August 15, 2013

We wanted to be down by the falls to get a good parking spot early this morning and jump on the first Maid of the Mist boat.  We ended up parking a little further out than we wanted and had to walk quite a ways but we made it on the first boat which ended up being a awesome because we had enough room to move about and still be close to the water when we wanted.  The experience was pretty cool and we were all happy we had those silly rain ponchos.

Afterward, we stopped into Tim Horton's for doughnuts.  They weren't as good as the kids remembered but Scott and I enjoyed them.  We then headed out to have an unhurried look at the falls.  We laid in the grass, played Simon Says and did a lot of people watching.  We then got word that the Anderson's were almost to the Falls and we started making our way up to meet them.  Rachelle and I have known each other for years, her cousin is my best friend and our kids were instant friends when we visited Canada 3 years ago.  If we lived closer, we would likely spend a lot of time with each other.  As it is, the 13 hours between limits our time together and I was looking forward to a visit even if it was quick.  We met up with Rachelle, Steve, Ella, Lily, Chloe and Sophie and walked to the falls, did a little shopping, played in the ponds and fountains of Queen Victoria Park and enjoyed dinner at Rainforest Cafe.  As always, the visit was too short but it was one of my favorite days of the trip, spending it in the company of excellent people.  

After parting, we headed back to the campground where the kids played a little in the playground and bounce pillow and then we took showers and watched a movie before heading to bed.