Across America in Buffalo, NY

Across America had the chance to sleep in and relax in Buffalo, New York.  The group headed into America last night after two great days in Canada, where the group was surprised both nights by hospitable  locals who graciously offered them a place to stay-both set of hosts were avid travelers who offered great chat and amazing food (THANK YOU!).  
The group cruised into Buffalo feeling good, especially because they had a hotel and pool to enjoy.  Since Teen Treks is based in Buffalo, the Director, Cliff and Program Coordinator, Alexa and a few lingering Leaders met the group for wings at Anchor Bar, the place where Buffalo Wings were invented.  The Trekkers were hungry, as seen by the 2 pizzas,150 wings and multiple salads they devoured!  Afterwards, the group ate cupcakes while sharing their stories to an audience of Teen Treks staff. 
Everyone got a good night's sleep, and arrived for breakfast at Cliff's house this morning.  After hanging around and relaxing, the Trekkers decided to head to City Hall for a panoramic view of Buffalo before heading out. 
The group is going to Batavia, NY tonight, and then will be heading to Ithaca, where they will be staying with a Teen Treks Leader (Keaton) who they met last night.  The group is excited to be at the end of the Trek, and are very relieved that they can have more casual days on the road.

City Hall offers great views of New York, Canada and two Great Lake-Erie and Ontario.

Niagara-Toronto's Time in Niagara

The Trekkers have been busy!  Here's what they did this weekend:

From Kate, Leader:
"We spent a wonderful first day exploring many historical sites in Buffalo.  What we visited: the Naval Park with battle destroyer ships from WWII, including the USS the Sullivans, which is haunted by the 5 Sullivan brothers who died on the ship during the Battle of the Solomons.  We also checked out the Darwin Martin House, a gorgeous awe inspiring residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the home of the "Buffalo wing", the Anchor Bar.  
The group spent the first night in a fab Buffalo hostel. Then, we packed up our bikes and headed into Canada.  Shortly after crossing the border, we had a swim and snack break.  We then hopped on a lovely bike path and cruised our way to Niagara Falls along a bike path.  At the Falls, we paused for a quick photo opp and a much needed Tim Horton's pit stop-the Canadian doughnut and coffee eatery went down a treat.  The Niagara Falls hostel is really awesome; homely and comfortable.  We took advantage of the nice kitchen and cooked a delicious chicken enchilada dinner, followed by a yummy chocolate, peanut butter and banana cake."

 

Buffalo is a hot spot for Frank Lloyd Wright creations

And onto Niagara Falls: "The day started out with an exciting ride on the Maid of the Mist boat, which takes visitors right to the foot of the Falls.  Everyone got a good sprinkling as we donned blue ponchos and sailed past the Brides Vale and Horseshoe falls.  After disembarking we cycled to Goat Island and saw the falls close up, this time from above.  A quick jaunt to the Three Sisters Islands and a ride over the rest of the islands followed.  After lunch we made our way to Whirlpool State Park along the Robert Moses Parkway bike path (in New York), a former highway converted for bike use.  At Whirlpool State Park we dismounted our trusty steeds and descended into the maw of the Niagara Gorge.  A shady hike ensued with lots of laughter and stops to dip our toes into the warm water.  The views were great; we were surrounded by panoramic views of the gorge, a few fisherman, huge slabs of rock and Canada.  After hiking up some less than desirable stairs and crossing back into Canada we cooked up a filling meal of pasta alfredo.  Another good day for Niagara-Toronto where the kids were so tuckered out that they feel asleep with the lights on.  Onward and upward!"
-Keaton, Leader

 

The Nigara Gorge-great spot with multiple hiking trails

Timbits from Tim Hortons-more to come!

Niagara Toronto Off to Sunny Start

The Niagara Toronto Trek is in Buffalo and ready to go!  The small group comes from New York, New Hampshire and New Jersey and is ready to get cycling!  Today the group met and Buffalo's Front Park, which sits along Lake Erie, and had breakfast while getting to know one another.  The Teen Treks Director, Cliff, and Program Coordinator, Alexa also stopped by to meet the group.

The Trekkers with Leaders Keaton and Kate

The Chatty group is spending the sunny morning going over bike safety, and will have a picnic lunch before exploring Buffalo's many summer activities.  The group will go to City Hall's observation deck, cruise along the waterfront and head over to Anchor Bar, the originators of Buffalo wings for dinner. Today's weather is nice and sunny with a light breeze-perfect for some light riding on the city's bike path lined streets. 

City Hall provides a fantastic panoramic view of Buffalo and Canada.

Dinner!

Here it the Trek's Itinerary: