Since I last wrote, we spent 2 nights in Erie, PA (stayed at another Wal-Mart), and toured Presque Isle State Park, which is an entire island in Lk Erie. Went to a live stage play (25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee) and rode the trolley all over town.
From there, we headed towards Buffalo/Niagra Falls. We planned to stay 1/2 way there, and couldn't find an inexpensive park that looked like it would accommodate our rig. We pulled into a beautiful state park, the sites were $21-27, but then would add $4 for 50 amp, $5 for out-of-state resident, $2.75 for no reservation, etc. We decided to check with the casino at Niagra Falls as we have parked at casinos free in other places. The lady that answered my call said, "no problem, there is a big empty lot kiddy-corner from the casino". So, we plugged the casino into our phone navigation system, and headed off, avoiding toll roads.
From there, we headed towards Buffalo/Niagra Falls. We planned to stay 1/2 way there, and couldn't find an inexpensive park that looked like it would accommodate our rig. We pulled into a beautiful state park, the sites were $21-27, but then would add $4 for 50 amp, $5 for out-of-state resident, $2.75 for no reservation, etc. We decided to check with the casino at Niagra Falls as we have parked at casinos free in other places. The lady that answered my call said, "no problem, there is a big empty lot kiddy-corner from the casino". So, we plugged the casino into our phone navigation system, and headed off, avoiding toll roads.
Coming off an exit #21, and supposed to stay right, I pointed out the sign which said, "No commercial trucks". Al, said, "that doesn't apply to us". A little bit down the highway, an overpass appeared with no where to get off, and it said, "12' height clearance". WELL, WE ARE 12'ft HIGH. Al slowed as much as possible, and we inched under the overpass...."clunk!", but we got through. Then, still following GPS directions, we take a right turn off the highway, and directly in front of us (about 50', I think), was another overpass to go under, and this one said, 11'6". Al slammed on the brakes, and we had to make a U-turn across a median and onto a wrong way street, but was able to maneuver us out of there. Then, we continued to follow directions to the Casino, and traffic was a mess. Narrow streets, and the parking lot was jammed!!!! GPS said it was 22 miles to the road we need to get to (which showed on our street map as only about 10 blocks). We pulled into a parking lot for a campaign headquarters which was empty and got our hearts slowed down and figured out a plan. Ended up getting onto Hwy 31E, and called and got a reservation at Lockport which is about 25 miles from Niagra Falls!! It was dark by the time we got to our site, and we were exhausted! Next day, we explored Lockport and cruised on the Erie Canal going through 2 locks (#34 & 35) . (TRAVELED BY CAR TO GET THERE!).
The locks we went through are the only set of double locks on the Erie Canal. Originally, 83 locks were used to raise and lower boats. Lockport is the location of the famous "Flight of Five" double locks which allows boats to travel up in one set while boats travel down in the other. They raise 49 feet. The lock's walls are 12 feet thick concrete! The canal is drained in the winter to prevent freezing and causing leaks. A man walks from Lockport to Gasport several times daily to check for leaks (12 mi round trip). Wealthy homes are on the upper, while others sit below the canal. The original 363 mile canal was dug by hand between 1817 and 1825, then later enlarged.
The locks we went through are the only set of double locks on the Erie Canal. Originally, 83 locks were used to raise and lower boats. Lockport is the location of the famous "Flight of Five" double locks which allows boats to travel up in one set while boats travel down in the other. They raise 49 feet. The lock's walls are 12 feet thick concrete! The canal is drained in the winter to prevent freezing and causing leaks. A man walks from Lockport to Gasport several times daily to check for leaks (12 mi round trip). Wealthy homes are on the upper, while others sit below the canal. The original 363 mile canal was dug by hand between 1817 and 1825, then later enlarged. Al has checked the top of the RV twice, and can't find what bumped the overpass. We were REALLY LUCKY! Next time, we will consider ourselves "Commercial Trucks" when it says "NO".
Next day, we drove car to Niagra Falls. What an INCREDIBLE experience. First we went to the Niagra Aquarium, and we both agree we've done that enough for awhile. PEEUUU! I almost got sick from the smell! Then we watched a movie about the history of the falls, including the stories of the lady who went over the falls in a barrell with her cat, and the 2 children who survived going out in a boat with their father when the motor died. (the dad didn't make it). The beauty of the falls is indescribable. We went out on the observation deck, and then we went out on the boat, "Maid of the Mist", to get right next to the falls, then walked up the hillside and got sprayed mightily from the falls, which was very intense!!!. From there, we took an elevator 300 some feet down into the rock and out a cave where we hiked up stairs to the hurricane level and again felt the deluge of the water's spray. It was very intense, and exhilarating and took our breath away!!! We had bought a pass that included al these rides (would've incl going through the Discovery Center, but it is only open week-ends this time of year). Also included riding the trolley all over the park, and we got off and on at different view points. The pass was only $33 each, and worth every cent! 
Yesterday, we drove to Old Fort Niagra, north of the falls, and spent several hours there,
then over to Canada via bridge at Lewiston and drove down to the falls. We stopped several times to look at the gorgeous view, then got to Niagra Falls, CA and parked. Walked around Clinton Hill (which is like Vegas/Seaside, etc.). Had a great prime rib dinner at Beef Baron, then walked to the riverfront to watch the falls. We wished we had gone sooner, as it was getting dark, but at dark, they shine colored lights on them, and are beautiful. It was quite cold, so we didn't stay long. While driving back to the RV and crossing over the Rainbow Bridge to the USA, could see they were using different colors. Weather has been perfect for our outings here.
Al got word that he needs to fly to Portland for a hearing test by VA, so we are deciding where to head for him to be by a major airport next Thursday. The paperwork was to be delivered by Fed-Ex yesterday, but it didn't come, so we are holding over here in Lockport one more day. I will stay in the RV with the cats while he goes, so we need to find a safe place for me as well.
then over to Canada via bridge at Lewiston and drove down to the falls. We stopped several times to look at the gorgeous view, then got to Niagra Falls, CA and parked. Walked around Clinton Hill (which is like Vegas/Seaside, etc.). Had a great prime rib dinner at Beef Baron, then walked to the riverfront to watch the falls. We wished we had gone sooner, as it was getting dark, but at dark, they shine colored lights on them, and are beautiful. It was quite cold, so we didn't stay long. While driving back to the RV and crossing over the Rainbow Bridge to the USA, could see they were using different colors. Weather has been perfect for our outings here.Al got word that he needs to fly to Portland for a hearing test by VA, so we are deciding where to head for him to be by a major airport next Thursday. The paperwork was to be delivered by Fed-Ex yesterday, but it didn't come, so we are holding over here in Lockport one more day. I will stay in the RV with the cats while he goes, so we need to find a safe place for me as well.
We are so fortunate to be able to be taking this trip. Sorry to bore you all with so many details, but if I don't write them down, I will forget!!! Will try to inject some photos, but you really have to see the falls to appreciate God's beauty! Having to use our older computer, which is very difficult to load photos, so can't get the ones from the fort. Can only load 2 or 3 at a time, then hard to put the photos next to what I write. Doing my best for today!
