Falls and Forts

On Thursday morning (12th) we had breakfast at McDonalds so we could send out our first blog post using their free wifi, and then headed (again) for Niagara Falls, NY. Since we had seen the falls from the Canadian side on two previous occasions, this trip we planned to check out our side:) We were not disappointed. We arrived about 3:30 and spent a couple hours exploring. We were able to get very close to the crestline of the American Falls where the water plunges over the edge to the misty, churning depths below. We also viewed portions of all three falls (Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, & American Falls) which together are known as Niagara Falls, from several spots along the bank of the river, from an observation tower out over the water, and from Goat Island and Luna Island which we reached by crossing a pedestrian bridge over the rapids upstream from the falls.

When we arrived it was cloudy and warm with dark storm clouds rapidly approaching. It wasn't long before the sky opened up and poured. We found shelter under an overhang by the restrooms of the Misty Maid boat tours. When the deluge let up enough we hurried to their gift shop and purchased 2 of their thin plastic rain ponchos for $1.34 each:) and continued enjoying the views.

Since we planned to visit Old Fort Niagara the following day (13th) we parked at a nearby Walmart for the night and spent the next morning exploring the fort. We awoke to a very cold and windy day . . . Winter coat weather. We were disappointed that the admission price to the fort was still $12 each even though it is off-season for the costumed interpreters, living history demonstrations and reenactments. We did, however, have the good fortune of being the only participants on a very interesting hour-long guided tour. Our guide, a voluntary staff member and retired college professor, was a fount of information concerning the history of this strategically located fort that played a critical role in the French & Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812. We asked to take his picture, but he declined. Despite the wind, cold and occasional sprinkles, it was a worthwhile place to visit.

The first building constructed at Old Niagara Fort dubbed "the French Castle" is the oldest standing structure in the Great Lakes region.

Soldiers' Barracks

As we headed east along the scenic "Seaway Trail" which traces the northern border of New York State along Lake Ontario, we passed produce stands and flourishing apple orchards with trees laden with beautiful ripe fruit.

Our next stop was the historic Sodus Bay Lighthouse. Sodus Bay was the last way station on the underground railroad for many slaves who were escaping by boat across Lake Ontario to Canada. After their thousand mile trek north, the runaway slaves longed to see the Sodus Light, a symbol that freedom was near. We toured the small lighthouse museum and climbed the steep winding staircase to the top of the light for a great surrounding view.

Further east along the "Seaway Trail" we found Fort Ontario at the mouth of the Oswego River. Since it was past closing time we were unable to enter the fort, but we did take a walk around the outer stone wall and surrounding earthworks before heading east again to Watertown where we parked for the night at another Walmart. (Yay for free overnight camping:)

Outside Fort Ontario

 

 

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