Polly and Mimi's Antiques Roadshow: Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Big Day today because we headed back into the US, a new state, and Ward and Dennis would be meeting us in Niagara Falls, yippee! Ward will join the ride for the last section and Dennis made better time driving cross-country than he expected, so he'll explore while I ride, then we'll take off heading to England on Wednesday after the ride. Only 2 more riding days - hard to believe!

Leaving Brantford we quickly headed back out onto country roads dotted with gorgeous farms and houses. In Canada we have seen some lovely large houses with farms and large carefully mowed lawns, colorful and varied flower beds, pruned shrubs and beautiful trees, all very well tended. Even small houses, with smaller yards, have nice little gardens, mowed lawns and look cared for. The standout landscape element of the day was sod farms - acres and acres of golf course like grass surrounding red barns. Or, there were huge areas of carefully prepared chocolate soil that would soon sprout new grass. All flat and extending out to the encircling forest.

As we pedaled toward Niagara we entered some more forested territory with rolling hills and beautiful estates. It was fun riding. And we were accompanied by Jeff who works for ABB. We love his company and enthusiasm, and that he knows where to go! So entering Niagara we had our very own guide to help navigate our way to the falls. It was fun to enter from the Canadian side, clean but clearly touristy. We rode down a steep hill past huge casinos and tourist attractions. At the bottom of the hill, there were the falls.

In spite of the busy surroundings - tons of people and cars, buildings and tourist kiosks selling goodies, the falls are impressive. There are three falls, American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls and together their combined flow rate is the highest of any waterfall in the world. The power and shear volume of water as it smashes into the turquoise blue river below, is something to see. The mist generated felt wonderful in the heat of the day.

After photos and a quick bite to eat, we headed for the bridge, customs and our return to the US of A. It was a unique experience to pedal into the US and go through customs on a bike! When Dennis went through he mentioned that his wife was doing a ride across the country. The customs official asked if we were the ones in the blue shirts. (Our America by Bike shirts are blue, white and red.) When he answered, yes, she waved him right through.

Within minutes of our arrival, Ward and Dennis were here and the celebrating began! Before bed we watched the fireworks over the lighted falls. Nice end to a most pleasant day.

Day 42
Miles - 76
Total Miles - 3145
Elevation Gain - 1339
Elevation Loss - 1490 (going down...)
Link to Polly"s Garmin

Shades of electricity generated from Niagara?

Fred from Texas on the road in the morning light

The beautiful scenery

And more...

Corn and hay -just in case you forgot we see hay every day!

Sod farm - close up

Wide angle view of the sod farm

"It's not polite to smack your lips, but you
can't help it with Fritos corn chips.
Munch, munch, munchy munchy Fritos,
corn chips!"
Mimi's favorite sag stop snack!

Draw bridge we rode over en route to
Niagara falls - huge boat had just gone
through

At the falls wearing our ABB shirts:
Jordan, Rosy, Richard, Jeff, Polly, Mimi, Joel and John

The Antiques at the falls!

The Antiques and pal Jeff

American and Bridal Veil Falls

Maid in the Mist tourist boat - note the rain coats.

Horseshoe Falls

View from the bridge crossing back into the USA!

Another state! And back in home territory.

Day 43 - REST Day - touristy things - the Maid in the Mist, Goat Island, Cave of the Winds, eat ice-cream, drink beer, of course Mimi will drink straight Vodka, eat good food that is not from a buffet, wander around! A wonderful time!