Whirlpool State Park, New York

When we were visiting George's daughter and hubby in the Buffalo area recently,  they took us to Whirlpool State Park so that we could see the gorgeous Niagara River.  We have visited Niagara Falls twice before --so didn't go there on this trip... But we certainly did enjoy seeing the whirlpool and the Niagara River.

The picture above shows you this wild and raging river from our overlook above.  Don't you love the color of this river?   Below are more!

The Spanish Aero Car (called the Whirlpool Aero Car now) takes people across the river where they can see the whirlpool from above.  George and I rode this car in 2002 --and enjoyed the ride so much!!!!  We were on the Canadian side.  Our ride took us across to the American side and then back to the Canadian side. 

Here's a close-up of the whirlpool...  NOBODY can live if they venture into that whirlpool... It is very strong and dangerous.  It will suck you into that water --never to appear again!  Yipes!

Here are some statistics about the whirlpool.  The depth is 35 feet;  water speed is 22 mph;  descent is 52 feet in 1.2 miles...  There is just so much water here --as the river narrows and is moving so fast, that it doesn't have anywhere to go... Hence---the whirlpool!!!

This picture is looking the other direction toward Niagara Falls. 

While we were visiting the Whirlpool State Park,  a boat (with tourists) came into view.

Here's that boat ---getting close to the whirlpool.. However,  they are smart enough NOT to enter into the whirlpool...  BUT--they do get close.   We did NOT ride on this boat when we came to Niagara Falls in 2002---but we'd love to ride it sometime... See all of the people sitting there (with their life jackets on)?????   That would be so much fun!  BUT--I wouldn't want to get too close to that whirlpool for sure!!!!

Finally,  Kelly took a picture of us at the Whirlpool State Park....

Hope you enjoyed our photos.   IF you ever get to Niagara Falls,  be sure and drive down to see the Whirlpool... AND--be sure to ride the Aero Car and that other boat --if you dare!!!!!

Have a wonderful day.
Hugs,
Betsy

Colors in our Yard in Early October, 2011

There's not too much Fall Color in our area yet --but we do have color right here in our yard!!!!  I took these photos the end of Sept/first of Oct ---so today,  I'll share some of our 'color' to you.  Above is one of our Reblooming Irises.  This one's name is Blatant --and we love seeing Irises blooming in the FALL of the year!!!!!  Isn't this one pretty?

This 'color' is one of our gorgeous Roses, named Veteran's Honor.  This has always been one of my favorite roses.  It's been blooming like crazy lately.  Roses are at their prettiest here in the Spring AND Fall.  They love sunshine but don't necessarily love the heat of Summer.  Fall is a great time for Roses!!!

Here is a close-up of Veteran's Honor... this rose is absolutely PERFECT!!!  Looks like Velvet,  doesn't it?

This photo shows some of our favorite Fall blooms ---our Autumn Joy Sedum.  We have this little beauty in several places around the yard.  This one starts out sorta blue in color, then turns to a light pink,  then darkens,  and by the end of Fall,  the color is a burnt orange.  PERFECT colors for Fall!

Here is a close-up of one of the Autumn Joy Sedum blooms.

Our Pink Dogwood tree in our front yard is beginning to turn to its gorgeous reds.  I love this photo since you can still see some of the green in some of the leaves..

Finally, here's a picture of our yard..  I was standing out in the street --so that I could get a picture of the Veteran's Honor Rose blooms.  In this picture, you can also see the Pink Dogwood as it turns --and also some yellow color on the trees behind and around our home...

I'll post some new yard photos --as we get more and more Fall color.  Now that we have had some much cooler weather,  that usually helps the trees to turn!!!

Have a wonderful day. 

Hugs,
Betsy