Canada - United States

On our recent trip to our south Theresa and I had an opportunity to get out of our van and put our bikes to good use. Near the border there is a small city called Fort Erie and across the Niagara River stands Buffalo N.Y. Years ago a ferry boat carried passengers and horses and anything else that had to cross the river. The river flows quickly at this point as the water is rushing from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Down river about twenty miles is the mighty Niagara Falls.

In the years 1812-1814 we were at odds with the USA and the army of that country invaded the Niagara area and marched freely on our soil. The incursion was broadening when Laura Secord discovered the advancing American army she proceeded to run and tell the British general. With advance notice and the help of the local militiamen an ambush crushed the enemy and the tide was turned.Great loss of life was felt by both sides but the outcome was a clear victory and our land was once more in our own hands.

All along the border there are reminders of the battles and monument and placks record the history. The largest reminder is the totally reconstructed Fort Erie. There is a biking path all along the shoreline and Theresa and I biked many miles to view the beautiful river and the buildings that grace the shores of the Niagara.

There is no greater monument to the end of the hostilities than the Peace Bridge joining our two countries. A magnificent structure, built in 1949 joined the countries in peace.Now with both our flags flying at the center of the bridge saying welcome hostalities are forgotten. We enjoyed our small trip through time and plan more in the future.