Photo-of-the-Week #167 - On The Brink, Niagara Falls, New York, July 2014

Here is one of the great "levelers" of the world. I took this photo right at the edge of where the American Falls of the Niagara Falls formation goes over the edge for more than a 150-foot drop to the lower Niagara River. The water flows from Lake Erie with an elevation of about 570' above sea level through the upper Niagara River over the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls - the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian (Horseshoe) Falls. The water from Lake Erie continues down the lower Niagara River into Lake Ontario with an elevation of about 245 feet above sea level.

The view from the American side of the river is not as breathtaking as it is from the Canadian side. I didn't go over to Canada on this trek. I've seen the falls numerous times beginning when I was a young teenager. My main interest was in visiting the city of Niagara Falls, New York. Niagara Falls, Ontario is the Canadian sister city on the other side of the river accessible by going across the Rainbow Bridge or the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge.

My last trip to Niagara Falls was in the late 1970's or about 35 years ago. At that time there were several new luxury hotels that had been built to accommodate the new Niagara Falls Convention Center, built to (hopefully) attract another revenue source - trade shows and large conventions. Apparently that didn't work out too well. From what I learned, the Convention Center changed hands several times until about 12 or 15 years ago when the Seneca Indians, claimed sovereignty over the Convention Center ground and turned the structure into a huge gambling casino with a huge parking garage and massive, high rise, all glass resort hotel. I recorded at least a couple conventions at the Convention Center, my reason for revisiting Niagara Falls in the latter 70's.

The city, in general, was old and run down when I was there as a teenager and in the latter 70's. It hasn't changed. If anything, it may have aged and deteriorated more over the past 35 years. It immediately reminded me of my impression of my recent visit to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Interestingly, Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the other side of the bridge is a beautiful city. My advice, you should see Niagara Falls if you've never seen them. But, do go over the bridge and enjoy the Canadian City and a far more awesome view of the falls. Here is one interesting historical/geological note. During my lifetime, Niagara Falls has move about 69 feet closer to Lake Erie. It erodes the rock ledge the water goes over about one foot per year. About 12,000 years ago, the falls were actually located at the place where the lower Niagara River now empties into Lake Ontario.

I'm not sure I'll ever find a need to return to Niagara Falls, New York except possibly to cross into Canada to visit Ontario and the Canadian provinces.