Thursday, July 4, 2024

2024 June 23-29 Trip to Niagara Falls, Canada with The Club, Diamonds in the Rough & Diamond Travels Bus Tour(7 days)


Niagara Falls Canada 

DAY 1: June 23: Sunday:
 

Travel to the en-route hotel (La Quinta Inn & Suites Florence, KY, 350 Meijer Drive, Florence, KY), stopping for restroom breaks and lunch (you are alone). The bus arrived at 7:30 A.M. Travel from 8:00 A.M. to 8:15 P.M. Staying at the La Quinta Inn Florence, Kentucky, room 318 


We stopped at Jack's Restaurant in Florence. 

Gravy, sausage, biscuits, and tea. My husband ordered breakfast, and we spent $12.22.

We arrived at the Club, loaded our luggage near the orange cones, and went inside for a meeting. 

We were loaded onto the bus at 8 A.M.

We stopped at Love's in Columbia, TN, for a restroom break. 

We stopped at the north side of Nashville at Zaxby's White House, 800 Hwy 76, White House, TN, at 12:08 P.M.

For lunch, we both ordered a shrimp meal, and the total came to $21.93.

We stopped for dinner at Cracker Barrel in Florence, KY @6:4 P.M.

I ordered grilled chicken tenders, fried apples with lemon water, and Hubby for breakfast. 

One of the women fell on her face and broke her jawbone, so Fran took her to the emergency room. 

Then we will be heading to the hotel for the night, the La Quinta Inn Florence, KY, room 318.

William and another passenger took the woman, Joan, to Bowling Green, KY, to meet a friend and take her home.

They didn't get back until after 6 A.M. this morning 

Tomorrow is another day of traveling.


Day 2: June 24: Monday: 

Travel- Continental breakfast at the hotel, stopping for lunch, and arriving at the Niagara Falls hotel for 4 nights.

Dinner at Eat' N Park, 7355 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509. 

Cross the border and arrive at Days Inn & Suites, 5068 Centre Street, Niagara. 

Falls, Ontario. For breakfast, I ate a muffin with apple juice. 

We rode through Cincinnati on I-71 and headed to Erie, Pennsylvania. 


I met a woman this morning in the dining room 

She asked where we were from. I laughed and said, Florence, Al.

She suggested I look for a doctor there, but it was too far away.

I told her we were headed to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. 

I saw her again for breakfast. 

She noticed my name tag. 

She said my name is Sandra, but my middle name is Gail

I said it's mine.

She told her friend to take our picture. 

I had her take a picture with my phone. 

I said we could look each other up on Facebook. 


We stopped at Der Dutchman in Plain City, Ohio, for lunch

Hubby ordered a Dutchman Hamburger. 

I ordered a strawberry poppyseed salad, and we spent around $ 40.00

I bought a sunflower-designed blanket and a bottle of Lavender body lotion and spent around $28.00,

The woman who checked me out said they were going to Alaska. 

I told them about our trip to Alaska, which had taken place just a few weeks before.


Back on the road at 1:45 P.M. 

We ate dinner at Eat' n Park in Erie, Pennsylvania 

I ordered baked cod with steamed carrots and creamed potatoes with toast

We traveled through Buffalo, New York, and processed through immigration to enter Canada. 

We finally reached our destination. 

The bus was unloaded, and we were given room keys to the 241 Days Inn & Suites, located on Centre Street in Niagara Falls. 

Took our luggage to our rooms, and I walked a couple of blocks to get a better view of the ferry wheel. 

I returned to our room, showered, and went to bed. It was around midnight. 


Dutchman Plain City, Ohio

Day 3: June 25: Tuesday: 

Continental Breakfast at the hotel, 8-9

Depart at 9:20 and arrive between 10:00 and 12:00. Boat ride on the Horn Blower (Niagara Cruise), Historical tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake, View of Table Rock Point, Queen Victoria Park, including the famous Flora Clock, and a view of the rapids. Lunch on our own. Dinner at Queen Victoria Place at 6345 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, Ontario, and at 7 P.M., depart for the casino.


Breakfast consisted of eggs, sausage, and a cookie 

At 9:45, we picked up our guide. 

