Searching for Mother Nature

It was after dark when I arrived at Niagara Falls. Damp leaves cluttered the slippery footpaths as a chilling breeze gushed from the falls. Water droplets formed as the mist settled. The breathtaking natural wonder was juxtaposed against a strip reminiscent of Las Vegas meets Disneyland. Flashing lights and eerie carnival tunes lit up a street of freak shows and pizza places contrasting the thud of surging water.

The next morning with local advice and a hand drawn map, I set out to find some tranquillity within the tourist mecca by hiking the Niagara Gorge. I descend the rickety metal stairs as they creak in the wind. Following an overgrown trail I walk towards the river and continue upstream to the whirlpool.

Away from the wild streets of greed and consumerism I am surrounded by nature. The vibrant colours of the Canadian Fall speckle the trees. Wide openings are scattered with fallen leaves crunching underfoot where the sun falls and squelching where it doesn’t. The opening narrows, hugging the bank of the gorge forcing me to squeeze past ancient trees and boulders. As the path turns steep, mossy logs and trees sprouting at odd angles help steady my balance. I climb over rubble which once stood a part of the eroding walls as water trickles down the rugged cliff.

I reach a clearing where a large smooth rock sits surrounded by slippery stepping stones just off the bank. The river pounds against the rocks as I carefully jump from one to the next. Standing with a 360 degree view of the Niagara Gorge I can appreciate the power of the river. It isn’t flowing peacefully. Branches and debris caught in the rapids aggressively rush downstream.

The roar of the water grows louder as I hike towards the whirlpool. I stop to take in the view, chatting with fishermen standing in the shallows. Its vigour is obvious. Nothing that reached the whirlpool could escape its wrath. I couldn’t help but think of those who met their end sucked into the unforgiving waters.

After taking in its power I make my way to back to the road. Surrounded by golden leaves I climb stone carved stairs, over a tattered footbridge and up a mossy wooden staircase.

Trekking back I take in the grandeur of the Niagara Falls. Water charges over the edge free falling or bouncing off jagged rocks into the river below. Foam ripples wander downstream. Mist erupts and rainbows shine through the fog. The natural beauty of Niagara will always shine brighter than the glare of the lights over the road.