Short day of riding and it was made better by another good weather day. It was forecasted to rain in the afternoon, but short of some light sprinkles, it never materialized. The day starts as we cycle neighborhoods and industrial edges of Orchard Park and Buffalo, NY. As were are navigating toward the Peace Bridge that will transport us to Canada, we are stopped by the Buffalo Naval and Military Park. The first to grab our attention is the USS Little Rock, who alongside the destroyer USS Sullivans and the submarine USS Croaker, are on display. We snap several photos of the impressive and intimidating vessels. Surrounding them in the adjacent park and walkway are several memorial and statues honoring the service men and women of Western NY. We spent several minutes ready and taking photos, as the memorial has its intended impact on us.
Soon we weave through the streets and cross the Peace Bridge in the single northbound lane. We pass through the automobile lanes for Canadian customs and the officer is very helpful in showing us how to navigate back onto our path.
There is a trail that takes us to Niagara Falls, but much of it is a very rough ride and we turn back to the main road for the last 13 miles to the falls. Ultimately we start seeing a heavy mist in the distance and we realize we are close. Certainly we take several photos of the rapids leading to the falls and then as we make the turn, the magnitude of the falls is revealed. Heavy mist blocks some of the views, as is standard, but multiple angles reveal some nice photos ops. Brian takes the best pictures, as we compare later. We enjoy lunch near the falls with the mass of tourist who are there to do exactly what we are doing: gawk at a natural wonder. It is certainly crowded, but we seem to create some gaps with our bikes that allow us good views.
Although it is a short day, we are tired from the long previous days' rides and we find a park to rest and relax for a short time. At 4pm we go to our Youth Hostel to check in where we have bunk beds for the night. This hostel is a very cool place with a basement with pool table, washing machine and place to chill out and read. The bunk beds however are more troubling to navigate as you get older, apparently. Climbing down takes a level of dexterity better suited for some of my days gone by. Regardless, it is a great stay.
Brian elects to rest for the night, but I angle my way back to falls to see them illuminated at night. Sunday nights they also have fireworks over the falls to top off a great day of seeing sights. Today (Sunday) is my wife Brenda's birthday. She is having a wonderful day with our daughter who has returned from South Africa. I, on the other hand, am spending her birthday in Niagara Falls with Brian. That just simply "ain't right" -- at any level. She has been wonderful for supporting me at every step of this ride, I think I will owe her big time for this. Actually, I know I do. Happy Birthday, I love you and miss you.
Tomorrow is back to the States in Western NY.
Moose Search: nope. 0
Song in my head. Happy Birthday, to you.
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