We rode to the boat area, purchased our tickets, took a cable car down to the falls, boarded the boat, and headed to the falls. However, first, we were all given blue ponchos. 

They said you will get wet.

What a great experience.

After a short trip, we were taken back to the port and disembarked into a tunnel going up a hill.

We met a couple from South Carolina. 

They had driven to Niagara. 

We talked to them through the tunnels and the elevator. 

When we reached the gift shop, we bid each other goodbye. 


We stopped to use the restroom at the Best Overlook Restaurant. 

Our guide mentioned several local restaurants for lunch. Several in our group chose The Secret Garden Restaurant. Hubby and I split a Codfish, coleslaw, and chips plate for $20.33.


We returned to the bus loading area and parked near the Visitor Center. 

We took the bus back to the hotel and took a nap.

At 4:30, we rode to Victoria Place for dinner.  

We both ordered baked cod with cream potatoes and veggies 

For dessert, we had a blueberry crunch. 

After dinner, we rode back to the hotel. 

Hubby and I walked to the theme park area, where we bought tickets to ride the Ferris wheel.

What fun!

You could see everything! 

A great view of the falls, the shops, and the people below. 

We stopped in a few shops but didn't make any purchases. 

Came back to the hotel, worked on my pictures, and went to bed. 

Another long day tomorrow. 


It rained and stormed, so we didn't take the Historical tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which included a view of Table Rock Point, Queen Victoria Park, the famous Flora Clock, and a glimpse of the rapids.

That will be tomorrow. 

Fireworks at the Falls 

The Floral Clock



Park at Niagara Falls, Canada 


Day 4: June 26: Wednesday: 

Continental Breakfast at the Hotel, Guided tour of the Niagara Falls Area. We will stop at the Welland Canals Centre, spend our free time exploring Wine Country, and have dinner at Wrigley's Best Western Hotel & Conference Center, located at 2 North Service Road, St. Catharines, Ontario. 


Today, I walked to the falls from our hotel room with Pam Black.

We left at 6:30 and were back by 7 A.M.

I worked on my pictures, Hubby, and breakfast at 8 A.M.

At 9:20 A.M., we loaded onto the bus and headed for 

Welland Canal and Saint Catharines Museum is at 1932 Welland Canals Parkway, St. Catharines, Ontario.

We walked through the museum, learning the history of the Welland Canal. 

I walked outside and up several steps to see the Welland locks and canal below. 

Took pictures of several markers and flowers that were outside. 


Our next stop was The Chocolate Factory, 335 Four Mile Creek Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Our guide discussed the process of making Chocolate, the chocolate-iest chocolate.

We were given samples. 

We bought a bag of chocolate-covered cherries and a bag of Ginger covered in Chocolate. Chocolate 4 chocolate-covereChocolate. 

Next, we went to the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. 

We were dropped off at the visitor center and took a shuttle into town.

We got off the shuttle behind the courthouse and were told that was where the courthouse picked up. 

We went through the apothecary, then walked through the park and down to Lake Ontario. 

I stopped by one of the local shops for some fruit berry ice cream. 

My husband had to use the restroom, so we walked back to the shuttle pick-up area, where the restroom was located.

We saw some people coming out of the courthouse basement, and there was a sign that read 'Visitor Information, Courthouse side,' so we headed that way.

We met a woman inside and talked to her for a while. 

I told her my grandmother was Canadian and that I had relatives living in several provinces in Canada.

When I left, she said goodbye, fellow Canadian; it made me proud. 


We took the shuttle back to the Visitor Center, where the bus was parked.

The bus is scheduled to depart at 2:28 P.M.


We stopped at the Bella Terra Vineyard. 

We were all seated at several long tables and given 3 wines to sample. 

We tasted 3 white wines and one red wine. 

They were wines 1,2,3. 

These are processed from frozen grapes while still on the vines.

Several people purchased several bottles of wine. 

It had been a wonderful day with so much to see, but it was nearing dinner time.

We stopped for dinner at Wrigley's 

Everyone was served a Salad, baked fish, veggies, and Potatoes. We had chocolate moose and strawberry jello topped with whipped cream for dessert.

We rode back to the hotel, and I took a nap

At 9 P.M., we rode back to the falls to watch the fireworks show

Back to the hotel.

