Rainbow views of Niagara Falls

I've been to Niagara Falls a number of times, but in July 2017 was the first time I'd ever seen a rainbow over this magnificent work of nature. Here are some photos I'd taken:

Rainbows in the mist of the American Falls (that's Bridal Veil Falls off to the right)

Maid of the Mist gets closer to Horseshoe Falls sailing under the rainbow

At one point, a double rainbow appeared

'Cool Globes' exhibit in Battery Park (July 2016)

Last July we took a trip to New York City to climb the stairs of the Statue of Liberty. While in Battery Park we spotted a number of large globes and stopped for a few moments to admire the artwork. I'd previously seen photos of them online streamed on a social media site, but I had no idea where they were in New York or what the significance of the globes were. I certainly had no idea we'd literally bump into them on our way to the boats.

I turned to my friend Google to inquire and found out it is a traveling exhibit called "Cool Globes" that is designed to bring awareness to climate change. The exhibit was in New York for several months and then moved on in November. 

One row of globes. There were numerous ones, but I wasn't able to get them all in one shot

Another row of globes with One World Trade Center in the background.

Close-up shot of one of the globes

Taken from another angle

Climbing the stairs of Lady Liberty

Last July we went with a group of friends and climbed the Statue of Liberty up into the crown. Despite having lived in the State of New York for many years, this was one thing I'd never done while visiting the island. It was a great experience - while I wouldn't recommend doing it in the middle of July - it was totally worth it. We had booked early morning tickets, so the heat wasn't too bad at this point. Here are a few photos from that trip:

Approaching Liberty Island

Going up! The stairs were quite narrow, but are designed in such a way where those going up and those going down are not on the same stairway.

The crown windows. When we reached the crown, there was only a limited number of people allowed up at any given time. It is much smaller than you'd imagine (I'd envisioned the ability to circle the crown, but it is not designed that way).

The original torch is on display in the base of the Statue.

Taken while moving on to Ellis Island

Abandoned houses....What stories would they tell?

I am always intrigued, saddened and curious any time I see an abandoned home or the remnants of what was once someone's house. I always wonder what kinds of stories it could tell if its remains could talk. 

Today's photos were taken over the summer up in New York as I was driving by and had to briefly stop to take a few pics from the car. I remember when there was a house here and then remember a tree falling on it, putting a huge gap in its roof. A couple of decades later, all that is left is the foundation. Nature has now moved in to become the current resident.

I wish I could have captured the mist on the water a bit better, it really was a fascinating view that morning

Flowers at Boscobel House and Gardens

In July we took a trip to New York and did a lot of exploring. One of the places we visited was Boscobel House & Gardens - it's a lovely historic property to tour with spectacular views of the Hudson River. Here are some photos I took in the garden (for more information about the history and the property, I have a detailed article on InfoBarrel with more photos).

Raccoons stop by to have a late dinner

These raccoons decided to stop by for a late dinner at the end of April. We were visiting family in New York and were fascinated that these critters crept up the deck to share food with the feral cats. 

I hadn't seen a raccoon in the wild since I left New York and had forgotten how bold they can be. Usually, raccoons are critters I won't get too close to, but these guys seemed more afraid once spotting the humans.

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Horses grazing in an open field

Last summer we were driving along a back road in New York and saw these beautiful horses on the side of the road. I was compelled to pull over and snap a few photos.

In Photos: Gardens at the Home of FDR

The Hudson Valley region of New York is both beautiful and historical. In addition to its lovely mountainous landscapes and deep roots connected to the Revolutionary War, there are many other historical buildings and landmarks that remain throughout the region. One such place is the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, located in Hyde Park.

I went on a tour of this home in July 2014 and found it quite interesting.  It has also been wonderfully preserved. Also remarkable were the gardens at the home of FDR. Summer was a good time of the year to catch a variety of flowers in full bloom.

The garden is large, you can see a variety of flowers in each section.

Flying critters were also aplenty in this garden, most particularly bees and butterflies. Although a family member of mine did spot a hummingbird moth too (I missed it!).

 
All in all it was a wonderful visit! I'd love to go back again someday.

 

Visiting the Bear's Den at the Bear Mountain Zoo

Today's post continues at Bear Mountain State Park. Last week I shared photos of our feathered friends that have taken up residence at the park's zoo, and today we visit the bears. For decades, Bear Mountain Zoo has been well-known for its bear den. Growing up as a kid, I can remember the huge crowds standing and waiting to get a glimpse of these magnificent looking creatures.

Every so often I get to go back to Bear Mountain and still enjoy watching the bears and, yes, even decades later, the den still draws a crowd. These photos are a mix taken in 2012 and 2014.

Feeding time at the Bear's Den at Bear Mountain Zoo

Getting ready to chow down

Taking a break to have a cool drink on a sunny day

Heading down the slop underneath into an area of the bear's den visitors cannot see

Related post: Feathered friends at Bear Mountain Zoo

Viewing Niagara Falls at night

Today's post travels back north to Niagara Falls. A few weeks back I posted some photos I'd taken at the Falls over the years during the day, but in this post I wanted to focus on seeing the falls at night.

It's an interesting view to see the falls lit up in the evening.

[Related post: Niagara Falls is beautiful any time]

The Niagara River is so powerful

Standing in Canada viewing the falls at dusk

Standing on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls

This spider web caught my eye as we looked upon the Niagara River

Standing on the U.S. side of the Falls at night

Niagara Falls is beautiful any time

Our good friends live in upstate New York and we love to drive up to visit them. On many of our visits we also go over to Niagara Falls and spend a day, an evening or just a few hours. Always beautiful to see at any time of the year.

Today's photo series highlights three of our visits to Niagara Falls over the years - one in April, one in October and another visit where we saw the Falls at night. Descriptions are under each photo.

This photo was taken in April 2014, you can see Canada in the distance.

Also taken in April 2014, you can see how frozen the Falls still are from the frigid winter last year

This is a view of the Falls standing on the Canadian side looking back towards the U.S. The Falls are very beautiful from this viewpoint. (image taken in 2009)

The Niagara River at night - doesn't it look ferocious? (photo taken in 2013)

No "Angry Birds" here - but they are hungry birds!

This series of photos was taken in 2013 up in New York. In the winter the birds get pretty hungry and these happy birds will flock to places where food is readily available. On this particular morning I was having a great watching and decided to take a few photos. 
Here are the results:

I believe this is a nuthatch

The titmouse loves peanuts too!

"I think I'll take this one to go!"

Hmmm, what's in here?!?