Friday - Niagara Falls, Here We Come!

Ken and I had a good night's sleep but that was because Barry and Deb gave us their room with an tempropedic mattress.  We tried to stay in their guest area, but they insisted that wasn't an option!  We were up by 6:15 to get ready, do some of our devotions, and I did my stretches.

By 7:30 we were eating Deb's delicious flax pancakes with lots of fresh berries - YUM!  At 9 the 4 of us were in their van and heading to Niagara Falls, about a 2 1/2 hour drive.  Our 1st stop was at that famous place, Tim Horton's, for coffee, other hot drinks, and of course, some Timbits (donut holes)!!  Ken could hardly wait to get some of their coffee.  Did you know that Canada has 1 Tim Horton for every 10,000 residents! (35 million people live in Canada!)

What a treat!!

We had a nice view of the skyline of Toronto from the car -

and all the many vineyards that seemed to be everywhere -

This is definitely wine country!

Our next stop was at the beautiful town/village of Niagara on the Lake.  It consists of gorgeous large homes, shoppes, eateries, and beautiful flowers everywhere.  Near the area is a horticultural school and the students do a lot of the plantings and the maintaining of the flowers - simply breathtaking.

These home was For Sale, but I think just a bit out of our
price range!  I don't think I could afford the landscaping!

Carriage rides in downtown Niagara on the Lake!

The flowers at this eatery were amazing!  So many
beautiful colors!

The hanging pots were huge!

Ken thought he would buy a shirt, but they weren't reduced quite enough -

We decided to have lunch at Corks, a place where Barry and Deb had eaten before.  Barry went to see how long until we could be seated and we were able to get in right away and even eat on their porch!  The food was delicious and it was a gorgeous day to be outdoors.  There had been some storms last evening which really lowered the humidity and the temperatures.  There was a very nice breeze and it was only in the mid 70's - perfect!

Barry was seated before we arrived!

We're coming, Barry!

So good to spend time with Barry and Deb!

After lunch we were back in the van to go to Niagara Falls, stopping along the way at various scenic areas.  We stopped at Welland Canal to check out the 8 locks that are in the area connecting Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.  It allows the large ships/barges to go around Niagara Falls.  

The doors are about to open to let the ship come through!

We also stopped at the beginning of the Bruce Trailhead, a 500 mile hiking trail that Deb did "solo" in 2004 (it is longer now, as they keep adding to it every year).  What an accomplishment!   She stayed in B&B's when she hiked!   Ken and I were amazed at all the parks and picnic areas along the way to the Falls.

This is the beginning of the trail!

Also stopped to view the Floral Clock -

Amazing to watch the second hand moving!

We drove along the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, but Ken just had to get out for a closer look.  So, graciously, Deb and Barry left us out and drove around picking us up about 25 minutes later after we were able to get some great photos of the amazing Falls and the surrounding hotels.

We were getting sprayed by the falls!

Breathtaking!

The people on the Maid of the Mist had to be getting very
wet today!

From these hotels you have a fabulous view of the Falls!

By then it was 3:30 and time to head back to their house.  Traffic was heavy for quite a distance, but then we got on the toll road where there was a lot less cars.  We stopped at a Swiss Chalet for a take out order of ribs and baked potatoes which we ate back at their house, arriving there around 6.  The food was very good!

Ken and Barry took Quinn for a walk while I worked on this blog and downloaded photos.  Then we taught Barry and Deb Hand and Foot.  We played 1 round and when you explain the game to "newbies" you realize how complicated it can sound!  We were all rather tired from the long trip today especially Barry, because he did all the driving. 

At 9:30 we finished the 1st round of the game and decided it was enough for 1 night.  We discussed our plans for tomorrow, eliminating the idea of going to downtown Toronto because of the heavy traffic and really not having good options for parking.  We will probably do a scenic country drive!  

Off to bed by 10:15 and I finished this blog and my devotions.  It was a great day!