It’s not very often that we can just take off and go on a trip. It happens more now that the kids are grown, but we still have so many other obligations and restrictions with work and such that it’s somewhat of a rare event. The last few days however, we did just that.
Well… I guess it’s not fair to say that we just took off. There was quite a bit of planning that went into it. Our main objective was to meet up with some friends from Canada and Pennsylvania. So, coordinating our days was a little tricky. We all had to make sure we could get the respective time off work and other commitments taken care of; but that wasn’t as hard as expected. We decided on a two day meet-up with days jam packed full of activity. The rest of the gang lived close enough to the falls and had been there several times. Mark and I were the only ones who hadn’t experienced the beauty and wonder of this natural marvel so we took off a couple extra days to spent time by ourselves, and take in the beauty.
Sunday afternoon, we washed the cars, checked oil and made sure everything was in order… except for filling the windshield wiper fluid. We had to forget something, or it wouldn’t have been proper, right? Clothes were washed and packed in suitcases and car late night, then we grabbed about five hours of sleep before starting our drive up at 4am Monday morning.
We were tired by the time we arrived, so after grabbing a bite to eat at Denny’s, we decided to see if the motel we had reservations at was ready a tad before check-in time. It was! YAY!
Nap time! What’s a vacation without a nap?
We spent the rest of the day going to antique and specialty shops and did a little wine tasting before having a nice, relaxing dinner. Then, it was time to sprawl out on a very comfortable bed and watch a little Murdoch Mysteries on Acorn TV. A perfect day.
I have to say it’s wonderful to not make too many plans when going on a trip. In my opinion, the best part of a successful vacation is being able to sleep in and do what you want, when you want.
Did I mention sleeping in?
After the short night before a long drive, sleeping in was wonderful! I think we slept ten hours! We needed it with the day we decided on too. We headed up to the Falls and found some parking about a mile away, then walked the rest of the way to the Falls. I think we walked over ten miles total this day. This was our biggest, most wonderfully exhausting day. The Falls are… astonishing! There are no words that can express their beauty. We were told by so many that we just HAD to go to the Canadian side to see them at their best, but I am sure they are all wrong. Maybe to see them in the panoramic perspective, it may be true, but you can stand right on top, within a couple of feet of the commanding streams on the US side! According to the web, over 3,260 tons of water flow over the three main falls (Horseshoe, American and Bridal Falls) a second! I’m sure I took fifty billion pictures! Ok, that may be a SLIGHT exaggeration. I’ve posted a few of my favorites on my Twitter account if you want a peek. www.twiter.com/kristenamears. We got soaked on the Maid of the Mist. The boat took us right to the edge of Horseshoe Falls and all along the breast of the two other Falls. I think this was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had. It was exhilarating!
The next two days we spent with our superior friends. This time was so special! We began our time with a fun-filled day of wine tasting. Then saw more sites, walked about the same route around the Falls as Mark and I had done the day before, except this time, at night. Perfect weather! Today, our last day, we relaxed, talked and laughed as we visited Old Fort Niagara.
I will always remember this trip as one of the best we have had together. There were so many memorable moments, sites, and camaraderie that made this time extraordinary.
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