4th of July - Independence Day in US, is marked by fireworks and celebrations all across the country. Niagara falls was no exception. The word "Niagara" is derived from the Iroquois Indian word "Onguiaahra" meaning "the strait". We reached the falls after a 7-hour drive from New York in the evening of the 4th. Although it was rainy night, the sky cleared for an hour, perfect for the fireworks at 10:00pm. The tower in the background is the Skylon tower in Ontario at the Canadian side of the falls.
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Niagara falls on the Niagara River divides the US and Canada border. Although, the falls are on the US side, the Canadians probably get a fuller view. The falls are categorized by these three names, American Falls (between Prospect Point and Luna Island) far left, Bridal Veil Falls (between Luna Island and Goat Island) mid left, and the Canadian/Horseshoe Falls (between Goat Island and Table Rock) right. In this photo are the Canadian/Horseshoe Falls with length of brink of 2600 feet, height of 167 feet and volume of water: 600,000 U.S. gallons per second!
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The average depth of the water below Niagara Falls is 170 feet (52 meters), which is as deep as the Niagara Gorge banks are high. A rainbow in the mist is a common occurrence. In fact, so common that we could see one form and disappear every minute! The hotels in the photo are all on the Canadian side of the Niagara River.
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The water flow on the American side of the falls is much less in strength because of Goat Island, whereas Horseshoe Falls has no obstruction to divert it. Less than 10% of the water flows over the American Falls with the balance flowing over the Horseshoe Falls. It is the massive volume of water that flows over the Horseshoe Falls that gives it its green color. Length of brink at the American falls is 1060 feet. The water drops 176 feet (due to rocks at the base actual fall is 70 feet) and the volume of water is said to be 150,000 U.S. Gallons per second. Actual amount varies; there are two hydroelectric plants, which draw water into their reservoirs prior to the fall.
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The Bridal Veil Falls is named for its appearance. It is located next to the American falls, separated by a small piece of land called Luna Island. On the photo if you see carefully, you can see some people standing in the right portion of the brink. Those people are standing on the Luna Island and the falls to the right are the Bridal Veil Falls. We took this photo from the Maid of the mist - a boat ride right into the middle of the Horseshoe Falls that's been in operation since 1846!
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Since 1846, millions of visitors, including presidents, kings and movie stars, have enjoyed the Maid of the Mist boat tours of Niagara. It's one of the oldest tourist attractions in North America. As the ship heaved and bucked, approaching closer and closer to the cascading water, we were completely enveloped in spray. The deafening roar, the spray driving against our faces, the hammering of the ship's diesel engines as they force the vessel against the current, makes for an unforgettable experience. We took this photo after climbing down from the boat as we watched it go into the mist.
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NFL
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NFL
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