NIAGARA FALLS- Part 1 of 4

 On our way east to Vermont, we spent three nights at Niagara Falls. Both of us had been there before, but it had been a long time. These shots were taken on Friday July 10 in a Canon Power Shot SX150 IS.

My advice for those visiting the falls area is avoid the weekend, go early, and bring $$$. Parking lots fill up early and off site parking is dear. We toured only the American Falls, saving for “next time” views from the Canadian side. There is plenty to do and see on just the American side to occupy one for a full day.

 

Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the US. In addition to parking, fees are charged for each of 5 attractions listed above and the trolley. On Friday we did just the trolley and movie.

 

 

Above is our first view of the Canadian side and the rapids below the falls. Here are the Canadian boats taking tourists up the Niagara River  to close to the foot of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Of the water in the Niagara River leaving Lake Erie, Canada takes 25% and the US takes 25% for generating electricity. 80% of the remaining water goes over Horseshoe Falls and the rest over the American Falls.

 

Jo at the edge of the American Falls with the skyline of the Canada side in the background.

 

Downstream is on the left. An observation bridge in the middle leads to an elevator to take passengers down in elevators to the walkway to Maid of the Mist boats at the foot. I vaguely recall riding the Maid of the Mist boat with my mother in 1941!  Then it was a long walk down!

 

Good view of the American Falls in the foreground with the Horseshoe Falls in the far back.

We took the trolley over to Goat Island from which we enjoyed views of both falls.

Looking downstream from Goat Island with mist at the right from the American Falls.

Water level view of the edge of Horseshoe Falls.

The rapids above the Horseshoe Falls drop 40 feet.

 

 View from Goat Island showing most of Horseshoe Falls. The mist column always is there.

 

View from Goat Island of the American Falls. The observation area is on Luna Island at the top of the Bridal Veil part of the American Falls.