New England - Day 4

Our morning photo stop at the power generating station along the Niagara River made for some questions. It became an education vacation as we had to Google answers about how long water had been diverted for power and for reducing the erosion of the waterfalls. Our stop at the Floral Clock was timed perfectly so that we were all able to hear the Westminster chimes at 8:00. From there we crossed back into the United States and continued to Lockport, NY. The Erie Canal Discovery Center was very enjoyable, and most of us were able to watch several yachts lock through one of the series of five locks in town. Our afternoon was spent keeping active on the bus as we drove in rain. Once we got to Saratoga Springs, we made a stop at one of the springs in town. A "highlight" was standing in the light rain to toast to our health and taste the mineral water. Not one person believed drinking it was worth the possible beauty or health results! The natural spring water, however, was sweet. Before checking into our hotel, we drove through town to see the mansions built by wealthy visitors as summer cottages in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Our evening meal was memorable at a Greek diner in Saratoga Springs.-Laurel Johnson, Tour Director