For every person there is something that stirs within them a thrill and a passion to do great things. This is what I feel when I travel or take on a new task. To go to new places, try new things, and dare to be adventurous is what moves the adrenaline through my body. I was made to be active and not passive. Not every day is adventurous and life is bound to be mundane at times, but when adventure comes your way embrace it.
I felt that thrill when I stood at the edge of the railing overlooking Niagara Falls. I had been there several years before, but somehow this was different. I seemed to have a new appreciation for this natural wonder. Time has not taken away the sense of awe over even the small things, but this was so much better than what I remembered seeing so long ago. The roar minimized the sound of my voice and it rang in my ears as I stood gazing at it.
Three thousand, one hundred and sixty tons tons of water flow over the falls every second. All that weight creates the roar that I heard. The falls are capable of producing over 4 million kilowatts of electricity. Niagara Falls contain the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and part of the Canadian Falls. The water from Niagara is used by both the United States and Canada for drinking, fishing, industrial cooling, and hydroelectric power generation. It is no wonder that in 1885 it became a national historic landmark.
The American Falls are 70-100 ft. (21-30 m) high depending if boulders are present at the base of the falls. The height is small compared to the width which is 1,060 ft. (320 m). Looking over the falls, I noticed that the water’s hue is a bit greenish. This is not a mysterious happenstance, but occurs through the process of salts and minerals dissolving from the fall’s power and thus being swept away unmercifully.
Another key part of the attraction is Prospect Point Park Observation Tower. It allows for a trendy and modern way to view the falls. It is 282 ft. tall and has 8 million visitors annually. Now that is pretty incredible. Another option to view Niagara Falls is to go on The Maid of the Mist boat tour http://www.maidofthemist.com/en/ It is available for anyone who is adventurous and doesn't mind getting wet. Ponchos are a must unless you want to be soaked! The boat tour closes in late October, but reopens in May depending on the presence of ice.
To get another perspective, I walked to the top of the falls with my family. The walk up the stairway was a bit slippery and mist spewed forth from the grand waters (This is when a poncho would really comes in handy). When my heart beat quickened and the water’s thundering noise filled my ears. The changing colors of the trees increased the thrill of the experience. In this instance, I was not fearful of feeling small. It was quite the opposite for in feeling small it made God feel so big and gave me even more reason to be grateful that I can trust him in all things.
Traveling has taught me two things. Be flexible and be ready to embrace those spontaneous moments. Not everything needs to be planned. It is often the unplanned moments that we treasure most. Our mind goes back to them again and again to relish in the joy they brought us. That is the the beauty of memories. We can remember them whenever we please. So be ready to capture those spontaneous moments and when they do happen be prepared to enjoy every second of it. For it is those moments that make up what we call life.
Bible Verse to Ponder: Jeremiah 17: 7-8
Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Read about more of my adventures!
My book contains 38 tours of state parks, national parks, gardens, butterfly conservatories, farms, including Niagara Falls! Each tour page contains photos, facts , and a personal review of the attraction. I’ve used my own photos to make the pages come alive. To support my work, you can purchase a copy or click the Facebook generated “Like” button.
That's awesome
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