Tomorrow is another day of adventures. 


Day 5: June 27: Thursday: 

Continental Breakfast at the Hotel, a guided tour of the Niagara Falls area. Free time to stroll and visit the Butterfly Conservatory. Dinner at Ostin's Restaurant 

327 Ontario Street, St Catharines, Ontario 


Today, Pam black and I walked to the falls.

We walked through Queen Victoria Park and took pictures along the way.

We saw a rose garden, a lily pond, a statue of George IV, Zimmerman Fountain Pond, and a historic marker of Sir Casimir S. Gqowski.

We returned to the hotel and had breakfast, which was the same as usual. 

We are leaving for the Butterfly Conservatory at 9:45 A.M.

We walked through the Butterfly Conservatory and saw several species, but it was too crowded to take pictures.

William and I walked through the botanical gardens, which were much more relaxing. We saw the beautiful rose gardens. 


Our next stop was the Floral Clock. 

The intricate designs on the face of the Floral Clock are created with thousands of carpet bedding plants and are changed twice a year. Niagara Park's horticulture staff maintains the planted face of the Floral Clock, while Ontario Power Generation keeps the mechanism inside in working order. The tower at the back of the clock houses Westminster chimes that ring out at each quarter hour.

Several people got off the bus near Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, and so did we. 

 

Hubby and I walked to the Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls.

We walked through the bird Kingdom, where we saw several species of birds, lizards, turtles, and frogs.

We began our journey back up Clifton Hill, a steep hill, back to the hotel. 

We rested for a few minutes before heading to the Whirlpool Rapids to ride the Aero Car at 3:30 P.M. on the Niagara River. The Aero Car costs $20 each. 


We loaded onto the Aero Car for an unforgettable ride over the vibrant, teal-colored waters of the Niagara River. Below, we saw the swirling Niagara Whirlpool and the river class 6 rapids as we soared 3,500 feet across the Niagara Gorge. 


At 5:30, we rode to St Catharine's at Ostin's for dinner 

I ate baked chicken, potato wedges, spinach dip, a roll, and raspberry custard pie.

We returned to the hotel. 

We are packed for tomorrow and leaving. 


Day 6: June 28: Friday: 

Enjoy a continental breakfast, then depart for Cleveland, OH. Stop at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and stay at the en-route hotel, La Quinta Inn & Suites Florence, Kentucky. 


Finish packing and set our luggage outside the room. 

Started the day at 6:30 with a walk down to the falls with Pam Black. 

It took us about 25 minutes. 

Came back to the hotel, collected our carry-on bags, walked downstairs, and had breakfast.

I ate Eggs, sausage, cookies, and orange slices. 

Loaded onto the bus and began our journey. 

We made a stop at the duty-free customs shops.

It took over an hour to get through customs. 

We stopped at the Welcome Center in Western Pennsylvania. 

We stopped at the downtown Cleveland Mall for lunch and ate at Charley's Philly Steaks.

Hubby and I shared a medium Philly sandwich and fries. 

We stopped at the history museum, where we saw a few fossils, dinosaurs, and a historical marker outside. 

The Visitor Hall showcases Haplocanthosaurus (Happy) Blato, Dunkleosteus (Dunk) Lucy, the moon rock, and more. 

Then we stopped at Steak  N Shake in Grove City, Ohio, for dinner.

My Hubby and I shared a strawberry milkshake with whipped cream and cherries, along with an order of onion rings. 

We arrived late at La Quinta INN, room 404, Florence, Kentucky. 


Welcome to Pennsylvania 


Day 7: June 29: Saturday: 

Enjoy a continental breakfast, then head home. Should arrive sometime around 5 P.M. 


My husband and I walked across the street to Meijer, a supermarket, where we purchased a Diet Mountain Dew, one banana, one ham and cheese sandwich, and one chicken salad sandwich, totaling $12.58.

Now waiting in the lobby, we are scheduled to leave at 8:30 A.M.

We stopped at a Pilot to refuel the bus and for a restroom break.


We played bingo for a couple of hours on the bus.  

We ate a late lunch at Friday Opry Mills in Nashville, TN

My Hubby and I shared a rib and shrimp plate with macaroni, cheese, and coleslaw. Costs about $30


Told stories, and some sang Christian songs on the bus.


