Blog 143. Day 16 of 30. Continued from last night.

The walk back to the hotel (last night), from the buffet dinner and the fireworks display, was one of the most pleasurable I can recall. Both the American and Horseshoe Falls were illuminated with changing colours, as already portrayed previously. I found a good spot from which to video the fireworks at 10 pm. I was much closer than on the day before, which seemed to make a noticeable difference. I continued to almost as far as one can get to along the edge of Horseshoe Falls and managed to capture some awesome images, similar to daytime shots I took on Super 8 movie film 55 years ago in 1969. But last night, I had the rare opportunity to see the Falls from my hotel room as the light show continued well past midnight. This blog doesn’t do videos. All my photos taken from my room are videos. I shall try for some stills tonight or tomorrow.

This morning, I purchased tickets for the Butterfly Sanctuary, which had been highly recommended, the Power Generator Floor, from where a river level view of both Falls could be had and also a 24-hour bus pass. The day’s “relaxed schedule” was first to visit the Butterfly Sanctuary the Niagara Power Generator, return to the hotel, and change clothes for the evening and then make my way to the Skylon for a second helping of, among other things, delicious fresh strawberries and cream!

*Happy at last – I got to ride a bendi-bus for around* 9km. I have been recommended to visit the Butterfly Sanctuary. Coming away from the *Falls has provided an opportunity to see more of Niagara’s surroundings.*

The Butterfly Sanctuary was far more enjoyable and interesting than I was expecting, even though I felt that it would be worthwhile visiting. On entering the glass-domed Sanctuary, (probably) thousands of highly coloured butterflies were flying everywhere. It was a most wonderful sight.

40 species of butterfly reside here, living, I believe, around seven weeks. The sanctuary is a large climate controlled glass dome inside of which an artificial tropical climate is maintained at (if I remember correctly) 82°Fahrenheit. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, representing the 40 species illustrated above. I managed to photograph a few, but by no means 40 different types.

As ever, there was far more to see than time would allow. There are, also, extensive botanical gardens in which to spend a full day. I joined an English couple from South Devon for an Earl Grey tea before catching the next bendi-bus south.

Although indicating South, it continued to its northern terminal at Floral Clock before eventually venturing south to Niagara Falls. I hope that I have not left it too late for my booked visit to the Power Generator Floor from where I am told dramatic views of the Horseshoe Falls can be enjoyed.

That was a completely different experience. Like a small boy attending Wagner’s The Ring and enjoying it without knowing what it’s about, I was overwhelmed with the huge engineering required to create this massive electricity generator, which harnessed the energy of the Horseshoe Falls. I wouldn’t normally visit such a place, but Niagara Parks had restored the now decommissioned Power Generator and opened it up to the general public. Guided tours are available, with “audio-guides” handed out at other times, which broadcast information on various items of appropriate interest.

*Inside the Niagara Power Generator station.*

My reason for visiting was to access a low viewing area for dramatic views if both the Horseshoe and American Falls, which had been suggested to me. The posters suggest a rainbow may occur, but I assume at only one time of the day. I have seen no such phenomenon during my visit. After looking around what was in the main building, a lift conveyed tourists to a long tunnel 180 ft below, at the end of which a viewing platform (and blue ponchos) have been provided. The tunnel’s original purpose in life was to serve as a 2,200 foot exit for the water used for the generating hydropower.

*Blue ponchos are provided (and needed) at the viewing area.*

*Reward at the end, fine views of both Falls and a good!drenching!*

*A tourist vessel ploughs into the mist.*

As with the Butterfly Sanctuary, one really needs several hours and more than one visit to appreciate the history and social history presented here. I just wish that I had an engineering brain. There was much here to see, learn, and be inspired by. I acknowledge the inadequacy of these notes. By the end of that visit, I was ready to change into something I thought may be more suitable for dinner. The cargo shorts were looking a bit drab. I changed into long trousers (pants over here) and a modest shirt that did little to enhance the baby boomer image! Fortunately, I didn’t feel out of place at what has become a favourite eatery – the buffet at the Skylon.

That buffet is fabulous. I hope something brings me back again to Niagara Falls! Because I was by now, short of time, I needed an Uber to transport me to the entrance of the Skylon.

*This plaque commemorates the opening of the Skylon in October 1965*

I just managed to catch the fireworks display and took some stills as well as some video.

*Every day at 10 pm, there is an excellent five minute fireworks display* *close to the* *American* *Falls*.

Walking back to the hotel, the wind developed, sending a massive spray from the Horseshoe Falls over the numerous people out there. I didn’t see anybody overly put out by the subtle drenching.