Initially I had planned to venture into Canada land with maple syrup suckers in hand while wearing a red poncho to explore behind the raging falls of Niagara, but life happened and plans changed. Instead of bailing on the falls altogether, Lily and I decided to visit the American side in Buffalo, New York.
There are few words to describe the magnitude of these falls, but I’ll do my best through photos.

A sign for the falls, next to a sign for death. Should we be concerned?
Playing tourist is something I’ve become quite good at. Perhaps it’s something I should add to my resume. In an attempt to fit the tourist persona, Lily and I went straight for the Maid of the Mist boat ride. The boat took us right up to the falls, so close that we had a momentary white out due to all the mist.
It was like standing inside a cloud.
Despite the fact that I was given the most fashionable blue poncho to protect my $9 tank top from the moisture of natures beauty, I still managed to walk off the boat with the look of a freshly showered alpaca. It was in that moment that I knew I wouldn’t be meeting my future husband on this day.
The boat ride was awesome, Canada on one side, America on the other, us in the middle of international waters ready for anything. It was great, but we wanted more.
More water, more views, more ponchos.

The Canadian Maid of the Mist – red ponchos!

Canada!
Next up: The Cave of the Winds Boardwalk. This took us within feet of the falls, so close we were gifted brand new sandals to allow the rushing waters to flow over our exposed toes. The sensation was similar to what I imagine it feels like to walk on a pool of thinned out mint pudding – cool and refreshing.
This attraction was called Cave of the Winds, but alternatively it should have been called seagull cesspool island. Never have I seen so many birds in one spot, squawking, shrieking, and another messy activity that starts with s…
Just when I thought I filled my quota for ridiculously good looking outfit attire, I got another poncho. Yellow this time.
I thought I was wet after the boat ride, well this took me from bathed alpaca to drenched musk ox.
After three hours of visual stimulation it was time to continue our journey, and to fill our bellies. Destination wedding was in full pursuit. Someday I’ll go to the Canadian side of the falls and wander into the caves, but for now I have great New York memories, new sandals, and an unexpected annoyance of seagulls.
Q: Did you know that you can get legally married on the Maid of the Mist boat because it takes you over international waters? It’s a shame I didn’t find any bachelors.