The power of Niagara Falls is evident long before the mighty river comes into view. Mist rises like white smoke high above the trees, miles before we see the thundering falls. Also evident before the sacred place: wedding chapels, high-rise hotels, duty-free gift shops and casinos.
We want to see Niagara Falls from the Canadian side so we park the truck in New York, walk across the bridge that looks way, way down on the Niagara River, coffee mugs in hand.
As we cross the Niagara, we find inspiration to take the big leap (maybe it's the free-marriage-license-with-cheap-motel-room deal)...and travel through Canada, stopping first in Toronto, on our way to Nova Scotia. It's cold and rainy and big-city living sounds more adventurous than camping through upstate New York and Vermont.
Back to the U.S. side, passports and rabies vaccination certificate in hand (and paw), we drive across the border with a brief delay at the customs office. Apparently no job, no home and no cash make American visitors sound like would-be illegal immigrants.
Patrick did OK. He told the officer he had been laid-off from his job in the bicycle industry and this is how he has four-months off to take a road trip across the United States and Canada. Then the customs officer turned to me: "What do you do?"
"Nothing!" I say gleefully, with yogurt-covered pretzels falling out of my mouth. "I quit my job!"
"And how much cash are you carrying?"
"About $60."
"Please pull over and go inside the office."
Once inside, I realize that freelance journalist, Santa Cruz homeowner and $15,000 in the bank are all better answers. We convince the officers that we're not flight risks and head to Toronto.
—Jessica
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