From Detroit to Niagra Falls... September 18

After spending two days with Kyle and Alicia in Chicago and two days with the Smith family in Detroit... Lana and I headed out to our next stop in our P&L Adventure... Niagara Falls, Canada.  (approximately 4 hours from Detroit) Before leaving Detroit we first had to stop to get me a Venti Bold at Starbucks (I get grumpy without my coffee)... then a quick stop for gas at Shell (to use our Kroger gas discount because we are on a retired budget)... and then to Walmart to purchase a flash drive to download pictures... just in case we drop the camera into Niagara Falls!

Getting out of Detroit proved challenging.  Both GPS systems were confused.  (yes we occasionally use a "back-up" GPS [we call her Belle] Just to keep the two gps systems honest. )  We had to make several U turns, but finally found our way to the Bridge to Canada.  The process of getting out of the US was crazy... a disorganized mess!  Cars and semis from multiple lines all trying to get in a single line to cross the bridge... but first you had to stop at a single small toll booth to pay $5 (not sure for what).  I said "good morning" to the old guy in the booth.  It looked like he hadn't showered or shaved in 2 weeks, had a bandaged arm and was smoking a cigarette.  Instead of responding to my morning greeting... he blew smoke in my face!  I looked over at Lana and told her I thought the world might be coming to an end.  Surreal.

We finally got over the bridge and then through passport control in Canada.  Smooth sailing, well organized.  Polite.  No smoke.  Clean shaven!  The US could learn something from Canada!  First order of business was to reprogram the Buick to travel in Kilometers vs Miles. 380 kilometers later we were at our destination!

The city is commercialized, but Niagara Falls is beautiful.  The view from our hotel room is gorgeous!

Shortly after arriving, we decided to take a bike ride to enjoy the beautiful day.  (70 degree's Fahrenheit)  Rode about 9 miles.  Highlight of the trip was a visit to a nature center consisting of mini islands... Dufferin Islands.  Lots of birds, wildlife, nature trails.  Saw lots of Canadian geese and a muskrat.  Quiet, peaceful.

We ended the evening with a good meal, a good glass of local wine, and a view of the Falls in front of a full moon....God is such an artist with His mighty creation......nite...we are exhausted....