17.09/12: Back in the USA

First an example of the homes we passed on our way north yesterday. All seem compact, neat, tidy and lacking a garage (the cars are left on the street). Note the flag in the front yard. This seems to be the norm here.

Crossed the border into Canada and arrived in Niagara late last night (after 7.30 pm) and we were all in dire need of a pee and some food after sitting at the border crossing for over an hour. Luckily there were at least half a dozen eateries within walking distance of our motel. After dinner we took a walk down the main drag. The strip (a couple of streets away from the falls) which looked like a cross between Times Square in NY and Las Vegas, with its many bright lights and Ferris Wheel - it seemed geared towards the younger set, so Deb and I retired.

Today was beautiful, and a trip to the falls for some photos and a ride on the Maid of the Mist was first on the agenda. And yes, we did end up wearing the blue garbage bags that are meant to keep the water out. We ditched them as soon as we possibly could.

Not only are the falls spectacular (and deafening)), but the gardens surrounding the viewing areas are amazing as well. In fact Niagara is quite a neat and lovely place. The National Parks keep the place pristine.

After lunch at an orchard (below, right) on the outskirts of Niagara, we mounted up again to head east (still in Canada). The plan was to pop over the border at Michigan. We pulled in at a truck stop for afternoon tea and saw a most unusual sight. A mobile chapel. Only in America!


About an hour after crossing the border we came into Detroit. The collective mood on the bus changed: this is a city slowly dying…in the last ten years more than half of the population has left, and there are abandoned, rotting and burnt-out houses, factories and warehouses everywhere. Hard to believe this place was once a big reflection of the American Dream.

Finally, a bit about our group. I think there are 44 of us – all Australians; there are three Queenslanders including Deb and I. The rest seem to come from WA, Vic or NSW. Most are retired or semi-retired. Goes to show what a strong Aussie Dollar can do.

Tomorrow involves a trip to see Henry Fords’ Museum, after which we press on to the Windy City – Chicago. Hmmm…Deb just found the telephone in the ‘loo in this hotel. Odd world this one.