Love Letters to Niagara Falls – ‘Father Hennepin’s’ Niagara

Niagara Falls is challenging people to write a love letter – to Niagara Falls! We have been regarded as the “Honeymoon Capital of the World” for decades, but now it’s time to send some love to Niagara. Anyone is able to enter, just go to the following site and add your letter: http://www.niagara-usa.com/blog/love-letters-niagara-usa/

As our addition, one of the “2chicks”, Sherrie, wrote the following as her Love Letter to Niagara Falls:

Some of you may not know who Father Hennepin was. Louis Hennepin was a Belgian explorer and Catholic priest who first introduced Niagara Falls to the world.  He wrote what became a popular book (A New Discovery of a Vast Country in America) of his explorations of North America, including his initial eye witness account of Niagara Falls.

http://lewis-clark.org/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=812

This poem tries to capture the essence of his experience.

‘Father Hennepin’s’ Niagara

By Sherrie Robins, copyright 2014

I walked through the woods, dark and heavy
They lent to me their dim light,
The crunch of leaf and berry,
The sweet smelling verdant bite.

But it wasn’t the woods that called that day,
Not floral or fauna’s woo,
But the thunder and roar
That dragged and bore
Me up and forward, true.

The words first called me upward,
The rumor, the lore, then the facts,
The Explorers first heard
The enticing word
But the Natives bore words on their backs.

Of their world they had full awareness,
Of each leaf, each berry, the vine
And the waters that thundered
Left them in great wonder
Of the Spirit’s creation, divine.

Betwixt Ontario and Erie,
Lay a vast, prodigious display,
A glorious cadence of water
Falling down in renown, ’tis true.

And n’er were we ‘ere so astonished,
Surprised and humbled, us few,
That the entire Universe had stumbled,
Upon this terrible and glorious refrain.

For when the darkened veil had been lifted,
And the waters came into full view
I’d yet heard them call, from their thunderous fall,
For many a mile, ’tis true.

The waters they ripped and they thundered
They foamed and they boiled,
As they tumbled and toiled
And crashed on the rocks, this great brew

And n’er were we ‘ere so astonished,
Surprised and humbled, us few
That the entire Universe stumbled,
On this terrible and glorious refrain.

check out our Pinterest site: http://www.pinterest.com/sherrierobins/

From Niagara Falls to Venice, Italy

While we do love Niagara Falls, we also like to vacation in other parts of the world. We will be doing a small series of our escapades, near and far.

First we’d like to start with Jennifer’s capers in Europe.

Years ago in High School, I met a girl from Germany. We hit it off, and have remained great friends ever since. Every so often, we will exchange visits, and December was my turn. We met in Munich, and then flew directly into Venice for 3 days. In the off season, there are some great deals on flights and hotels!

We stayed at the Hotel Aquavita, http://en.acquavita.it/ which is a 400 year old building, turned into a boutique hotel. When we compared this building to some of the others that we saw, it actually seemed relatively new.

Like every good tourist, we took a ride on the Gondola. No matter how cliche, it really is a must do. In the month of December 2013, the price was 80.00 Euro for the trip. Keep in mind, that price is divided between the number of people taking the ride. There is a rigorous test that the Gondoliers have to go through to achieve that position, so the ones that actually do really enjoy their job!

If you are interested in the history of the main Venetian mode of transportation, the gondola, there is a wonderful workshop, and it’s one of the few left in the city. http://www.reidsitaly.com/destinations/veneto/venice/sights/squero_san_trovaso.html It’s easily accessable, and they offer tours.

San Marco Square is also a must-see, and it’s true what they say about the pigeons. Everything they say about the pigeons.

And watch out for the man that wants to give you corn to feed the pigeons… out of the kindness of his heart… because really, he just wants your money. And he won’t take the corn back. and he wants to charge you much more than the corn is worth. But, I digress.

On a more serious note, we also visited the Jewish Ghetto, which is like turning the pages of history. http://www.ghetto.it/ghetto/en/index.asp In fact, they still have the barbed wire on the walls. This was a quiet respite from the touristy areas of Venice, and a nice place to reflect and think. It’s hard to imagine how people were actually imprisoned here in a corner of this spectacular city.

But we must not forget.

