New Years Day, Niagara Falls

For the second year, (this may become a tradition) Rick and I went to Niagara Falls on New Years Day.

We took the slow route, driving along the Lake all the way.

 

Marveled at 

the impact of the high water, waves and winds from

the storm the previous week.

There were cottages on the edge of the lake that were encased in ice.

Watched a couple of Bald Eagles

hunting out on the ice

Cold wind but the sun was very welcome after so many grey days.

At one stop we could see the Point Abino lighthouse in one direction

and the Buffalo skyline in the other.

We drove down the Niagara River

Lots of ducks and at one point a beautiful Bald Eagle in a tree right beside the road. Unfortunately I had cars behind me so couldn't pull over to take a photo.

We stayed at the Marriot this year and had great views from our room.

Two chairs faced the window and we drank wine and snacked

while watching the moon rise and

the lights come on

below us.

Still very cold and windy so we didn't want to go far for dinner. Rick thought he had made a reservation at an Italian restaurant but when we got there it was Brazilian. I ordered just sides and Rick had the main menu. Wait staff just walked around with huge skewers of grilled meat that they carved off for you (cuts of beef, pork, chicken, shrimp and salmon). All you can eat is basically wasted on us any more but I found the sides delicious and the whole thing entertaining.

Back to the room in time to watch the fireworks.

The buffet breakfast was excellent and we would usually have used the swimming pool and hot tub but the area was cold so we continued on our drive down the Niagara River

until we got to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Rick couldn't believe that I had never been. We walked around, in and out of stores and galleries. Then continued the drive home.