Wanda Poss along with her traveling friends recently enjoyed a seven day trip to the beautiful Niagara Falls. Niagara means thundering waters. Canada was filled with rich history. There are four international bridges leading to Canada. The group crossed the International Rainbow Bridge. The first site the group saw was the American Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The combination of Lake Erie flowing into Lake Ontario along with the steep cliff decent of the water flow makes the falls a sight of wonder and beauty. The falls were formed when melting glaciers formed massive fresh-water lakes, and the rushing waters carved out the Niagara River’s decent. Today the water is captured to produce electricity in Canada’s Hydroelectric Plants. The group enjoyed day and night (illuminated) views of the falls.

Most of the group took the Hornblower Niagara Cruise to the get a closer look at the falls. Several paid to go through the experience of the underground tunnels to the falls. Lisa and Jerald Cripps enjoyed the boat ride and the tunnel experience.

Many people over the years have attempted to go over the falls. Most of these attempts have proven to be fatal; however, Miss Annie Taylor, a school teacher from Michigan, was the first person to successfully travel over the falls in a barrel in 1901. She was seeking fame and a husband. In 1960, Roger Woodward, a boy, along with his father and sister lost power to their boat. The boat over turned from the force of the water killing the father. The sister was rescued by tourist, but Roger survived going over the falls. Both the Roger and his sister were wearing life jackets, but this was still amazing to all that view the force of the massive falls.

The group enjoyed a guided tour of the beautiful city of Toronto, Ontario. While there, time was spent at the magnificent Casa Loma Castle. This was the home of the Pallets which is a massive structure reflecting the wealth of long ago. The house cost $3.5 million and took three years to build in 1911. The city seized Casa Loma in 1933 for owed back taxes.

Touring the historical town of Niagara-on-the-Lake was an adventure. The group walked throughout the town enjoying its 19th century charm and beauty, along with its upscale restaurants and elegant architecture. It is the heart of Ontario’s wine region.

The area around the falls is similar to a Gatlinburg visit. Some of the group enjoyed walking throughout this area, riding some rides, visiting the IMAX Theater, and purchasing some memorabilia. Tim Horton’s coffee shop was a hit with our group. We can expect to start seeing these coffee shops in the states soon because Burger King has purchased the franchise.

The Canadian money was interesting and required some mathematical thinking. Their paper bills start with five dollars, and the one and two dollars are coins called Loonie and Toonie. Plus, the exchange was quite confusing to most of the group.

If you ever visit Niagara, Canada, you will experience unforgettable natural beauty. Flying high will be the Canadian flag with a red maple leaf on a white background. This area is still known as the Honeymoon Capital of the world.

It was reported to your writer that this tour group enjoyed spending time together on this seven day journey. We appreciate people like Wanda that take the time to offer these trips. Her next adventure will be traveling into Maine in October.

We send Happy Anniversary wishes out to Bro. Donald Owens and Mrs., Audrey, who celebrated last week. Sympathy goes out to the family of Tim Cantrell and Dave Allen. Special get well wishes to Mr. Harold Luna a former DeKalb County teacher. We hope all the children are enjoying the Vacation Bible Schools going on throughout DeKalb. Rob and Nora Harvey of Creek Bend Farms, Dowelltown hosted a community potluck meal last week promoting strong bonds of friendship in our community.

Matthew 19 vs.14 (NIV) Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."