A thunderous roar and a column of mist rising far above the rocky cliffs of the Niagara River portend the iconic wonder that is Niagara Falls. As the oldest state park in America, Niagara has welcomed visitors from around the globe to gaze at her three crown jewels: American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Located just north of Buffalo, NY, the Falls are located where the Niagara River cuts through a narrow isthmus connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. They may be toured from either the American or Canadian sides of the river.
We toured the falls by guided tour boat from the American side and were amazed at the volume of water that tumbles over the cliffs to create Class 6 rapids on the river below. The Horseshoe Falls are 170 feet high and approximately 2,500 feet from one side to the other, and the American Falls are 180 feet high and 1,100 feet across. They are the largest falls in North America but smaller than Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
All of the Great Lakes flow into Lake Erie, then into Lake Ontario via the Niagara River, and finally, from Ontario out the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean. So the Niagara River is carrying all of that cumulative water flow over the falls on its way to Lake Ontario. Due to erosion, the Falls moved about five feet per year from Lake Ontario toward Lake Erie until the city of Niagara NY began diverting about 50% of the water flow into hydroelectric power generation before releasing it into Lake Ontario. Now they only erode about one foot per year.
Niagara Falls became known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World," after Napoleon Bonaparte's brother started the tradition of honeymooning there in 1804, and Kay's parents spent time at Niagara on their honeymoon in 1954. Over the years about 15 people have gone over the falls in barrels and other crude crafts and lived to tell the story, though we can't imagine why one would want to do this.
Maid of the Mist Boat Below Niagara Falls
Maid of the Mist Boat Ride
Class Six Rapids Below Niagara Falls
Robert Moses Hydroelectric Power Plant on the Niagara River
Back in the saddle we see. How exciting and gorgeous !!!
Great fun!
Glad you took it easy after ICU.
Hugs,
A & P