Ausable Chasm - Thousand Islands - Niagara Falls - July 5th - 15th

When we left Jackman, ME on our way to Plattsburgh, NY our travels took us north into Canada over towards Montreal.  Upon entering Quebec we passed a town (Lac de Megantic) that was devastated the following morning by the tragic train derailment and fire on July 6th and we passed within a few miles of it on our way into Plattsburgh, NY.  With Jim being in the railroad industry for over thirty years, and knowing the owner of the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway, our heart goes out to everyone involved.  It was one of the most horrific sites we've ever seen, with over 50 people killed and a great deal of the town wiped away. 

Although we both grew up in upstate NY, we never had the chance to visit the Ausable Chasm.  Again, we were so impressed with the beauty He has created - waterfalls, rapids, rock formations and cuts.  We hiked along the chasm for approximately two miles taking in all the beautiful sights.  It was fun watching those brave enough to take a raft down the white waters.  And, of course, no campground visit would be complete without setting up or tearing down in the rain - and rain it did as we were getting ready to hit the road on our way to Thousand Islands.

Beginning of Upper Rapids - Ausable Chasm

"Elephant Nose" rock formation

Horseshoe Falls - Ausable Chasm

We left Plattsburgh on Monday, July 8th, to head to Wellesley Island State Park - Thousand Islands.  No pictures from that stop but we did enjoy the spacious campsite as well as touring the area to see why it is called "Thousand Islands."  So many tiny islands in the middle of the St. Lawrence River - most with houses on them accessible only by boat - and which the freighters traversing the river have to navigate around.

Our stay at Wellesley Island SP was a short one and we left on July 10th to head to 4 Mile Creek State Park at Youngstown, NY, just north of Niagara Falls where we met up with Larry & Karen Serantoni and their granddaughter, Zoe. 

We spent two days at Niagara Falls State Park taking in the beauty of Horseshoe Falls (on the Canadian side) and the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (American side).  We purchased a Discovery Pass - well worth the money - which gave us access to the Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, Discovery Center, Aquarium, Adventure Theater, and free trolley rides for the day.  The park is beautiful and we enjoyed walking across the bridges connecting "Three Sisters" islands. 

 



 



Jim, Larry, Karen & Zoe braved the Cave of the Winds adventure - I took the "chicken" way out by standing at the railing watching them down below.  I decided I'd pass on getting wet.  They had a great time standing into the "hurricane" area of the falls 150 feet below me. They looked cute in their yellow rain ponchos - reminded me of Big Bird on Sesame Street.

 The next day, we all took the boat ride on the Maid of the Mist.  What an exciting adventure!  The boat takes you very close to the bottom of Horseshoe Falls with the mist from the water covering you.  We all looked cute in our lovely blue rain ponchos.

On Saturday, we toured Old Fort Niagara which was built by the French in 1659.  It was amazing walking through the many old buildings that have been preserved by the historical society.  The biggest building - called the Castle - was built under the guise of being a trading post instead of a fort - an agreement they made with the Indians.  While there we received a demonstration of a musket firing - neat seeing people in period dress.

And since we were in NY state "wine country," we stopped and bought a few bottles of NY state wine - some for us, some for a gift.

Because we were leaving on Monday to head to the Crossroads Rally in Indiana, Sunday was our usual day for laundry and packing up for the next stop.

We had a wonderful time with Larry, Karen & Zoe and glad we could meet up with them.  We left early Monday to make a stopover in Perrysburg, OH, and then on to Shipshewana, IN, for the rally.  We look forward to meeting up with all the friends we made there last year - life is good.

Zoe, Larry & Karen Serantoni