Niagara!

One simply cannot visit Niagara and not be in awe. Much like Rushmore it doesn't matter how many pictures you see it remains what it is - stunning, incredible,powerful, inspiring. One feels so small next to these huge and massive bits of creation.
      We loved learning what we didn't know about the Niagara Strait (it is not a river). It drains all of the great lakes into the Atlantic Ocean (Everything that the Mississippi does not drain) The strait connects Lake Eyrie with Lake Ontario and then ultimately from there out to the sea. Cool huh?
The other unexpected was how both Canada and the U.S. have turned this magnificent sight into huge concessions - carnival like - casinos, every restaurant imaginable, gift shops etc. Blocks and blocks of this on both sides. I don't know why but both sides had stores with large gorillas as enticements to come in. Go figure! Well I guess that is what free enterprise is all about. Over 12 million visit every year- we heard so many different languages one couldn't count them.

The most amazing story of humans going over the falls happened in 1960. A family in a small boat capsized - the driver of the boat died. The 11 year old girl was rescued before going over the falls by people on shore. A nine year old boy in a swim suit and small life jacket went over the falls and survived without injury. Their are pictures before he goes over and afterwards being picked up with a smile on his face by the boat "Lady of the Mist". He and his sister still talk about it from time to time. They say the Lord had a plan for their life. I should say so! In the last decade two men have gone over the falls trying to take their life but both survived. One then changed his story (trying to capitalize on his failure) and said he was a dare devil just out for adventure. So there ya go. Moral? Don't try it.

Oh - Jon wanted me to add . . . about 71 million gallons flow over the falls every minute - and there is no way to turn off the spigot. Just think - night and day - for eons. Can our finite little minds even grasp how much water in one minute? That's why it is such a spectacle - that's why we all love to stand and look at it. A wonderful reflection of our creator!