50 hrs of non stop fun

Its a long time coming, but better late than never. This is a recollection of 50 hours of total fun filled enjoyment which had us driving, hiking, camping, visiting foreign country by road without necessary documents and witnessing the grand spectacle that is called the Niagara Falls. Ever since Pragathi organized the hiking trip to Ridley Creek State Park, we have been planning another hiking trip. After lot of discussions and persuasions, we finally had all things sorted out. There were total of 6 of us. Vinayak, Shankar, Prasanna, Vamsi, Jimit and yours trully decided to go hiking to the Pine Creek State Park, camping in Presque Isle State Park and then pay a visit to Niagara.

So it was 3 in the morning of 23rd August that we started out for Pine Creek State Park. The 5 hour ride through rural Pennsylvania was simply amazing. Seeing the sunrise over the countryside is a wonderful experience. We reached the start of the hiking trail at 7.30. Taking a short break, we started on the famous Turkey path, path which winds down the slopes of the first mountain, crosses the Pine Creek and then climbs up the second mountain. It was a wonderful hike, one which had us straining for every ounce of energy that the body could get. We stopped at a waterfall to have a delicious break fast. After finishing break fast, we made steady progress towards the creek. Crossing the creek was a wonderful experience as it has to be crossed by foot through the river bed. There is no bridge for crossing over. A strenuous climb on the other side ensued as we made for the top of the opposite mountain. The view from the top was stunning and gave us a good indication to the challenge that lay ahead of us. That is getting back to our starting position. The down climb was pretty simple followed by the crossing of the creek. Another energy sapping up climb and we had finished our hike. It was tiring, it was strenuous, but it was satisfying. We were a picture of mental satisfaction as we headed towards our car. The five hour hike had us enjoying some of the most wonderful scenery. Nature has created several master pieces which can be enjoyed by man and Pine Creek is one of them. Pine creek is also called the grand canyon of Pennsylvania as the pine creek literally creates a canyon between the two mountains.

So with the wonderful hike done, we were off to our next destination. Presque Isle State Park is a wonderful peninsula inside Lake Erie near the town of Erie in Pennsylvania. On the way, we stop at a lovely park to eat lunch and have some rest. Its a nice drive and we eventually reach Erie by 5 pm. Its already late for hiring a bicycle and so we head on foot to the best beach among the 18 odd beaches scattered all along the peninsula. There's a lovely plethora of colors as the sun sets over Lake Erie. Enjoy waddling around in the pristine and clear waters of Lake Erie. Its a totally relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. I have visited Lake Erie earlier in Cleveland. But no other place can be as soothing to the soul as that beach. After sunset, we need to find a camping site. Finally we zoom down on koa campgrounds which is located a little distance outside Erie. While we have stopped for confirming the availability, a forest ranger comes to ask us if we need any help. When we inform that we are looking for a campsite, she directs us to the state park office. However since we had already got our answer from koa, we dont stop at the office. She trails about 5 miles behind us before telling us that we have left the office behind. Prompt helpful action from state authorities is something we need to implement in India.

Once we get to the campground, the next job is setting up the tent. Having seen Shyam set it up earlier, I am all excited in setting this one up. However its harder than I expected and I need the assistance from others before we can set up everything. Once the tent is set up, its time to prepare dinner. Grilled vegetables alongwith packed ready to eat make a wonderful combination. After a sumptous meal, its time to relax. After chatting for some time, its time to sleep. The next day, we get up to a wonderful breeze blowing. After a filling breakfast, we are ready to start for our next destination. The world famous Niagara Falls with its misty atmosphere is all set to welcome us. So off we go on I-90 towards Buffalo and Niagara. As we near Buffalo, Lake Erie seems to give us company on a regular basis. And then begins the small unplanned advanture.

As we follow the route mentioned by the GPS, we see a sign board. It says "Canada via Peace Bridge. Please keep your travel documents ready for inspection". As its a divided highway, there is no way we can go back. On inquiring with the US Immigration officials, they inform us that the best way would be to go to Canada, turn back and re-enter the United States. So off we go towards Canada. Due to the very good relations between the United States and Canada, the border officials serve as departure verification as well as arrival verification. So there is no check on the United States side when you enter Canada. Similarly, there is no check on the Canadian side when you enter United States. The immigration official on the Canadian side is pretty helpful. She insists that since we are already into Canada, we visit the Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. On informing her that we dont have our passports, she guides us back to the United States. So here ends our short visit to Canada. But when we reach the United States, we find that we cant enter the country without proper documents. On explaining our situation, we are lead into a waiting room. An officer hears our tale and asks for a valid photo id. He checks the name in the entry list and clears five of us. But Prasanna has a real long name and it doesnt fit into the computer. After many many different trials, his name is yet to come. Finally, the officer gives up and allows him entry into US. When all this is done, we check the GPS and find that instead of entering Niagara Parkway, Niagara, US, we have entered Niagara Parkway, Niagara Canada. After entering the proper address, we are on our way to the Falls.

The afternoon sun is shining on the Falls as we head for Maid of the Mist. The Maid of the Mist ride takes us into the bottom of the falls and its a wonderful experience. During the ride, we enter Canadian space for the second time in the day. But this time, there are no issues and we come back without any adventure. On our way back, we spot the Rainbow bridge. The Rainbow bridge is another bridge joining Canada to United States on the River Niagara. Once the Maid of the Mist is done, Jimit, Prasanna and Shankar head to the aquarium while Vamsi, Vinayak and me head to the river bed. We thoroughly enjoy the calm and serene waters of the Niagara river just before the Falls. After the other three return, we head to the Cave of the Winds. Its a walk at the bottom of the Falls and is really a superb experience. After enjoying the walk through the falls, we head for some food. By this time, its night and the lights have come on. If Falls during the day time is an exhillatering experience, the excitement manifolds during the night with a plethora of colors on the Falls. After clicking photos to our hearts content, we head back to our car and start our return journey. With routine breaks for Vinayak to rest, we finally reach Philly at 6 in the morning on Monday completing 50 hours of non stop excitement and fun. It was really a wonderful trip...