We drove for about three-and-a-half hours on 90E from Geneva, Ohio, until we reached Niagara Falls in New York. It was a beautiful, sunny, and windy day with a fabulous breeze coming off of Lake Ontario. It was in the mid-eighties, but the humidity I have missed from the east coast had not set in…just yet. We found a RV Park in Youngstown, NY, about a 15-minute drive to Niagara Falls State Park. It also abuts Lake Ontario.
We got up early the next morning and headed to the park. Due to Covid restrictions, our exploration was limited to the American side of the Falls. Scott and Eileen took Molly when she was a child and they stayed on the Canadian side. We plan to go back again some day.
We were able to get tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat ride for 9:00 a.m. While we killed time, we took some photos from above the water at Prospect Point.
Needless to say, this was our first “super-spreader event” that we attended since the pandemic began. Since we were both vaccinated, we didn’t feel threatened. The Maid of the Mist is a short ride from the American side boarding dock to the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Ponchos are provided with the purchase of your ticket (Adult $25.25, Child $14.75).
At the conclusion of the ride, you are given the option to drop off your rain poncho to be recycled. Next, we headed for the Caves of the Wind. Since we were already partially wet, why not continue the fun. Cost of ticket is $12 Adult, Youth 6-12 $9, and child 5 and under Free. It includes a yellow rain poncho (that you can also recycle at the end). Fun Fact: The name ”Cave of the Winds” is a bit deceiving. In the 1800’s there was a rock overhand — or cave like structure — that allowed people to stand under the Falls. the Cave collapsed in the early 1900’s but the name stuck.
You walk up the red steps to the right and stand on the deck. It feels like you could be blown away as you are pounded with heavy pellets of rain. It’s incredibly loud, and it’s difficult not to laugh.
Later, we wandered over to Three Sisters Island taking in the beautiful sights within the Canadian Rapids.
The next day we returned to the park to hike Devil’s Hole Trail and Whirlpool Loop near the Niagara River.
The aerial cable car travels round trip 3,500 feet above the Niagara Gorge and takes about 10 minutes. The capacity of the car is 35 standing passengers.
Needless to say, the weather was hot and humid, and I preferred to hang out in the air conditioned truck. Next stop, the Finger Lakes area.
Shifting Sands Travels 