I am back home from Niagara Falls (for those who may have missed the previous posts), and now happily reflect upon my adventure.

The weather gods shone upon me the entire time, which made a road trip, sightseeing and camping a pleasure. The change of foliage was barely evident upon my departure and within one week evolved into a glorious spectacle, particularly in Pennsylvania, upon my return. I now await the local colors here to change.

My decision not to use a GPS was the right one. I enjoyed relying on paper maps, common sense and the kindness of strangers. Yes, I made a few wrong turns, at least one with a serendipitous result, but generally the roads were well marked and easy to navigate.

The State Parks of Chimney Bluffs, Fair Haven, Hamlin Beach impressed me with their diverse splendor: lake shore, forest, hiking trails, striking natural formations and even a craft fair. The staff, in good cheer, were knowledgeable and helpful.  One woman kindly spent considerable time picking out the best bundle of wood for my campfire and rummaging up the requisite newspaper and matches. (It’s true. I was not well prepared.) Camping was great. The grounds were spotless and, at least in my experience, the other guests were quiet and considerate.

I did not plan my lodgings in advance which only became somewhat stressful when I arrived in Ontario, near the Falls, and was offered a room for $360/night with no view. The other hotels nearby and more reasonable priced were completely full. But after I was advised to go a mile or two down Lundy’s Lane, I found a clean mom and pop motel for $74 with continental breakfast included.

And the magnificent Niagara Falls were all I could have hoped for. They left me in awe.

There were numerous encounters. Sometimes it was only a moment when asked to take someone’s photo; sometimes it was an exchange of travel tales. I chatted at length with a couple from France who had traveled from Vancouver and had spent the last two months making their way east. There was never a shortage of exchanges, when desired.

Admittedly, traveling for a week in a rented car from NYC is not inexpensive. Even while keeping my costs down: reasonably priced hotels, camping and a hostel, eating well but not in high end places, the fuel, tourist sites, food and lodging equalled more than a month of travel in Mongolia, but it is unfair to compare.

Once again I have  encountered the benevolence of others(the shopkeepers, fellow drivers, who directed my way, travelers and residents alike), seen spectacular sights, and reveled in the joys of travel.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement.