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Niagara Falls! Slowly I turned!

dhermann1

I'll Lock Up
Messages
9,154
Location
Da Bronx, NY, USA
So I watched Nick Wallenda do his thing over Niagara Falls. Not takng anything away from the man, I mean he was actually over the precipice of the falls, etc. etc.
But really, this would have been a practice run for the great Blondin, in 1859.

http://www.reservationsystems.com/niagara_daredevils/jean_francois_gravelet.html

Just about every day, for two full summers, with a hemp rope that hung 30 feet lower than Wallenda's, and NO SAFETY LINE! Amazing!
 

C-dot

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,908
Location
Toronto, Canada
But really, this would have been a practice run for the great Blondin, in 1859.

Thank you!! I couldn't bear it when the ABC people kept repeating, over and over, how Wallenda was the first person in the world to ever attempt this - It simply isn't true! Blondin even did it once with a man on his back! There is a great sculpture suspended over Lundy's Lane commemorating him.
 

dhermann1

I'll Lock Up
Messages
9,154
Location
Da Bronx, NY, USA
Well, I guess they can say that Blondin was a few hundred feet further down the river, directly over the whirlpool, when he did his thing. But still, no safety net, HUNDREDS of crossings. Gimme a break.
 

C-dot

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,908
Location
Toronto, Canada
Well, I guess they can say that Blondin was a few hundred feet further down the river, directly over the whirlpool, when he did his thing. But still, no safety net, HUNDREDS of crossings. Gimme a break.

And no NASA designed tightrope... Or interviews during the walk... Or two hour "build-up"... Sponsorships... etc.
 

Gingerella72

A-List Customer
Messages
428
Location
Nebraska, USA
I didn't know this, thanks for sharing!

I watched it too, didn't he not want to wear the safety line but was sorta forced into it by the producers?
 

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