Day 1: The Adventure begins - Candia (NH) to Niagara Falls (Ontario) 

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;

    the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 

For I am the Lord your God,

    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" Isaiah 43:3

The day began with an early morning walk to the Candia Library to return a book on Steam Power Engines.  While walking down Stevens lane I was greeted by a lovely Red Fox - she watched me walk all the way down the road!

With the car packed and ready for travel I departed at 6 AM after saying good bye to my neighbors who were headed off to work. It was with a little trepidation that I left town.  Thankfully while riding down South Road the Lord provided a good friend to provide just the right encouragement.  Knowing that I am loved and prayed for means so much!  

Around 9AM I stopped in Bennington Vermont to visit the monument site which commemorates the battle of Bennington. John Stark and his men played a critical role in this battle. General Stark brought his men over the Green Mountains to help defend against the British.  Today the forest has grown up substantially, however the monument provides a great 360 degree view of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York. There were several nice park volunteers at the site, including a retired English teacher now a hobby farmer and writer who operated the elevator.

The ride was beautiful as the landscape was always changing: Green Mountains, farm land, marsh land, and rivers. Finally after 11 hours of traveling I arrived to the Backpackers Hostel located just 1 mile north of Niagara Falls. Within 10 minutes my bike was unloaded and I was off to see the falls.  Fortunately, the Hostel is located just 1 miles north of the falls and 3 miles from the Botanical Garden.  The volume of water rushing over the falls is amazing.   There are two primary falls the: American Falls and the Horse Shoe or Niagara Falls.  Riding north there is an area where the river makes a sharp turn and creates a large "Whirl Pool" area.  The Recreational Trail is perfect for biking along and enjoying the great view.

 Now time to rest up for tomorrow's journey!