About Time...

Post date: Jun 11, 2016 2:33:21 AM

I forged ahead and rode into Buffalo, NY last night and arrived at about 1730. While en route, the odometer on the BMW turned 50,000 miles. Maybe before I'm done, she'll have about 70,000 on her. The jury is still out on whether to keep her to 100,000 miles or trade her off for a new model. Not many people can say that they have put 100,000 miles on a single motorcycle. Perhaps it's an illustrious club? That's what I'll tell myself.

In Buffalo, I located a Marriott and made camp for the night. It was great because one of the first things I did was take a piping hot shower! Later, I went down to the business office and purchased a Niagara Falls Discovery Pass with the intent of spending the next day at the park. Down the road from the hotel was a laundry mat, so I washed up all my clothes. The best thing of all was sleeping in a dry bed for the first night in five days. To hell with the rain!

I arose at 0500 the next morning bright eyed and bushy tailed as the old saying goes. After a good breakfast, I headed out towards Niagara Falls State Park. In a word, Niagara Falls is spectacular.

The park provides myriad vantage points of the Niagara River where you can quickly determine that I dip into the water would likely end in one's demise, not including a plunge over the falls. National Geographic categorized the rapids as Class VI Unsurvivable. The rapid scale only goes to Class V, if that tells you anything.

The Cave of the Winds affords one the ability to get within 10 feet of Bridal Veil Falls. Walking through the entry way, an attendant hands out a new pair of sandals and a thin, plastic poncho. Word to the wise - bring a pair of Crocs or their equivalent unless you want a cheap souvenir. A short elevator ride down and you're marching across a wooden walkaway with the roar of thunder in your ears. Standing here on a beautiful June day, I took a bath in the frigid waters of the Niagara River. It was amazing!

After finishing the Cave, I walked up to where once stood a statue in memory of Nikola Tesla; however, unbeknownst to me, it was gone. Nikola Tesla was a man of superior intellect, and based upon his alternating current (AC), we power the machine of the world today. His life and contributions to society are well worth researching.

Next, it was a short hike up to three islands on the Niagara River known as the Three Sisters. From here you can witness the immensity of the river and surmise just how much water flows over the falls. Answer: 150,000 gallons per second!

I also took a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist to the base of the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls (Canadian) Falls.

By this time, it was early afternoon, and I was getting the hungries. I'm in Buffalo, NY. Can you guess what was on the menu? Buffalo Wings at the Anchor Bar, long hailed as the home of the original wing. They were good. I recommend the hot sauce as it's packed with flavor and not really that hot. More spicy I would say.

After that I was beat. I headed back to the hotel for a short nap.

When I awoke, I took the bike down to a local car wash and gave her a bath. Note to self: You should pack a wash mit, if you're going to be on the road for an extended period of time. I plan on stopping at an auto parts store and buying one because the spray gun at the car wash didn't cut the dirt, grime, and bug guts that the bike has accumulated in three weeks. While I was at it, I did some maintenance checks and determined that the rear tire is showing signs of underinflation. I put more air in it with the hopes that it's wear will improve with the increase in pressure.

Last on the list was beef on a weck at Charlie the Butcher's place. Hands down, this was the best roast beef sandwich I have ever eaten. Period. Oh, and they have Loganberry drink on the menu. It's a local favorite to Buffalo like a Raspberry Lime Rickey is to Boston.

Today was a total success. It has renewed my vigor for this trip and helped me to quickly forget five days of terrible weather.