[Rockhounds] Trip Report Up One Side Phase III

[Glenn Wimpee]

Our daughter and son-in-law had to work a lot, and she suggested we go to Niagara Falls since we had already come that far, and what's a few more hundred miles or so. So…
 
Thursday May 15th found us traveling northwestward from Hershey, Pennsylvania along the Susquehanna River and through several ridges of the Alleghenies to Niagara Falls.
 
The 5 hour estimated driving time took us almost 8 due to many sightseeing and quick rock examining stops.
 
As we approached the Falls we could see mist that looked like smoke in the distance over the river.
 
We crossed over to the Canadian side and found a parking lot just above the falls. Tulips and other early spring blooms graced the streets and pathways and grounds.
 
We strolled along the walkway above the big drop, and were struck by the clarity of the deep blue-green water. Rocks on the bottom of the river were clearly visible. As the river shot over the edge and pounded the rocks below, it raised a heavy mist which filled the gorge and drifted up and over the walkway. For us Southerners who left 90 degree weather at home, Canada's 50ish degree weather along with walking through the mists got pretty chilly about then. But, we were awestruck as one would expect as we viewed and photoed the Horseshoe Falls. We continued along to an excellent view of the American Falls. Rainbows in the mist added more color to the beauty. The ground trembled like continuous thunder all over the area. Literally thousands of Seagulls dotted the banks below, some drifted over the river in search of fish, and a few cormorants were also feasting on the unfortunate fish that had an up close experience in the torrents. 
 
Later as we walked back and were again in the mist, I noticed Jeanette’s hair standing on end due to the static electricity being generated by the fast crashing waterfall. Yes, I took pictures of this phenomenon that featured Jeanette and another beautiful lady.
 
Somewhat reluctantly, we left there and proceeded to our hotel. Our room had a nice view of both the Horseshoe and American Falls. We dined during sunset at the restaurant at the top of the hotel. And did I say dined? Our table was right on the window, and the Falls and city sights provided the atmosphere. Following a tasty appetizer, Jeanette had halibut filet, and prime rib was my entrée. Both of us had huge delicious portions which we shared. A breakfast buffet at the same place started our day Friday.
 
There were several things we really wanted to do there, and of course there was a package deal that included (in the order we took) the “Walk Under the Falls” tunnel, the “Maid of the Mist” boat ride into the mist at the base of the deluge, the “White Water Walk” and the bus to the “Whirlpool” down river. Awesome sights all!
Time of day dictated we move on, so we picked up the Pilot from the hotel and drove to the opposite overlook at the Whirlpool where the river takes a 90 degree turn, then headed back to the USA and toward Hershey. On the trip back, we still had to stop and pick up a couple of roadside rocks, as well as more sightseeing along an alternate route.
 
Rockhounding with Elton will be the focus of the next phase, which will also include notes from Gettysburg.
 
Glenn & Jeanette
 
P.S. Please hit your delete key if at any time you become overly bored. LOL!
 P.S.S. Pictures will be posted via a link soon.
 
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