Where I got really wet

Kayleigh took most of the burden of driving the night of the Lobster.  I couldn't button my pants or keep my eyes open.  Feeling like a complete glutton, I did what any other American would have done.  I handed the keys to the 17 year old, pointed west, and fell asleep.  She drove past the "Moose Crossing - Next 4 Miles" sign in Vermont.  She drove to a beautiful turnpike pull off in New Hampshire.  The next morning, we got Dunkin' Doughnuts because my girlish figure hadn't suffered enough damage the night before, and continued towards Niagara Falls.

We paid a ridiculous amount to park.  We paid a ridiculous amount to eat.  It was the most expensive, and by far, the WORST burrito I've ever eaten in my LIFE.  Oh well, it's New York, right?  My bad for not ordering lox and a bagel.  We finally made our way to the ticket booth for the observation deck and the Maid of the Mist.  I'd been to the Canadian side as a kid, but we'd not got to take the boat tour.  I was probably more excited than my kids!

The sound of the falls is overwhelming.  Millions of gallons of water pouring into the canal, mist soaking the parts of us exposed from the trash bag ponchos.  Everyone was smiles and happiness until Gannon realized he was steps from a foreign country, but couldn't cross over to Maple Leaf Land.  We compromised, and he stood on the left side of the boat.  I'm almost positive he was in international waters.  Whatever.  He was happy. 

Click here to see the video on the Maid of the Mist

We finished up and started our long trek out of New England.  Next Stop.....Bowling Green, OH

A Family Affair

Day 3 started at the Noccalula Campsite right outside Noccalula falls.  You're probably wondering, WHAT exactly, Noccalula ANYTHING is.  To be completely honest, I couldn't even spell Noccalula before today, and to continue being completely honest, I had to check google before posting this.  

The legend of Cherokee Indian Princess Noccalula dates from antiquity in the regions of northeast Alabama, U.S., where the Cherokee nation once thrived. According to legend, Princess Noccalula was the beautiful daughter of a powerful Cherokee chief and was deeply in love with a brave from her own tribe. Despite her wishes to marry this young warrior, she was promised by her father to a Creek Indian chief who had more bounty to offer for her hand. Her lover was banished from the tribe, and Noccalula was forced to ready herself for the arranged marriage. On the day of the wedding she allowed herself to be arrayed in ceremonial attire and obediently but reluctantly attended the marriage feast. In the midst of the merrymaking, Noccalula quietly slipped away and wandered through the forests of her childhood, coming eventually to the beautiful waterfall near her tribal home. Rather than subject herself to a loveless marriage, she jumped from the precipice near the falls and ended her life on the rocks below.

So I took my kids to the Indian Princess Suicide site.  I blame Tammi Murphy for this.  She told me if we got close, we should visit, that it's one of the most beautiful places she's ever been.  We hiked to behind the falls.  I'll let you judge:

First view of the falls from the trail

Right behind the falls in the cliff cave

From the side

A mile hike in.  I am so proud of those kids of mine!

From the beach below the falls.

Not too shabby, right?  THANK YOU, TAMMI!!!!!!  Kayleigh enjoyed hiking for her first time, even though we were hot and sweaty by the time we were done.

We ate a picnic lunch, fed some animals...

and headed two and a half hours east to an Atlanta suburb to see some of the most outstanding people you will ever meet.  They happen to be my cousins.  I am in no way biased.

Lenny, Sue, Ginny, Caylee, and Brandon were impeccable hosts.  Hamburgers for dinner, then swim lessons, real beds, TV, and showers with water pressure.  I really can't say enough about the hospitality of this wonderful family.  We are so blessed!

Off to bed I go!  Tomorrow is a new day :)