Monday, March 14, 2011

Niagara Falls, ON The Aviary

Madagascar Cockroaches

An albino turtle

Bearded Dragon


Ibis


I don't have the correct lenses to get this right - but I was not going strictly as a "photographer". I knew this place had a big collection of birds - but the reptiles, and amphibians were a really nice surprise. You know what was not a nice surprise? The room of Madagascan Cockroaches...eeeeeeeeeew!

Niagara Falls, ON Day 3





Today the weather was a hindrance instead of a mere inconvenience. According to all available weather reports it was supposed to be partial sun and clouds - but they got it totally wrong. It was cold and wet with rain and snow mix. I walked around aimlessly for a few hours trying to decide what "attraction" I wanted to see... I decided that I did not want to leave without seeing "Journey Behind the Falls" which was the biggest let down ever. It is a tunnel behind the falls with two "portholes" that enable you to watch the water fall from behind. These were nothing but dirty messy masses of ice and I could not see anything. The tunnels were kind of entertaining in their creepiness though. There was also an area that offered a view of the falls from about 3/4 of the way down. Almost none of my photos came out though because of the crappy weather.
The other thing on my list was to walk the mile or so down to the falls at night to see the cheesy light display. That too was a let down because when I got down there they were not lit up at all. Thanks to Adam for staying on the phone with me the whole time so that I felt safe(er) walking around on my own after dark. You're a real pal, Adam. Thanks for the funny stories that assured every Canadian that passed me while I was laughing that I was indeed an American.
Since I am thanking people I want to send a special shout out to Theresa - without her advice I would have stayed on the US side which would have been a terrible mistake. If you are reading - I am so grateful to you for your advice and my trip portfolio is as well!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Niagara Falls, ON Day 2




Perhaps March is not the best time of year to visit Niagara Falls. Although it was really cold today, I am really glad that I chose this time of year because it offers a unique look at this wonder.


Niagara Falls: ON Day 1 (Oh, Canada)

"Oh Canada - such a stressful drive / Highway 402 - I'm glad I'm still alive / I should've brought my skis / one last winter tease / OH Canada! - at least the snow was beautiful"



"Free Breakfast."

Here are some brief notes on my trip:
OnStar - although they always keep me guessing - got me here in 4.5 hours (to spite the weather)
I was hoping that Canadian TV would prove to be more interesting to me than American TV. I watched a great show last night about the Saunders Portrait which is widely believed by many to be the only portrait of William Shakespeare painted in his lifetime. It is a great story - I feel a bite-sized history post coming on!
I am planning to go to the aviary, and possibly the Old Fort today since the weather is overcast and it is supposed to be sunny tomorrow.