Niagara, day 2, and another soaking

Wow, what a day. The Canadian side is far prettier and the horseshoe falls very impressive, but for fun, the American side tour was the best!

Started off by visiting the Horseshoe falls overlook at Prospect Point on Goat Island, and as the mist was blowing towards Canada the falls looked better than last night. Jed also had his photo taken again! From there we went down to Cave of the Winds (no cave as it collapsed years ago) where they give you a plastic cape and a pair of flip flops to replace your own shoes, and then its down the elevator and out onto a wooden walkway at the base of Bridal Falls. You then walk about at the base of the falls and get SOAKED. The water finds its way everywhere, no matter how much you try to keep dry. It even washes over the walkways, so its a good job that you have the flip flops. I had to roll my trousers up under the cape in a effort to keep them dry, but it was great. I must say sorry to Lisa, my eldest daughter here, as I think I buggered up her digital DVD camera. It says it has a condensation problem (am I surprised?). I have tried to dry it out but it keeps saying its in safe mode - hope I can sort it when I get home. Sorry dear!

Next stop on the tour was a small museum where they have items on display that people have used to go over the falls (idiots), these range from a load of lorry tyre tubes tied together to a jet ski (rider died) to purpose built barrels. Why any one would want to drop 180 ft over the falls I don't know.

By the time we came out of the museum, it was pouring down, what better time to go out on the Maid of the Mist, the boat that rides straight at the base of Horseshoe Falls. We were going to get wet anyhow. So, once again its down an elevator and into another plastic cape (still got the flip flops on) and away we go. The boat heads straight out towards the base of the falls and sits there for about 10 mins whilst you get soaked but enjoy a superb view into the falls.

One of the best days ever, but its all coming to an end real soon. I have now done over 7500 miles and seen everything I planned to see so its time to head home.

I am dropping my bike off at Baltimore on Monday, giving me time to see a little of Washington before I head off home and back to reality, but I can say its been a great trip - and its not quite over yet!!