Very early start this morning and quick breakfast in time to get cab the short distance to Union station for our 0820 Amtrak train departure for Niagara Falls. Very pleasant and relaxing couple of hour trip to the Canadian/US border where many passengers disembarked - we continued the short distance to the US side and had to wait over an hour for customs officials to scrutinize all the passengers. Once we were allowed to disembark, caught a cab the 10 minute journey to the Hertz depot in Niagara and picked up our Ford Escape - similar to a Territory; great car! Drove into Niagara Falls (US side) and straight to our accommodation - the Comfort Inn. Only 400 yards from the Falls (thanks for the recommendation Alice!) - top spot! Headed off almost straight away across the road to the Niagara Falls State Park, checked out the pumping rapids flowing towards the falls then through the visitors centre and purchased our tickets for the Maid of the Mist. Donned our blue ponchos after taking in the awesome view of the American and Horseshoe Falls from the observation deck before boarding the boat. What an experience! Impossible to adequately describe the volume, power and intensity of that water! And the spray!! It's like being caught in a massive rain storm with limited visibility at the turn around point. Awesome! Thank goodness it was hot enough that we dried out quickly. The walk up to Crows Nest to the edge of the American Falls was way too intense for me - soaked again!

Caught the Scenic Trolley around the park and across to Goat Island to do the Cave of the Winds. This time it was yellow ponchos and rubber sandals for the elevator ride down to the walkways and stairs that virtually take you under the Falls! Just incredible! The thundering cascading water was mind blowing to witness - the beautiful afternoon rainbows adding to the spectacle.

Continued on the trolley around Goat Island, back across to the visitors centre then to our hotel. Bit of a rest and freshen up then off on the walk to Canada! With passports in hand walked across the Rainbow Bridge, experiencing magnificent views along the way and passed through Customs on the Canadian side. Awesome to see the American Falls front on from the Canadian side, sensational; and the view of the Horseshoe Falls just continues to get better as you proceed. All is accentuated by the beautiful gardens and horse drawn carriages. The Edgewater Bar and Grill was the perfect venue for a drink and dinner - hard to comprehend we were actually sitting there so close! And still there was more - after the sun had well and truly set, the lights came on! Absolutely beautiful! Ensured a great walk back to America and a good nights sleep!