I had started an update sometime in January when the list for the first phase was finalized... and somehow it has been on hold ever since. So I dug it out to rewrite.
Out of my original list these places were in the finals of phase one:
Bay of Fundy
Grand Canyon
Milford Sound
Iguazu Falls
Erg Chebbi
Ha Long Bay
Not bad, eh? Six out of my seven were voted on and made it through. Pamukkale in Turkey did not make the cut. Lake Superior and Niagara Falls are the other Canadian/American (they both straddle the border) spots still in the running, and I did a comparison post about Niagara Falls and Iguazu Falls, and (oh for shame) I went with Iguazu. But you see it was also chosen. So it's all good. Anyway, the aim of the contest is to create an appreciation for what the world has to offer and to engage people in talking about (and visiting?) the beautiful places on every continent.
At midnight tonight, the voting for phase 2 will be over and the results calculated and verified. The top 77 nominees will be announced on 9 July, from which the New7Wonders of Nature Panel of Experts will advise on the choice of the 28 Official Finalists, to be announced on 21 July 2009 - the day that voting resumes in the Official New7Wonders of Nature, as chosen by over 1 billion votes and to be revealed in 2011.
I have no recent photos of Niagara Falls, though I do have many, many, postcards that I've collected for sending to my Postcrossing people, including these 6-pack souvenir ones.
There are three waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
A blurb from a different postcard: Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three Niagara waterfalls. The best views of it are from the Canadian side. The Horseshoe Falls derives its name from its dramatically curved shape. It measures 671m (2,200') wide and 53m (173') high. Ninety percent of the Niagara River flows over the Horseshoe Falls and the remaining 10 percent flows over the American Falls. So much mist is produced that it is difficult to see the falls. The Maid of the Mist boat tour provides a much closer look as it visits the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls before sailing right into the dense mist inside the curve of the giant Horseshoe Falls. From any vantage point the thunderous waters of Horseshoe Falls are truly awe inspiring.
You can always tell who has been on the Maid of the Mist tours by their distinctive blue raincoats.
If you are interested, you can check out the other nominees and vote here.
It's been so long since I have been to the falls, but it still amazes me every time I'm there. Here's hoping it will make the list. Any way you can stuff the ballot box? ;-)
ReplyDeleteAh, those blue raincoats. I remember them from 35+ years ago
ReplyDeleteYou can cast your own 7 votes, Mr Nighttime and make one of them for NF - this was my way of trying to 'stuff the ballot box'!!
ReplyDeleteI think I might have been 4 when I was on Maid of the Mist, Jazz. I don't remember it.
As travelled as I am, I am ashamed to admit I have never seen the ones on your original list. Have done Niagara Falls, however, and found it more impressive than I'd anticipated.
ReplyDeleteI've been to the first three, Ian, and highly recommend them. Now I wish I had the money and energy to see the other three.
ReplyDeleteof this list, I've only seen the grand cayon which was gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots.
That was fun to visit to all these places. I was really entranced by Pamukkale. I can't believe I've never seen it on TV. Now I'm going to fly over there on Google Earth.
ReplyDeleteAt one point, Char, I wanted to do some hiking there... now I'm not sure I could muster the will. I'd love a flyover, though.
ReplyDeleteIt was so much fun to do those posts, but why didn't I think of Google Earth, Geewits?
Sanna, I LOVE Niagra Falls! I went there for the first time 5 years ago with hubby and my MIL and was completely entranced! They are truly awe-inspiring. I have a picture of them standing at the railing with a double rainbow in the background over the falls. I'll have to show it to you sometime.
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed the cut-off! I would love to have voted.
The Falls are pretty neat, aren't they, Susan. The city (either one) not so much - NF NY is downtrodden; NF ON is tourist ridden.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who went to Niagara, she came back with a rather fetching yellow "condom-type" rain coat. We sued to take turns wearing it on Bad taste Days in the office!
ReplyDeleteHad she only known what a hit was to be, Sagittarian, she could have brought back more!
ReplyDeleteGrowing up next door to the Falls tends to make you not see them as the amazing phenomena they really are. Now when I go back to visit I try to see them through a new-comer's eyes. It's still difficult! It's nice to be reminded every once in a while though.
ReplyDeleteMost of us do have a tendency to see our own backyard as being less exotic, don't we, XUP.
ReplyDeleteI would like to say thanks from New Zealand for adding Milford sounds to your list, I agree its a sensational place, very beautiful and serene, its the only place on your list i have been to. from pictures I also would choose the same falls as you did, the Iguazu Falls, I would love to see those crashing waters, but probably never will, its too far and too expensive to get there. Would be great to see any on your list actually!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Glennis. You live in such a beautiful country - I would love to go back and see it again.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Niagara Falls, but haven't been there in about 30 years. I really like the thoroughness of this post!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many places in the world deserving of being on the list..
ReplyDeletethe grand canyon sure is a magical place and I think it is so sad that Niagara falls has lost so much of its "natural charm" by becoming so over touristy.
ronell
I have never been to Niagra Falls and would love to someday...my parents had their honeymoon there in 1948...I think it was a popular honeymoon destination at the time:) So I have always wanted to go there...
ReplyDeleteI've been to Niagara Falls many times but have never done the Maid of the Mist.
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you, Louise. The Falls haven't changed in 30 years!
ReplyDeleteIt was so much fun discovering known and unknown natural places when doing this, Ronell. Unfortunately, I don't think the town of NF has ever not been touristy.
It is still advertised as such, Oliag. I will take you on a tour of the better bits, if you ever come this way for a visit.
You know, Teena, I don't believe I have the nerve, even though it is very safe.