Holidays - Niagara Style

Hello everyone, we hope the holidays finds everyone well. Last weekend we took a road trip up to the Niagara peninsula to check out 283 year old Fort Niagara for Christmas by Candlelight. Our visit happened to coincide with the anniversary of the British's recapture of the fort from the Americans during the war of 1812. It was quite the fascinating visit. The tour was pretty much self-guided from room to room in the castle where we met up with various reenactors.

Here is one of the massive gates. (Jen's helping me by illuminating it w/ her flashlight).



Here is the supply area with some of the provisions available.


Here is some of the gear needed to hunt & trap for food in the treacherous New York winters.


It was quite chilly while we were there and while the castle did us all a huge service by blocking the Canadian winds that roar off of lake Ontario, it was far from from warm and cozy though the pics may make it look otherwise.

The kitchen was the warmest room of all and, compared to the others, was the coziest by far. (This room was the busiest all night - I'm thinking that the roaring fire had something to do with that).


Across the parking lot from the fort's visitor center is the Old Fort Niagara lighthouse which was built in 1872 and decommissioned in 1993.



Of course we had to stop at the falls on the way up because, apparently, Jen thinks that late December is the best time to see the falls. (FYI she has never managed to see the falls any other time of year). Needless to say, it was cold! 17 degrees with a windchill of maybe +2 degrees.

This is what happens when those frigid winds get a hold of the mist.


Ok, I feel like I need a blanket. Don't worry, though. I have a much warmer post planned for next time. Until then.