We arrived at the Club around 5 P.M.

We drove straight to North Florence, where Hazel was celebrating her third birthday with a birthday party. 

The kids were all outside in the inflatable swimming pool.

I told Hazel, 'Happy Birthday,' and Hayne said they had already sung it. They had pizza and birthday cake, but we had eaten and were not hungry.

Hayne and Scott both got stung by a yellow jacket.

We stayed until about 6 P.M.

Hubby wasn't feeling well.

We rode home, unloaded the car, and went to bed.

Cleveland History Museum


Thursday, June 20, 2024

2024 June 15, 17,18,19, 20 with Ava

2024 June 15, Saturday 

Atlas Birthday Party @ Launch Pad Elgin

 I picked up Ava, and we rode to the Elgin LaunchPad. 

Atlas is turning 4! Calling all cowboys, cowgirls, and space rangers 

June 15, at 12–2 P.M.

Don't forget your jumping socks. 

We were served pizza, chips, and birthday cake 

The kids had fun on the launchpad 

We watched Atlas blow out his 4 candles.

I bought Hazel a birthday present because we will be out of town on her birthday, June 29. 

Hazel was having a bad day 

So I gave her her present, a very colorful doll

She wouldn't put it down

I gave Atlas a soccer ball and an Adventure Force Clash Force Combo Auto Advanced with four guns and 20 bullets.


2024 June 17, Monday, Ava & River 

Today, I rode to Andy's to see River and Ava 

They were still in bed, but not sleeping 

They quickly jumped into the swimming pool and played 

River said she was hungry and wanted McDonald's 

So I told Ask Pawpaw

They dressed, and we headed to McDonald's 

River ordered a cheeseburger with only cheese, bread, and meat (which he called ham)

Ava ordered 6 pieces of chicken nuggets with fries 

I ordered filet fish with fries

The kids enjoyed their meal while playing with their meal toy 

Inside Out 2: toy play and score toy

I bought Hubby 2 McDoubles and 2 small fries 

We came back to my house, and the kids enjoyed playing in the playroom until 1:30

Then we took them back to Andy's 

River's mom was on her way to pick up River.

They have a long drive home. 



2024 June 18, Tuesday, Ava & River 

River and Ava came over while Andy went to work. 

The kids played in the playroom.

I rode them on the gator.

River loved the ride. He was pretending he was in one of his video games

They ate hot dogs, no bread

Fruit, candy, and snacks all day

They watched TV 

River's parents came by around 2 P.M. They had spent the day in 

Memphis 

They slept late 

A long ride home, about 5 to 6 hours 

Andy came for Ava later 

I went to bed early. I was tired 


2024, June 19, Wednesday, AVA

Today, we rode to town.

My two big toes have fungus, so I went to Doctor McCutchens, who prescribed medication to heal them.

We stopped at Ollie's and bought some body wash and oatmeal raisin cookies. 

We took Ava to McFarland Park to play

She wanted to go to a museum, but she settled for the park 

She had fun with several other kids 

I did some birding and took pictures 

We ate lunch at Chick-fil-A 

We stopped at Foodland and talked to Ronald. He gave Ava some mints 

We picked up my prescription at Killen Drugs 

We rode up to Greenhill and bought some peaches and a watermelon 

Had a fun day 


Afternoon visit near Muscle Shoals Reservation Trail

Today, Thursday, June 20, we rode to Rockpile TVA 

Ava and I walked to the waterfalls

Stopping to take pictures 

We saw a red-bellied Woodpecker at the top of a rotten tree

We saw a red-tailed hawk and a couple of Great Blue Herons, and we heard several different bird sounds 

Ava played on the playground, but it was too hot, and no other kids were there 

We rode to McFarland Park. There were lots of kids, but none on the playground 

So we walked up the path to a couple of large boulders, where I took several photos 

We rode to Panda Express for lunch 

We ordered a large plate 

Ava ate the noodles 

I ate the walnut shrimp 

Hubby's orange chicken and broccoli with beef 

Hubby went next to get a haircut 

While Ava and I stayed at Panda Express 

We came home, and Ava and Hubby watched Sponge Bob 

Museum that we have visited

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