Nik Wallenda is On Top of the World! Approved to cross Niagara Falls.

Nik Wallenda, a seventh generation of the famous Flying Wallenda family, triumphed in his bid to get permission from Canada to cross the mighty Niagara Falls on an 1,800 foot long, 2-inch wide wire rope. You might think this has been done before, but no has over ever crossed over the actual falls. In 1859 the acrobat Charles Blondin crossed the gorge on a tightrope, but his stunt was downstream from the actual waterfalls.

I have been following Niks dream to cross the falls for awhile now and was so happy when he got permission from New York State officials, but he then ran into a road block with the Niagara Parks Commission.

The NPC's reasoning was that safety and their responsibility to preserve and protect the Falls, for all those who wish to view its beauty, was their paramount concern in denying Niks request. They also stated that one of the reasons the Parks Commission was created was to eliminate the carnival-like atmosphere around the falls themselves. Hmm, isn't that a part of the history of Niagara? Thanks to another meeting with Ontario Tourism Minister Michael Chan, Nik got the green light from NPC.

Signorina Maria Spelterini crossing the Niagara Rapids on a tightrope.

Photo courtesy of Library Archives Canada

Now the whole world will be able to relive those bygone days that we could only envision from old black and white photos.

My husband and I visit the falls at least one a year, luckily its only a 1-3/4 hour drive for us. We go every February 25th for our anniversary and this year it will be 12 years. One thing about visiting in February, you get great rates on the hotels, and some years the snow and ice build-up in the gorge is just stunning. And you are always guaranteed to see a rainbow, no matter what time of year!

Back in September of 2005 when visiting the falls, I noticed a high wire and was dissapointed that I had missed seeing Jay Cochranes walk from the Fallsview Casino to the Skylon Tower. Unsure what the wire is in the above photo I took, but after a closer look I can see the incline railway to the right. It could be a leftover support wire. Since I have been a fan of the Wallenda family since the early 60's I am really excited about Niks walk and hope I can get a good room with a view. I can't wait to find out the date! And I'll post it here along with an update to www.facebook.com/DayTrippingOntario

The first time in your life you see the falls in person, you are in awe of its majestic beauty, the sound, the power of nature. I would highly recommend a visit to the IMAX theatre (pyramid shaped building in above photo) to see the movie, Niagara Legends and Daredevils. It will give you a better understanding of the history of Niagara Falls. I saw the movie many years ago, and am planning to see it again this upcoming weekend.

Another Niagara icon is Marilyn Monroe. The Club Rialto is a charming place with Marilyn memorabilia and at one time it had a center dance floor surrounded by a moat, which you crossed over little bridges to get to the dance floor. I think its still there, but without any water:-( The Club Rialto is attached to the rear of Caso d'Oro Dining Lounge on Victoria Avenue, which is one of my recommended places to have dinner.

If you have never been to Niagara Falls, you are missing out on one the worlds greatest wonders. Its wonderful for romance and also a great family vacation. I never saw the falls until my adult years, and even though my Mother & Father and two brothers all have visited the falls, we never saw it together as a family, but all did experience it on our own at different times in our lives. So make it a point this year, 2012 to visit the falls and be a part of a chapter of Niagara Falls History.

Nik Wallenda on top of the ferris Wheel at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

I can see it now, Nik how about a promo leading up to your main event, on the Niagara Falls Skywheel?

Watch for updates, as I will have recommendations with reviews on where to stay, where to eat, and important announcements of Nik's walk across the falls. Hmm, I wonder if he will have to stop at customs on his way across:-) The world will be watching!!