The Emperor Has His Clothes

Armed with some clothes, we took the opportunity to explore the Niagara region for a few days. We started with a visit to the Welland Canal and were lucky to see a freighter use a lock on it's way to Lake Erie. We spent a few hours in Niagara On The Lake. Lovely little place with our visit slightly tarnished by a $25 dollar parking ticket. Our bad! We parked on the street and walked by at least four or five ticket spitters with out seeing them.


We ended that day with an overnighter in The Falls. Niagara Falls seems to have become a mecca for families. It felt like Nonie and I were the only couple there. Back in the day The Falls was a place for honeymooners. Perhaps the honeymooners are now coming back with their kids. We spent the night in a lovely hotel that overlooked the falls.


Opting for the cheaper room, our view of the Falls was more a view of the water vapor coming off the Falls but it was a great view of the fire works that were scheduled for that night.



From there it was off to Toronto by train for a visit with my aunt and cousin. Toronto continues to be the centre of universe. Up early the next day to catch a train to Smiths Falls and an overnight to visit with another aunt. Found that train travel is very civilized and we arrived with our luggage. Okay, that was my last shot, I will move on. Smiths Falls is a lovely place to pass a few hours. It is located right on the Rideau Canal with a lock, considerably smaller than the locks on the Welland Canal. Once again our timing was good and we saw a couple of small power boats pass on through.

Next stop Ottawa and the chance to fill up on grandchildren before we leave for China.