Toronto to Finger Lakes

An early start is required today if we are to fit everything in, so the alarm sounds horribly early at 7am. With reluctance we leave Toronto and head towards Niagara Falls, it’s a wet morning rush hour and the traffic is horrible, even worse due to a “power outage” earlier which knocked out the traffic lights. Poor Gertie is totally confused by the new road layouts and has every colour she can muster displayed on the small screen; we’ve got used to her idiosyncrasies now and muddle through together. She recalculates several times before getting us onto the right highway out of town towards Niagra.

Horseshoe \Falls

At Niagara Falls the weather is still dull and wet but Jan reckons we’re going to get wet anyway so it doesn’t make a lot of difference. We reach the walkway overlooking the Falls, awesome is the only way to describe it. We’ve decided to take the “Maid of the Mist” boat tour and soon have ourselves on board along with loads of Japanese tourists – all sporting the latest long lens camera. Dave and I feel our little point and click plus compact video recorder might be a little inadequate but as you can see the pictures are still impressive. The short journey past the American falls, the Bridal Veil and onto the Horseshoe falls is short but the power, noise and spray generated is incredible. We’re both struggling to see out of our specs, windscreen wipers on fast would be good.

After this trip the town of Niagara Falls is quite frankly a disappointment, Blackpool on a bad day! Moving swiftly on we cross the border back into the U.S. The border guard seems to think we’re suspicious; we have to swear we’re not importing anything (he doesn’t seem to believe us) and open all the windows in case we have any illegal immigrants stowed in the back. The drive to Seneca Lake is pretty even in the rain and The Savannah House an oasis after today. Pat and Brenda couldn’t be more welcoming, even Josie the cat tries to get in on the act. Apparently I’ll be left dead presents on the doormat as a welcome gift!! We are in room 8 beautifully decorated and candle lit in southern England cottage style. Pat and Brenda have even brewed some fresh coffee for us.

We’ve already managed to fit in a wine tasting at Miles Wineries, lovely friendly people great wine; we can’t wait to open the bottle. And tonight, I’m finally getting my candle lit bath (Clint Eastwood is booked for later so Dave says!!) followed by a meal at the Himrod Eagle.