these Falls, the sheer volume of water racing down to !
the various faces is spectacular in itself, let alone the thunderous roar and the ever present mist rising from the crashing torrent. The entire area facing the falls is beautifully maintained parkland and gardens which adds to the spectacle. As it was nearing darkness we decided that would be enough for our first encounter with Niagara Falls, however we had already formulated plans for the next two full days here. Unfortunately a sleepless night as I seem to be suffering from flue symptoms, but dosed up the following morning ready to explore everything in sight.
Wednesday we decided to drive across into Ontario, Canada and take a look at the country towards Toronto, after all sitting in an air conditioned car appealed more than walking in the heat with aching limbs. We drove about 65 miles into Canada, stopping in the delightful town of Oakville. This is where our Suzuki 4WD friends, Chris & Donna Betcher and family are located during their 12 month teacher exchange program. Unfortunately we were unable to make contact as it is summer vacation for schools here at the moment, and the Betchers are understandably taking the opportunity to go on vacation themselves and see as much as possible during their 12 month stay. Still we did enjoy seeing their little town (150,000 approx) so that when next talking with them we will have a better understanding of their surroundings. We then returned to the Falls, this time the Canadian side for the most spectacular views of the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls from yet a different perspecti!
ve altogether. As we have been invited to a BBQ at the home of an American couple we met on the Alaska tour, we had to drag ourselves away and back across the border and through customs again. A quick check-in to our B&B, then head south for the 45 minute drive to Orchard Park and the home of Dennis & Jane Jewell. Upon arrival there we met up again with another American couple, Mike & Nancy who were also on the Alaska thingy and also met the next door neighbours of Dennis & Jane; Marsha & Garry. Over a few drinks and a delightful BBQ dinner, sitting outside on a very balmy evening we enjoyed a fabulous evening in the company of six very charming and hospitable people. The time just flew and before we knew it 11:30pm had come and gone, and as some had to front up for work in the morning, we reluctantly said our farewells and departed for the drive back to Niagara Falls and the historic "Park Place" B&B.
After a pleasant breakfast at Park Place, we went exploring again in the car, into Canada again seeking out the original "Ice Wine" winery, near the township of Niagara On The Lake. Finding "Inniskillin" was not that difficult so we arrived in time to join a conducted tour of the winery. A very interesting process right from the siteing of the vines to the picking crushing, ageing and bottling. This wine is so special they even have a glass especially designed to drink it from. Hand crafted bottles in various forms are also made especially and available for purchase - provided you have a spare $US500 per bottle.
Then back across the border again - sniffer dogs were getting a little suspicious with us by this time, to partake of our two "must do" activities in Niagara Falls. The "Maid Of The Mist" boat ride into the raging waters at the base of Horseshoe Falls and the "Cave Of The Winds" walk arond the bottom of the American Falls. I can't begin to describe the exhilerating rush the Maid Of The Mist brings to you as you enter the thunderous roar of the cascading water right in the middle of the mist and spray below the Horseshoe Falls. It is like standing in the heaviest downpour you can imagine. The sheer power needed by the boat to maintain its position must be massive. Having said all this, the Cave Of The Winds was just as, possibly even more exhilerating. You are fitted out with souvenir rubber booties and a plastic poncho, then descend 180 feet in an elevator to the base of the American Falls. A series of wooden and steel walkways allows you to walk right up to the base of the !
falls where cascading water and spray literally throws you around on the platform - especially the platform known as "Hurricane Deck". Be prepared to get wet was the understatement of the year - drowned rats would be more appropriate as you will eventually see from our photos. After these two incredible experiences we felt the need for some refreshment - so we tried "Dippin' Dots". Look them up on the Internet, I'm sure they must be there. If not, we have photos.
Kevin & Gail.
www.alaska-2006.blogspot.com

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