June 2, 2025 - Driving to Alaska
Niagara Falls

The next morning we enjoyed another very scenic and pleasant four hour drive on back roads through New York to Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Here we are looking at Niagara Falls, New York.
   
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge over to Canada!  The bridge has been around for awhile, opening in 1941.  Rainbow didn't mean what it does today.  They chose the name because rainbows occur frequently near the falls due to water spray and mist in the air.
   

We had our passports and made it across the border without incident.

Here's a picture of our lodging for tonight.  I splurged and booked a room in the Tower Hotel, overlooking the falls.  Opened in 1962, it has had many different names over the years.
   
This is the view of the Horseshoe Falls from our room.  Not bad!
   
Looking down the river at the American Falls with the Rainbow Bridge at left.
   
Now down at ground level, looking across the Niagara River at the American Falls.
   
One of the Maid of the Mist boats heads upriver.
   
We had been to Niagara Falls back in 1998 and went on the Maid of the Mist boat.  But I wanted to do it again.  It's very popular but they can handle the crowds.  We were able to walk right up to the ticket windows and board a boat within 20 minutes or so.   On the American side it is still called the Maid of the Mist but on the Canadian side it is now Niagara City Cruises.
   
Getting ready to board the boat with our plastic slickers on.
   
That green thing is the Niagara Falls Observation Tower.
   
Underway!
   
Selfie!
   
Passing the American Falls.
   
Looking back at the American Falls.
   
As we approached the main falls, it began to get very windy and misty.
   
Then it became just ridiculous.
   
It was like being in a torrential downpour.  I don't remember the boat ride being this violent 27 years ago.
   
We had to go inside the boat for shelter.
   
And then we were out and back in relative calm.
   
Heading back.
   

Survived to tell the tale!

We enjoyed the boat ride and I consider it a must-do if you are visiting Niagara Falls.
   
Back on dry land, walking up the river walk.  As you can see, there were lots of people visiting the Falls.  It was a very international crowd.
   
Niagara Falls are spectacular, no question.
   
A look at the Tower Hotel from the river walk.
   
Looking down the river.  Now you see why it is called the Rainbow Bridge.
   
The area known as Falls View.
   
From this spot, just before the river went flying over the edge, you could feel the river's immense power.
   
P41
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Selfies are obligatory here.
   
 
   
We had dinner in Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.
   
Lynnette enjoying a Margarita sampler, in honor of the great artist.
   
The view from our hotel window.
   
At night it was very pretty, with the Falls being lit up with constantly changing colors.
   
 
   
We could also see fireworks down by the Rainbow Bridge, although they only lasted five minutes or so.
   
 
   
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