Stopover: Niagara Falls

Cloudy skies gave way to heavy rain as we left Cuyahoga to head towards Niagara, New York and by the time we set-up camp, it was clear that our plan to spend an afternoon meandering around the grounds of Niagara Falls State Park would need a revamp.

We took advantage of the on-site laundry to de-goat-ify much of our wardrobe and perked the kids up with two of their favorite words: Outlet Mall. We managed to fill about 90 minutes and amass a solid haul from the Nike store and a pay-a-fortune-by-the-ounce candy store, which left everyone satisfied and allowed us to wait out the worst of the rain.

Any thoughts that the rain would keep the crowds away from the falls were quickly squelched as we found the parking lot at capacity and poncho cloaked crowds everywhere. Still, we faithfully waited with several hundred friends for our own turn to board the Maid of the Mist.

For about 20 minutes, we were euphoric as we sped along the water to the base of the falls.

It wasn’t clear what was rain and what was wind and what was mist, but what was certain was that we were absolutely soaked.

Moods soured though as we waded through a sea of humanity to exit the boat and return to the observation deck, the reverse of our arrival, but this time soaking wet. We pressed on to the parking lot and rewarded ourselves with two orders of breadsticks, carry-out, from Olive Garden to round out a home-made spaghetti and meat sauce dinner in camp.

Toby’s hiding from the rain. Can you spot him?