August 2009

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We enjoyed a one week vacation to Letchworth State Park in New York (purple "A"), Niagara Falls (yellow), and Toronto, Canada.  We camped the first four nights in New York and stayed in to hotel in Toronto.  Although Niagara on the Lake and our camping spot in Four Mile State Park were 3 miles apart, we had to drive 25 miles to travel through the border crossing at Niagara Falls.

August 16-17, Sunday-Monday, Letchworth State Park, NY

The many beautiful waterfalls, gorges, hiking trails, camping, and class 1 white water rafting make Letchworth State Park a great place to spend our first few days. We spent most of Saturday driving there.  Sunday was filled with hikes and an unplanned rafting trip. Ryan and Ainsley were willing accomplices when our male tour guide, "Peaches," pulled pranks on the other guides.  We did more hiking and saw more waterfalls on Monday before driving 2 hours to our campground near Niagara Falls.

August 17-18, Monday-Tuesday, Niagara Falls

We set up our campsite in the hot 90 degree sun, took a dip in the cool Lake Ontario water, and grilled burgers for dinner. We then jumped in the car and headed for the falls for these breathtaking views. The railing was at the edge of the falls.

Tuesday was spent getting wet on The Maid of the Mist and the Journey Behind the Falls tours.  We forgot the underwater housing for the digital camera AGAIN (third time) and had to settle for disposable underwater cameras.

August 19, Wednesday, Niagara on the Lake

Our drive to Toronto was diverted by a stop to Niagara on the Lake for some wine tasting and shopping.  Big surprise; the kids were bored during the two winery stops.

The shopping and restaurants were fun too. If you ever needed a bicycle to fit in the overhead bin of an airplane, then Brompton is for you.

August 20, Thursday, Toronto

Casa Loma, Canada's most famous castle, is located 3 subway stops from our hotel in downtown Toronto. It was built from 1911-1914 by financier Sir Henry Mill Pellatt.  We even saw the five unfinished floors (floors 4 through 8) of the tallest tower.

We went up the CN Tower during a thunderstorm.  The storm cleared, the clouds dissipated, the sun set, and I took some great photos.

August 21, Friday, Toronto

A mid-day stop at Steam Whistle Brewery (link with sound) near the base of the CN Tower fill the spot for something low key. We were tired after a week of going to bed after 11pm each night. We also didn't leave the hotel until after 10am either, which is unusual for us.

We toured the Toronto harbor and stopped at Centreville Island Park for the amusement park rides and beach. The ferry back to the city arrives before finding a place for dinner.

August 22, Saturday, Toronto

The Ontario Science Centre is filled with hands on displays, which is great for kids.  Ryan really liked the special exhibit about the science of spying.

August 15-22

See more photos of above.  Also see the photos taken with the disposable underwater camera.

August 26, Wednesday

Jeff and Ryan are hooked on a game called Plants vs Zombies.  It's been the go-to game for the past two months.  There's a free trial period and it's only $20 to buy it.

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