A few more states to color!

Day 22-24:
We left Canada on Thursday (let's just say, Ark never quite got used to another culture. She was super anxious about breaking a rule she didn't know existed). The first night back in the states was spent in New Hampshire. We found (off the map with no directions) Blackberry Crossing campground where we spent a wet night, but not before walking under a covered bridge and playing "Pooh-sticks" in the rain. That was exciting.

Since we were staying in a rustic campground with no showers, we took off early the next morning to head to Cooperstown (ish), NY. Did you know that people in NY don't mark their streets? We drove around for an hour looking for a certain street and finally followed our gut feeling and found it. Once we were in the tiny town, we drove around for another half hour looking for another street. Finally, we gave up and sought directions. The only problem was that the only occupied place was a bar. So, in we walked to ask drunk guys how to get there. They were confused(obviously) but finally gave us some sketchy directions that actually turned out to be correct. They went like this: "You'll go past one road, and then another road and another road. You'll turn on the 3rd road. Then, you'll go over a bridge. And now, this road will be clearly marked. And you'll bear right and then bear left and then go up a hill and down a hill. And then, you'll come to another road." Great directions...(:...all in a nice slurred New York accent.
We finally arrived at our planned location. There was quite a story to tell when we got there to the one room school house, but you'll have to ask us about the funniest part which has to do with the mice, which we heard all night long, munching and scurrying.

The next day we got up early and headed to Niagara Falls, NY. I don't think words can accurately describe the beauty of the falls! We were so excited to be there and immediately bought our Cave of the Wind tour tickets. So fun to put on matching yellow ponchos and trek down to the falls. Let's just say, there is a lot of pressure at the bottom! It was fun to be right next to that torrential power. Then, we walked around and saw many different views of the falls. We decided that if we didn't do the Maid of the Mist tour, we would regret it. So, we got on the boat, and all I can say is "wow, wow, wow."

Dinner was with Ark's friend Susan. Thanks for the pizza and wings, Susan. You're right that New York pizza is the best.

We were sorry that we didn't get to stay at Four Mile Creek campsite longer, for it was beautiful, but we had to get up early for our 600+ mile day to Chicago. We went through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, into Michigan (were we bought Popsicles), and then Illinois. Long day. We were happy to arrive at Abby and Josh's apartment and crash.

That's all for now folks.