BISONS, SHIPS & NIAGARA FALLS

MONDAY 28 AUGUST - BUFFALO

Today was a nice easy day compared with the rest of my trip. Andrea had to head to work so I relaxed in the morning, watched some American TV and did some laundry. The TV was no better then Australian day time TV which was no surprise!

At lunch time Andrea came home to make sure her visitor was still sane....and then dropped me at the far end of the Marina to ensure I had the furthest distance possible to walk! Thanks A but I suppose I need all the exercise I can get with the US food!

I mosied around the marina and then headed for the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park which included a museum and a self-tour on board 2 ships (USS The Sullivans and USS Little Rock) and 1 submarine (USS Croaker). All ships were decommissioned in the 70s and now take pride alongside Buffalo. It was interesting discovering all the nooks and crannies but I must admit there is no way I would want to work and live in such confined spaces! You'd have to get on well with all your crew.

Next was a walk through Buffalo and walking by the HSBC Arena (ice-hockey), City Hall, Niagra Square, Electric Tower and a few other distinct buildings. The subway took me close to Andrea's apartment.

Then it was off to the Baseball again however was a different league to what I saw in San Diego. Andrea scored a bargin from a scalper (although he did try and rip us off). It was the Buffalo Bisons vs the Ottawa Lynx however the highlight of the match was the Conehead (in full costume) who served beers and cheaper then the bar!



SUNDAY 27 AUGUST - NIAGARA FALLS

Sunday was Niagara Falls and I was very excited to say the least! It has always been on my 'TO DO' list and today it was finally going to come to fruition. Yipeee, wahoo, awesome.

I had no idea how close to Niagara Falls Andrea actually lived! If I lived in Buffalo (30 minutes away from the falls) I would be spending every weekend there (well until I got kicked out from stalking the falls).

Prior to the falls I received a brief driving tour (my feet loved the rest) and saw Roswell Park Cancer Institute (A's work), Elmwood Avenue and of course the FedEx Kinkos (poster place for A)!

Then it was express all the way to the Falls.

I discovered the composition of Falls which includes American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls as well as the American Rapids and various islands. The best way to get around the US side was by Trolley ($2 - bargin!).

AMERCIAN FALLS (Bridal Veil Falls closest to camera)



AMERICAN RAPIDS



AMERICAN FALLS AND HORSESHOE FALLS (in the distance)



ANDREA ABOARD THE MAID OF THE MIST



Whilst touring around the falls I realised (in 25 words or less) why Australia is such a dry continent - 'because the US and Canada have and use all the water!!!' I have never seen so much fresh water and the amount tumbling over the falls constantly is just amazing!