DAYS 44-47: Albion to Middleport - Lockport - Tanawanga NY (Niagara Falls) and we are DONE with NO WAKE!
Middleport to Lockport 6.4 miles; 1:27 hours
Lockport to Tanawanga (Niagra Falls) 19.2 miles, 3:06 hrs
Lockport NY Locks E-34 and E-35
WOW! What an interesting place. You won’t stay the night here but it’s a cool stop. This is a double lock and the tallest on this side of the canal. The Lock Master encouraged us to stop and dock next to the lock to explore the museum, bronze sculptures, and the old lock next to the current lock. What a TREAT! This is where engineering was put to the test. I am sure that if the canal had started here - it would have ended here because of all the obstacles. You really need to see the museum and take a moment to grasp the seriousness of the design. There is so much to learn. I have been on this canal for a while, talking with the engineer on hand, and it wasn’t until this museum that it hit home about the difficulty of design and politics fueling its development in the face of ridicule.
I’m not positive about why the Looper’s Companion Guide has such a negative vibe for Lockport - we found it to be full of information and a relaxing break along our trip to Tanawanga.
Free-ish wall with electric, water and somewhere you might have access to showers and bathrooms. It might cost $25 or $30/night - not really sure (it’s pretty unorganized). The walls line both sides of the canal directly after the railroad bridge. We looked for the Dock Master three times and never caught up with him.
Plan your trip to get here early in the day about mid-week so you can find a space on the wall - this is a party town. We needed to travel around a bit until we found a spot. At first we thought our location was awful next the the railroad bridge, on the south side, and Beauty teased us. Turned out to be the best spot and not in the thick of things as was the case for Beauty. I sent a text to Beauty with the lyrics to the Journey song blaring in front of them so they could sing along. Don’t get me wrong, I like to play as much as the next person; but, so many musical genres at once about did me in. The best thing about Tanawanga is its location to Niagara Falls.
Oh my geezy! Grab an Uber and play the tourist card! It was spectacular! Maiden of the Mist is a boat ride that provides you with a rain smock and takes you right up to the Falls (American and Canadian side). Make sure your phone is charged and water protected - you'll want pictures. We also toured the Cave of the Winds; they provided another rain smock AND WATER SHOES. You gotta go and figure it out for yourself - it was fantastic, you're drenched, and everyone was laughing. The last adventure was the Aquarium, yes I know, kid stuff, but they had the coolest group of seal, octopus, sturgeon, and manta rays.
We travel with a backpack that holds water, snacks, ziplock bags, and phone chargers. It has turned out to be very helpful and you'll walk a LOT at the Falls. Across from the main entrance to the park is a sort of food court on the first floor of a building surrounded with souvenirs - the food was - a food court (what can I say?). To organize the day, we had Uber drop us at the entrance, did the Maiden of the Mist first, then the Caves, and ended with the Aquarium where Uber picked us up to take us back to the boat.
NIAGARA FALLS: People were telling us we missed out because the Canadian side was better; but from where I stand, looking across the water, I disagree. From what I can see, Canada is full of external stimulus entertainment - casinos and ferris wheels. The American side is dedicated to parkland and nature. If you are into the large corporate scene, then maybe Canada is for you. Me? I wanted nature and the Falls didn’t disappoint.
Love Niagra falls. Went a few years back. Beautiful pics! Stay safe and continue to enjoy the adventures! The O's
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