We slowly skirted the southern shore of Lake Ontario, through the numerous small villages and towns of northwestern New York. This area first developed along the lake and later into the interior, especially when New York 104 was completed. The NY 104 “ridge route” brought in settlers who began farming the rich plain, south of Lake Ontario. It’s remains very productive, with large dairy farms, fruit orchards, and other truck crops. Many of the early settlers built federal style houses from the abundant cobble stone and many homes continue in use today, with their orderly gardens and multihued landscaping.

At Lockport, we explored the Erie Canal and then over to Niagara Falls. Lockport literally grew up around the five-step lock system, the most challenging part of the 363-mile Erie Canal. This lock system facilitates the ascent/decent of the 70-foot dolomitic limestone shelf of the Niagara escarpment.
I observed the perfect live-aboard boat, traversing the locks on this section of the “Great Loop”. Terry corrected me, pointing out several deficiencies that were would be daily hindrances while cruising. I’ve been told and I’m learning that there is no perfect live-aboard vessel.
The dolomite stone that was removed in the construction of the Lockport locks and commonly reused as cheap, abundant building material, is visible in the old buildings and structures around the area.

At Niagara Falls, it was a sunny, cloudy, rainy, cool, warm, windy, (you name it)day, which produced a range of impressive views and experiences at the falls. The unusually high spring run-off added even more commotion as the azure green water from Lake Erie, roared through the canyon, plunging into the gorge, on it’s course to Lake Ontario.  We visited from mid-morning until after sunset, walking all the trails around Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil falls while taking pictures. Our dogs were so excited and curious suggesting something instinctively special about the place. (Or it could have been a result of all the fast food aromas)!  We parked our rig on Goat Island, surrounded by the falls, so we had  convenient access and a practical place to rest, eat and shelter(and change wet clothes and dry wet dogs).  We walker across the footbridge to the Hard Rock Café for dinner and a visit to the Visitor Center.

Next, we continued our itinerary along the Niagara River meeting the southern shore of Lake Erie, at Buffalo. For some reason, I thought about OJ Simpson as we observed the derelict, rusting,  industrial facilities along the lakeshore of south Buffalo. All this industry was thriving when OJ played here. We looked for the Buffalo Bills Stadium but could not get a view of it. Buffalo is making a fervent effort to revitalize the lake shore.
Infrequently driving at night, it was dark when we found a city park campground/beach, along NY 5, on Lake Erie, at Sheridan. It’s a very pleasant, scenic park, and after some concentrated touring days, we’re staying two nights.
Every day, we talk, observe, shop, and evaluate our boat needs. After nearly four months, traveling along the “Great Loop” route, we can say that we’ve learned a lot and it has been time enjoyed and well spent. It WILL happen!