No life exists without water. But the power of water extends beyond that heady axiom. Water excites and entertains.
Grins settled across our faces as we backed into our site at Four Mile Creek State Park in Youngstown, NY. Beyond an expanse of grass perfect for wiffle ball games, track ball, and family dinners, Lake Ontario stretched into Canada.
Toronto and the CN Tower, the 7th largest structure in the world, marked the lake’s northern shore.
Like old rippled glass, the water reflected brilliant sunsets.
Four miles west of the park, the Niagara River completes its journey from Lake Erie across the Niagara Escarpment and into Lake Ontario. That journey includes a plunge over the falls of Niagara, a sight that amazes millions of visitors every year.
The water of all three falls, the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, erupts into a cloud of cooling mist as it smashes into the rocks and water pool below, a sight best seen (and felt) from the deck of the Maid of the Mist.
One can stand mesmerized by the rushing water as it appears to accelerate over the lip of the falls.
Even standing in Nana and Papa’s hotel room, 23 floors up and insulated from the constant roar that serenades the Niagara Falls community, the spectacle of falling water soothes and entertains.
Don special shoes (yours to keep!) and venture closer on the Cave of the Winds trail to experience the adrenaline rush that invariably comes as water crashes down and swirls around you.
Or Journey Behind Horseshoe Falls and marvel at the back side of water.
Water shines as a backdrop for evening light shows and fireworks.
Water fills the pools and aquariums that delight with cute penguins and sea creatures.
Ever the elixir of life, water replenishes bodily fluids after surviving the thrills and chills of Niagara’s most infamous haunted house.
(Good thing my shirt had snaps instead of buttons)
But don’t drink too much or you’ll become bloated.
I can hear the roar of the falls when I look at your photos! Niagara is pretty amazing.