Conservation Trail - To Canada

  We had an absolutely perfect day to complete this quest. Blue sky and blue water, low humidity and low seventies for temperature.

First, we needed to get off Grand Island. This is the north bridge.

As we walked across, the mist from the Horseshoe (Canadian) falls could be seen along with the city skyline.

Between the bridge and the falls, we passed the Old Stone Chimney. This was built in 1750, and was the chimney of the mess hall and barracks at Fort Nisgara which guarded the long portage.

Shortly downstream from this location the rapids become severe. Boats can not approach the falls closely either above or below the falls-- the portage was both long and steep with an elevation change of about 200 feet. These are standing waves in the river above the falls.

Approaching the American Falls, with a sliver of the Horseshoe Falls behind it. They are separated by Goat Island.

A little farther, and both falls are clearly seen. The falls flow over the Niagara Escarpment. This is a rock cliff that extends from the southern shore of Lake Ontario, forms the peninsula that separates Lake Huron from the Georgian Bay, is visible on the North Country Trail at Maple Hill in the Upper Peninsula of Lake Michigan, and then curves south to form the Dorr Peninsula of Wisconsin.

And, here we are! We made it to the northern extent of the Conservation Trail. This completes all six branch trails for Marie and me. (And, incidentally, connects to the Bruce Trail.)

We came prepared with the proper paperwork to allow us to enter and walk across the Rainbow Bridge. Some of the best long views of the falls are from this location.

The last time I was here was in (pretty sure) 1982. It was probably time to visit again, eh?

This morning we said goodbye to Dave and Joyce, our hosts for the entire time of the hike. She's a hiker and also loves word games. They are now more than hosts. They have become our friends.

And now we have moved to the home of long-time trail friends Ruth and Dan.

This is plenty for one day, and I'm beat, so I'll sign off.

Miles hiked so far in 2024: 345.7. Finger Lakes Trail miles hiked in 2024: 67.5

Conservation Trail, Western NY., Eagle Overlook to Canadian border. 7.0 miles

See Grand Island

Conservation Trail - Niagara River

  We started in Tonawanda, and discovered that the CanalFest was in full swing. However, it wasn't open for the day yet, so we got a parking place.

I have to brag that in order to get there early, we got up at 5 am. And I'll tell you the end of the story too. We did not get rained on when we were hiking. But we did drive "home" in some serious rain.

Of course, this is all along the Erie Canal, and it's history is entwined with the trail and the villages along the way.

One of the most fun railroad and bridge "artifacts" is this swing bridge that allowed railroad access to Goose Island, across Tonawanda Creek. It still sits in the river in a perpetualy "open" position.

Believe it or not, it was hand operated. I liked that the mechanism is so visible. There were several of these used on the Miami-Erie Canal, but none are still standing. I only saw interpretive signs.

Our trail all day was paved urban route. But it was attractive. You can see the river beyond the trees.

There were even gardens to be seen along the way.

Early in the day, we turned to follow the Niagara River. If you squint into the distance, you can see the blue arc of the south Grand Island Bridge.

Soon we were even closer.

Yup, we walked across it.

A couple more miles and we finished for the day before 10:30 in the morning.

Miles hiked so far in 2024: 321.1. Finger Lakes Trail miles hiked in 2024: 52.9

Conservation Trail, Western NY., Main St, Tonawanda to Oakfield Ave. 7.8 miles

In the afternoon I had time to finish getting the book file uploaded and accepted. Now I'm waiting for the e-proof, but if it looks good, then I'll be ordering books. We played Quiddler again in the evening.

See Tonawanda