I see Canada!

At the beginning of June Matt, his parents and I drove the 5 hours for Albany to Niagara Falls, NY. We had a quick stop near the start of the Erie Canal in Lockport just outside Buffalo. Originally there was a series of 5 locks there but now is just one giant lock (was bigger than any in the UK that I have ever seen)!

The original Erie Canal lock system (without the actual locks it's just waterfalls)

Me and Matt at the locks

After Lockport we drove the rest of the was to Niagara Falls and found a hotel right by the rainbow bridge (i.e. the main crossing over to Canada). My mum and I went to Niagara Falls way back in 2000 (I think, or was it 2001) and the hotel we stayed at was in Canada almost exactly opposite this hotel in America.

We spent the day walking around the parks on the American side, including a trip down to the base of the American Falls that involved more seagulls and seagull chicks than I've ever seen, a delightful yellow poncho and a nice pair of souvenir sandals. I took my turn on the hurricane deck and yes, I got very very wet. I'm glad I was wearing shorts!

Fashion statement

We then headed along the park towards the horseshoe falls. The view of both falls isn't quite as good from the American side but due to various passport related issues there would be no Canada on this trip! For anyone else paying Niagara a visit I recommend the Canadian side :-)

Horseshoe Falls

View downriver from the Horseshoe Falls. You can see the Rainbow Bridge and the American Falls on the right

We (well, Matt) drove all the way back to Albany the next day. A long trip for one night but we doesn't enjoy a giant waterfall?!

Here's us!