Now, this wouldn’t be a 2chicks2go blog post without the food. So here is the obligatory meal. Behold and feast with your eyes. This spread was found in the Jewish quarter, and it was delectable. This included humus, roasted carrots, felafel, egg salad, eggplant, and more. It was a wonderful sampler of a unique cuisine.

And here are some more photos of the trip. Enjoy!

These photos and other photos of our blog are available at the following address: http://sherrie-robins.fineartamerica.com/

Also, check out our Pinterest site: http://www.pinterest.com/sherrierobins/

The Four Seasons of Niagara

Autumn is a wonderful season no matter where you are. If you live in an area where they refer to “autumn”, chances are you experience the changes of the four seasons. We all love the cooler temperatures, and refreshment from the summer’s heat. The variation of foliage brings an array of colors and salutes the majesty of creation.

Having traveled and lived in various area through our lives, we just happen to think that Niagara likes to show off a bit.

Niagara loves to grow an abundant harvest. It loves to party. It loves to dress up to the hilt. It loves to share all of this with you!

Winter is a season of controversy. Many folks either love it or hate it. There is no doubt that living near Buffalo, NY has given Niagara a bad rap from January through March. Yet actually, there is much awe and inspiring beauty during these cold winter months.

Christmas decorates the malls. The holidays celebrate December. Icicles dance in sparkling shows of glitter and glam, while people sing and celebrate you home through New Years.

Indoors we dine and civilize in the warmth of each others company and class.

There are cleared paths and trails for walking, and places for skating and nearby skiing.

We all look forward to spring, with the hope of new life and regeneration.

“crocuses show their little heads, gracefully leading the way.

The blossoms sprout, the lilies sing, in a dazzling, joyful floral array.”

See… Just thinking about it makes us wax poetic (Mom’s the corny one.)

To visit Niagara in the spring is to see a tumbling and effervescent declaration of life!

The ice is let out of the Lake Erie boom and jostles its way over the abrupt precipice.

And then there’s summer. we all love summer, as long as the temperature doesn’t spike!

And summer is the Niagara we all know and love. Cool refreshing breezes blow in from the Great Lakes and the many trees provide ample shade. Oh yes, we have our heat too, but what a refreshing way to cool down, standing by the edge of the abyss, immersed in the spray stirred up by the crashing turquoise waters.

The Jet Boat and the Maid of the Mist are two ways of getting right down into the turbulence and rapids, experiencing the water like no other! But even in the rush of the summer season, there are gentle times and places that allow for lingering ruminations.

Hawks, buzzards and varied bird life soar high above the gorge, while the great outdoors is just waiting to be experienced. Festivals, music, concerts, and such soar in their own way as well!

So pick, your favorite season and come on by. We’d love to have you!

Oreo’s Great Halloween Adventure in Niagara

Today Mum woke up to her sixteen year old cat’s uncomfortable hobble. He just didn’t look right. As a matter of fact, he looked “askew”.

Dutiful Mum that she is, she promptly called the vet. They go to Lewiston Animal Hospital, in, you guessed it, Lewiston. They have been going there for sixteen years.

Jennifer’s cat travel case was at her house, and Mum was busy with no time to spare. So, “Kitty” as he is affectionately called, went freestyle. He sat on her lap looking out the window and taking in the views.

It just so happens that it was Halloween, so they passed all sorts of excited looking children on their way home to get ready for trick-or-treating. They drove by houses decorated with pumpkins, corn stalks and various “scaries”.

Another view Oreo took in was the great Niagara Gorge. Does he know how lucky he is? The great Niagara Gorge is filled with lovely colored trees this time of year and Kitty sat, nose close to the window, taking in the view. Some people wondered at the black and white cat placed squarely upon Mum’s lap,  right by the steering wheel!

Along the route, they passed the Power Vista as well, which is right across the road from Niagara University. 

http://www.nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm

As they passed NU, Kitty noticed the Niagara University Theater. He’d heard from friends about their wonderful plays, and wondered if they were going to do a production of “The Cat Who”? www.niagara.edu/theater

Downhill in the village of Lewiston, once they got to the vet’s, Oreo was offered treats. They even gave Mum some apple cider and donut holes! The ladies at the front desk were dressed up in costumes and there was a contest for the best dressed pet.

When Kitty went into the office, he was surprised to see the Doctor dressed up as a mouse! But Kitty knew it wasn’t a REAL mouse.

