Journey Fourth

After using Ontario as a thoroughfare, we’d planned to cross back into the States at Niagara Falls, just in time for its spectacular fireworks display commemorating our country’s declaration of independence. But what seemed magnificent in theory proved less practical in practice: while our return border crossing was far less involved and loud than our passage into Canada, the combined forces of fatigue, hunger, lack of parking, and hour and a half of remaining travel time overwhelmed the reasons to stick around. So instead, we got something to eat outside of town and then headed for our hotel outside of Rochester, treated along the way by the fireworks shows put on by the communities near the highway.

After the fourth show or so, our dear daughter, her eyes weary and voice hushed as the result of a full day in the car, announced to us that she was going to send America a card to wish it a happy birthday.

Happy birthday, America!