Falling for Niagara

After we left the wedding and the good times spent with family, we headed to the western end of New York to see the famous Niagara Falls. Now, I had suggested this detour as somewhat of a ruse in order to extend our family trip and keep GoJoe out on the road for a bit longer. I had grown weary of seeing it parked forlornly in the driveway. I was pleased when my family all seemed up for a visit to the storied place where water drops off a cliff, but I was secretly just happy to have somewhere to go.

So when we arrived at the Falls late in the afternoon and peered over the precipice, I was totally unprepared for what turned out to be an utter fascination for this natural wonder. Immediately upon seeing all that water tumble over the edge and into a raging gorge, I was a major fan. Couldn't get enough.

We spent two days looking down at, walking beneath, and boating under these tumultuous waters.

Here the water is about to slide off into oblivion ...
(Click photos for, as they say, "full effect")


And then ...

From below on a rickety catwalk ...

Eric, Malina, and Tracey ...


Eric and Malina getting soaked ...


Approaching the American Falls aboard the Maid of the Mist. As the boat moved into the waters raging beneath the horseshoe-shaped Canadian Falls, it was useless to try to take pictures. Water was flying everywhere. It was an exhilarating - and soaking - experience, however.


Eric and Malina. Rainbow bridge in the background. We walked over the bridge into Canada several times. The buildings in the distance are on the Canadian side. Lots of things to see and do over there.

Canadian Falls at dusk ...

GoJoe Rides Again!

The Blanton family has just returned from a five-day trip to the north. Tracey, Eric, Malina, and I attended the wedding of our niece/cousin in upstate New York. Then we headed to the western end of the state for our first visit to the famed Niagara Falls.

We stayed at state parks and RV campgrounds, sleeping and preparing our meals in GoJoe. It was interesting for four adults to share a relatively small space, but it worked out great. While on the road, I drove as the others played cards, watched movies, napped or watched the scenery go by.

The wedding was held outdoors in the beautiful Wayne Myers gardens south of Ithaca. The weather was picture perfect and the setting was exquisite. Bride Emily and groom Tim had a glorious day.







A few shots of the gardens ...








Eric and Malina relax in a gazebo ...



and stroll down a path ...



Mr. and Mrs. B. I'm sure that behind the beard I was not scowling! :)



The reception was held at an inn in Ithaca. Here are some photos of the festivities and the grounds just outside the reception room ...

The newlyweds ...


Bride Emily and Dad Walt ...


Tracey, sister Tina, and daughter-in-law Malina kick it up ...


Grandpa Walt dances with grandaughter Jessica ...





Brother of the bride Walter IV with Walter V ...


Bride's family's home. I've always enjoyed the peace and tranquility of this place.




Sittin' on the porch ...


That hair regrowth potion is starting to kick in! ...