Day 12 – July 9, 2003

Watched the Water

Stayed in Niagara to get new tire for Karen’s bike.

We got up this morning and realized there may not be another location to get a new tire for 600 to 700 miles. So we decided to stay another day, get the tire and spend some time checking out the falls. I guess it was a good choice because Karen enjoyed it so much. (OK, so did I.)

We called all over and found the closest Honda dealer was 30 miles and at least 45 minutes one way. We then found a Yamaha dealer, Freewheeling Cycle in Kenmore that was only about 20 minutes away. We rode down the river road and got a few pictures, dropped the bike off, went down the street a block and found a restaurant that provided a pretty good lunch. I mention this restaurant because although our server was not very attentive, there was another server there that not only took up the slack, but also seemed to be constantly picking up all those little things that all the customers like to have taken care of. If I had had the opportunity, I would have given her the tip instead of our server.

Back at the dealer, we got Karen’s bike back and returned to the falls after getting some tips from the mechanic as to the best routes to take to see everything. It was nice to be treated as special even though we were not riding Yamahas.

When we got back to the hotel, we took the walking route to the falls and though it was a long walk, it was well worth it. As you can see from the pictures, it is truly a wonder in this world. For those of us that seek out the great scenes in this country, there is little I’d rather be doing. This is one of those places that as you walk around, you can’t help but think back to what it must have been like before man came and decided to “improve” it. Still we have managed to save most of the splendor of the place and I feel privileged to have seen it.

Tomorrow we plan to leave early and try to beat the next storm up to Tupper Lake. IT looks like just under 400 miles, so till then, I’ll see you on the byways……