When the word, "Niagara Falls" is said, pictures of honeymooners come to mind.  Although way past the "honeymooner" stage, my husband and I visited this magnificent spectacle in September.  America's oldest State Park, established in 1885, it consists of three major falls.  The American Falls, (between Prospect point and Luna Island), Bridal Veil Falls, (between Luna Island and Goat Island), and the Canadian Falls or Horseshoe Falls, (between Goat Island and Table Rock.)

Here is the American Falls! 

Here is the Bridal Falls, known also as the Luna Falls since Luna Island separates it from the American Falls!

And here is the Canadian Falls, also known as the Horseshoe Falls!

20% of the world's fresh water comes from the 4 upper great lakes; Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and Lake Erie. All of them eventually empties into the Niagara River which then cascades over the falls.  Niagara Falls is the second largest falls in the world with Victoria Falls in southern Africa being the largest.  Niagara River generates 25% of all power in New York and Ontario.  50% to 75% of water flowing along the Niagara River is diverted from going over the falls to hydroelectric power generating stations.

The American Falls offers an Observation Tower which extends outward like a pointed finger for great picture taking, views and vertigo sensations! ( I experienced all!)  A speedy elevator transports you to the bottom of the falls and is the boarding area to catch the "Maid of the Mist" boat ride.  Notice the smurf raincoats which protect you from getting totally drenched!

The boat takes you VERY CLOSE to the Horseshoe Falls and the thunderous sound and power of the water is awe inspiring!  Oh yes, and VERY WET!  All areas NOT protected by rain gear was saturated!  I kept laughing as I thought that it was so fun!  I'm surprised I didn't drown as an open mouth is bound to be filled with water at this point!

While you are down there, there is another fun attraction to go to!  A trail of steps lead you to the "Crow's Nest" observation point with a "Bird's eye" view of the American Falls. Check the first picture from the bottom right side to the middle of the photograph.  Was I able to see anything?  NO!  Torrential spray and hurricane winds blasted me the WHOLE WAY!  As you can see, I had a lot of fun anyway!  Another possible drowning with open mouth averted!  HaHa!

On the far end of the American Falls, separated by Luna Island is the Bridal Veil Falls.  You need to go to Goat Island, get a pair of rubber sandals, catch another elevator ride down to the bottom of the falls, put on the canary raincoat and walk up slimy, mossy steps to the hurricane level of the "Cave of the Winds!"  The steps take such a beating from the falls that it has to be torn down and rebuilt every year!

Walking across the Rainbow Bridge into Canada, we took many awesome pictures of the falls and ourselves!  When walking back to America, the custom's agent asked if we brought back anything from Canada, and was flabbergasted when we said NO!  When he asked the question again, I said that we brought back lots of awesome pictures!  Spoiler alert!!  Free to walk into Canada, 50 cents to walk back to America!

With the last rays of the setting sun spurring us, our final stop took us to Terrapin Point on Goat Island.  The eastern edge of Horseshoe Falls has a wonderful lookout point and the mist rises high into the air!  Believe it or not, this point of Goat Island is in Canada! Check your maps if you don't believe me!  Interesting enough, there is a manmade  5 foot stony precipice just off the lookout, either to prevent suicides or as a last ditch area to rescue people from going over the falls.

So even though it's 33 years past my honeymoon, I was still able to experience the majesty of this unique area and am glad that one of my dreams came to fruition!  My hope is that your dreams can become a reality too!  Aloha! (Bye!)