Rarely would I welcome being awakened (after a late night) at around 06.30 hrs by the piercing beep of a reversing refuse truck doing the rounds of hotels around here.  The intermittent disturbance continued for around half an hour.   Peeking through my window to curse the source of my disturbed sleep, I was again astounded by the magnificent sight that had me doing a double-take when I arrived three days ago.  My grateful thanks to The Niagara Refuse Collection Department (or whoever they are!)  Sunrise over Niagara Falls!  Magnificent!

Being my last day and having little time tomorrow, I completed most of the packing in readiness to get up and go, around 9 am tomorrow.

There are two things I would like to do today. One is to do the Behind the Falls trip and take an evening boat trip to see the fabulous fireworks for a fourth time. 

Annoyingly, my one-time dodgy back is playing up.  I have had problems for a few days now, but these have eased as the day progresses.  Since Day 1, I have averaged 10,600 + steps/day, walking “seriously” since I arrived in Chicago.   My unhealthy breakfast, which I did enjoy, morphed into lunch.  I can’t linger over breakfast any longer!  Let’s go! 

The funicular railway is closed right now.  I am taking an alternative walking route down (I hope) to street level. It’s another hot day, and apart from what I have set out to do, I am taking this rare opportunity to chill out. 

The Scenic Falls View Path more or less stayed at the same level.  Murray Street, which connects both levels, was eventually accessed by stairs, and I rejoined the lower road at the Queen Victoria bus stop, from where I took a bendi-bus to the “Niagara City Cruises Terminal.”  I report back there at 9 pm.  The weather looks decidedly dodgy!  Below are photos taken from the nearby Grand View Restaurant.  The views are grand. The food is very er  North American!

Walking back to Table Rock Centre not far from my hotel.  There, I would join the throngs of blue poncho clad visitors for the “Journey Behind the Falls.”   Once again, my photos do not do this event justice – not on my phone anyway.  This would be my penultimate “treat.”   The grand finale of these magnificent four nights at Niagara Falls will be to see the nightly fireworks for the fourth and final time – from a river boat.

Below are pictures taken from the Journey Behind The Falls attraction.  Similar to yesterday at the Generator Station, a lift takes ticket holders down an elevator.  Tunnels lead to two portals, which are actually behind the Falls and to a two level viewing platform.  Hundreds of tourists flow through this attraction throughout the day. My slot, along with many others, was at 4 pm. 

It’s a very good job that my phone is waterproof! 

Note:  Because of being out of WiFi range, I was unable to continue writing this morning (18/8/24).  Blog 145 continues, including a brief illustrated description of seeing the fireworks display from a river boat.  Blogs 144 and 145 are slightly disjointed.