Niagara Falls Blog

Riding in Pelham, Ontario

2007-11-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

Today, I went riding at Century Farm owned by Judy Hoekstra. Check out her website at http://centuryfarmon.tripod.com/

She has four horses and loads of trails across the road in the Short Hills Provincial Park. She has a 1-1/2 year old Friesian and he is like a puppy.

Hallowe'en at Fort Erie

2007-11-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

A little history: The original Fort Erie was actually built by the French in the 1600s. In 1763, after the Seven Years War, the British took control and built their own fort on the site. Winter storms off the lake posed a problem for the British so, in 1803, construction was begun on a new Fort Erie was built on the heights above.

The new fort was unfinished when the War of 1812 began. In 1813, the fort was temporarily occupied by the US. The British regained control later that year and construction began anew. In 1814, US forces captured the fort again. In December of that year, the Americans destroyed the fort and withdrew to Buffalo, leaving Fort Erie the bloodiest battlefield in the history of Canada.

The British continued to occupy the ruined fort until 1823. In 1866, a Brigade of Irish Republicans used the ruins of the fort as a base for their raid into Ontario.
In 1937 reconstruction of the fort began, with the park officially opening in July 1939.

But the best part is the supposed hauntings. The guides tell you about a headless soldier and a soldier with no hands. Apparently, during the final US occupation of the fort, American Sergeant Benjamin White was having his heavy beard shaved by a young Corporal when a British 24-pound canonball hit them and severed the Corporal's hands and the Sargent's head.

Other apparitions include that of a gentleman in a top-hat; a woman in the bunkhouse, a soldier in the mess hall, and an American soldier in the North corner of the fort. Sheets on an antique bed within the fort are often found in dissaray, with pillows found tossed on the floor.

Unfortunately, the ghosts were shy that night and we didn't see anything unusual. Our guide was kind of dull but as we passed another group, they were getting a gruesome description of torture by their guide.

Gwen Jones and Peter Van Kleef - Our trip to ZOOZ

2007-08-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we visited ZOOZ -- www.zooz.ca -- located in Stevensville which is just 15 miles south of Niagara Falls. Zooz has a splashpad, petting zoo, play area, fishing, paddle boats, bungying, tram tours and guided tours. Mostly for kids under 7 (we thought). Lots of parents with little ones.

Hungry along our Lake Erie drive

2007-08-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

DJ's Roadhouse (21L87 Lakeshore W., Wainfleet 905-899-1911). Three parking lots are almost full on a Thursday at 5:50pm. Loads of kitschy marine stuff. Great food. Great service. Now we know why the parking lots were full.

Continuing along the north shore of Lake Erie

2007-08-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

We end up at Morgan Point which is a lovely park-like setting on the water. Nature-like. Great for picnics.

The north shore of Lake Erie

2007-08-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 16th. We decide to go for a drive. No particular destination. I pass an emu farm about five miles from home. How about here? I was vetoed. (I'm saving this for another blog) Next turn is "Himalayan kittens for sale". Nope. End up just past Sherkston Beach and before Nickle Beach. We walk along the shore with our feet in the sand. Port Colborne and the Welland Canal - The Chocolatier. They have those nifty chocolate letters for Christmas stockings.

My move to Niagara Falls

2007-08-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

I moved to Niagara Falls at the beginning of March 2007. I had lived in Toronto for 28 years. Niagara Falls has, of course, THE FALLS but there are loads of other things to see in this area. I have gone horseback riding in the area and visited offbeat places within driving distance.

Me at home

2007-08-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Living in Niagara Falls, Ontario

2007-07-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

My name is Gwen Jones and I'm new (since March 2007) to Niagara Falls, Ontario, having moved here from Toronto. I live with my significant-other/live-in-squeeze, Peter Van Kleef. I'm going to explore the area and let you know what's fun to see and do.