They loved Oreo so much at the vet’s that they took turns holding him and stroking his long, dark fur. It turns out that he’s just getting a little old and so they told Mum how to give him some special loving care.

After waiting for too long, Kitty got impatient and jumped out of Mum’s arms and hid under a pet food display case! One of the workers had to pull him out. Naughty boy.

He sat on the floor of the car all the way home, he’d had enough scenery for one day. He wobbled a bit, to and fro, after his examination, but before he knew it, he was back home at his very own water dish. Was it all a dream?

After they returned, the kids were there, waiting in costume, hands outstretched to get some treats of their own. Cousin Jordan was there to help hand out the goodies, and posed for a photo with his favorite cat cousin.

Oreo took his place on the front porch, at the window, as he does every year, so that he can spy out the goblins, lady bugs and werewolves.

But alas, it has been a busy day, and he is now sleeping on the chair right next to Mum. What a big adventure he had today! Sweet dreams of cat nip, guppies and puppy love. ❤ ❤ ❤

The secret inspiration of the gorge

One of my all time favorite places to write.

There is a space along the Niagara gorge, between the Devil’s Hole and Whirlpool Parks that holds my heart. The land slopes gently downward, among slithering bends, parallel to the mighty Niagara, though lofty heights above. A stately old bridge graces a water run off and large trees play hide and seek with chipmunks and squirrels.

I love lazy autumn afternoons, when the air is still and the sky grey, when there is a mere wisp of a cool breeze, indicating what is yet to come.

But nothing can properly describe the breath taking visuals, nor the total immersion of sounds; a regular feast for the senses; crickets, katydids and grasshoppers chorus their canticle, alongside the hum and roar of the waters rushing below. Up above, whirlybirds (helicopters) hum their constant Niagara tune, a theme played multiple times daily, delivering thrills to hundreds of tourists.  Cars and lawnmowers chime in to remind us that this is actually a giant slice of nature placed in an urban setting…or perhaps the other way around.

A residential area is directly across the Robert Moses Parkway. Deveaux has many stately old homes.

The Canadian side is so close, one feels as though they could reach out and touch it, (if you had a freakishly long arm)! The Niagara Glen is just across the way, a place my high school class made an annual visit for our year end picnic. Now here I sit, writing from Western New York, an observer of little bodies climbing up and down stairs and rocks like ants.

Back here, in continued observation, the Great Niagara Whirlpool is to my left. (It’s also home of the Spanish Aero car accessible from Canada only). To the right are both power plants, the American Niagara Power Project and Canadian Sir Adam Beck. The Niagara Power Project is easily accessible from here, a mere stones throw away. The Robert Moses Parkway also jangles along the gorge from beyond Youngstown NY on one end and to the far end of Niagara Falls on the other.

This is the converted Robert Moses Highway. On one side there is a road, and this side is a pedestrian and bike pathway. Part of this land is protected so that the flora and fauna can grow naturally.

Regarding trail accessibility, bike and hiking trails, both dirt and paved (adjacent to the Robert Moses Parkway) are varied. The trails available are for both the adventuresome and the more gentle soul. Hikers, bikers, joggers, dog walkers and strollers all live together in perfect harmony…or at least they use some of the same path ways! Picnic tables, and bathrooms are also available. (seasonally).

I prefer to stroll along the top of the gorge, gaze at the beautiful vistas, take pictures in a photographer’s paradise and dodge the occasional squirrel,  sitting ‘neath the tree, with my name on it, putting pen to ink…

The Devil’s Hole Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary

The Devil’s Hole State Park is 42 acres of both wooded and cleared land along the Niagara River gorge, adjacent to the Whirlpool State Park. The park has a charming trail along the top of the ridge, providing beautiful scenery, including a view of both the American and Canadian Power vistas, which are both accessible to the public. http://www.nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm and http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/sir-adam-beck.html   If you descend one of the walkways down to the river, you will be presented with a wild river, full of torrential rapids. There are also trails down below.* Beware this is a dangerous area and to enter the water is deadly. Also, the trails are steep and the footing can be treacherous. http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-buffalo-new-york.

The Niagara area and beyond are very historical and played a large role in the establishment of the United States as we know it.

Yesterday marked the memorial of the 250th year since the Seneca Native Americans ambushed the British at Devil’s Hole.  http://niagara-gazette.com/communities/x312428187/Devils-Holes-marking-250th-anniversary-on-weekend.

To commemorate the Anniversary, a re-enactment of the events was held. The upper trail is most often used by tourists, joggers and dog walkers, but yesterday, that wasn’t the case; horses and wagons appeared in the normally quiet park. True to period costumes for the soldiers, Native American garb for the Native Americans, and rifle firing over the gorge were the order of the day. There were also walking tours available, and we took one, in which the speakers in essence said the following;

*Warning: the italicized writing is HISTORY. We like it. Not everyone does. We tried to make it interesting, but to each their own…

In 1763 the British held Fort Niagara, after the displaced French, and the Native tribes of the area were unhappy about it. Supplies played a vital part in why the Fort was needed and in supplying Detroit further on down the line.

Now here’s the rub. The Seneca had held this trade route for many years and considered it their right; after all, it was their land and livelihood. They had tolerated the newcomers, having found a useful niche, of sorts, but when the British cut them out of the equation, a smoldering resentment erupted into the ambush at Devil’s hole. About 400 Seneca were waiting for the convoy and when all was said and done around a hundred men were killed, many scalped and found in the river, having fallen the height of the gorge down to the river below. The headmaster survived, having escaped back to Fort Schlosser, up river, above the Falls and lived to tell about it. http://dmna.ny.gov/forts/fortsQ_S/schlosserFort.htm.

Men representing the 46th Regiment Grenadiers dressed for their role in authentic period costume, tall hats and all. Chris is a regular participant in re-enactments, and a Western New Yorker. We commented on his “chapeau” and its unusual shape and height and told him it reminded us of a German topper. He answered, saying the Germans had also used them and that “it was designed to intimidate by adding height” to the often already taller than average Grenadiers. He also said how another advantage was when the Grenadiers, (who used to throw grenades), found that when they did so, sometimes their hats would catch on fire, and that the  taller hats would not! (At least that’s what Chris said)… Eventually these same hats morphed into the bearskin hats we know and love today as those worn by the Queen’s Guards displaying them in front of Buckingham Palace. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearskin Chris kindly posed for this photo; a fine looking specimen, at that.

We spoke with Al Parker, also known as Ho/yen/dah/onh who was one of the Seneca representatives. He was sure to tell us that his native name means “He got it”, which we found amusing! Parker felt the main thing that came out of this historic event was the treaty between the English and the Seneca Nations. Parker is on the Board of Directors at Old Fort Niagara and is involved in the French and Indian War re-enactment held there each July, http://militaryhistorynow.com/2013/07/08/living-history-french-indian-war-comes-alive-at-fort-niagara/ He also told us that some of his fellow participants at this event were regular re-enactors who act in movies as well! Pretty cool.

2chicks2go… Where?

Welcome to our blog. We are the two chicks! Jennifer and Sherrie, Daughter and Mom. We live in Niagara Falls, NY.

During our travels, people always ask “where are you from?” and we say “we’re from Niagara Falls.” Inevitably. they know just where that is, with their only question being, “which side of the border?” because Niagara Falls is the “world’s most famous address.” And the second question is “living in a tourist area, where do YOU go for vacation?”

So, we thought that we would answer those questions and more in the form of a blog. First of all, for those coming to visit our world famous attraction, we will happily give insider information, tips, and tell you what we like to do.

Secondly, for those of us that live in the Western New York area, you know we’re sitting on a treasure. Wouldn’t it be nice to have consolidated where-to information, schedules and reviews at your finger tips? We would also like to share our enjoyment of local fare, markets, restaurants, and the wine trail. Jennifer and Sherrie also enjoy cooking- we will contribute some recipes of the bountiful produce that Western New York has to offer here on our blog.

Living in such a centrally-located area, we have access to so much. World class events, dining, entertainment, hiking and scenery. For people that are visiting our area, they may not be aware of how this hub can lend to an exciting extended vacation and for locals to enjoy day trips. As anative born Canadian, Sherrie has a unique perspective of both sides of the border.

That brings us to where we like to vacation. Sherrie has traveled extensively across most of North America, where as Jennifer has traveled abroad on several different occasions. We would also like to share some of these experiences with you.

So put on your yellow rain slicker, and lets get ready 2 go.