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Tuesday 12 January 2010

WE THINK THAT IT'S COLD IN THE U.K. BUT ..........

NIAGRA FALLS ..........
On six reported occasions (1883, 1896, 1904, 1909, 1936 and 1947) , the water flow over the American Falls has been totally blocked by ice and ceased to fall, but only once has this happened to the much larger Horseshoe Falls (originally known as the Canadian Falls).
There appears to have been nothing terribly unusual about the winter of 1847-48 nor the onset of Spring in March BUT, when the local residents awoke on the morning of 30th March 1848, something felt wrong.......... indeed,something sounded wrong. There was silence. No roaring water filled the ambient background as it had every morning. Many rushed to the falls and saw rock and ice. The Niagra river had stopped flowing and both the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls had stopped falling..................





........... and here are some more extreme weather photographs from more recent times........






That looks a bit like my car under there !!!!






THE GREATEST MYSTERY IS NOT THAT WE HAVE BEEN FLUNG AT RANDOM BETWEEN THE PROFUSION OF MATTER AND OF THE STARS, BUT THAT WITHIN THIS PRISON WE CAN DRAW FROM OURSELVES IMAGES POWERFUL ENOUGH TO DENY OUR NOTHINGNESS.
ANDRE MALRAUX
(1901-1976)
Jackie









67 comments:

  1. OMG!! I guess I need to quit complaining about how cold it is here! Where did you find these photos...very cool!

    Hope you're staying warm my friend!

    :) T

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  2. Hi Jackie - amazing pictures. Just goes to show there is always somewhere colder. Still hot here - in fact hottest night in Melbourne on record, didn't get below 30! When I got up at 5.30 am this morning to train it was 35 degrees!! I thank my stars every day for air conditioning in the bedroom. The air is so hot it burns your throat when you breathe in. Stay warm!

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  3. What amazing images Jackie! I hope you're keeping super cosy. My husband has just left NZ for business in your part of the world. He'll freeze! I opted to stay here at the beach!

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  4. I have been thinking of you Jacqueline this week! All that cold and ice, especially when you are not used to it....oh my, I hope you are staying toasty and have lots of groceries and good books (wink, wink). Some good wine might be good too. The good thing about ice and snow is that eventually it melts. XO

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  5. Oh my, Jackie! I hope you are well stocked with some drinks to warm you up...those pictures are gorgeous in a "I am so glad I am not there" way....haha....Wonderful quote also....keep warm, lovely Jackie! xxoo

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  6. Hey Jackie!
    Crazy pictures! Wow! Niagra Falls is where my son is in law school....Buffalo! It is beautiful when it's not frozen too!
    Have a great week!
    Laura :)

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  7. Jackie,

    Amazing images. Have you been to Niagara Falls? I am from Upstate Ny, and our winters looked like that. BRRR! I went as a child to visit the falls, and it is an incredible sight. Have you seen the Marilyn Monroe & Joseph Cotton film of that name?

    Happy New Year. Hope things defrost soon.

    Marjorie

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  8. The pictures are amazing, Jacqueline! It is SO cold everywhere it seems. Some of those pics look like my past weekend!!

    xoxo
    Jane

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  9. Wonderful photos! It seems it is freezing everywhere here in the States except the Southwest. I read that practically the entire country of England has been blanketed with snow and ice - brrrrr!

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  10. Hi Jacqueline
    Those images are amazing. Especially those of the falls but the others are pretty crazy too, frozen cars!!! ooohh... scratch the paintwork.. never get that baby started!! I think the stranded ship is quite spectacular too!!!

    Well thank you for this history and those amazing images... Keep warm,... just pretend you are here!! quite hot today but not as hot as it is in Melbourne... poor Jane!! xxx Julie

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  11. IMPRESIVE!!!! a shock to what we think we know.
    Hope this winter in Europe feels much warmer.
    Cariños Jackie.
    Maria Cecilia

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  12. My dear Jackie,
    thank you so much, for these great pictures - what a wonderful post!! So i think, it is very warm here and we can enjoy the winter ;)!!! Have a very lovely week - hope it is not too cold in England,

    warm Hugs Jade

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  13. So, I shouldn't be complaining because it's in the 30s in FLA? Ah ha ha

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  14. Whoa Jackie this really chills me to the bone! Those pictures of the falls are mind boggling. I've never seen these before and they are facsinating. Hubs has got to see this. He'll never complain about having to break the horse's water pails every morning again.
    Beautiful icy images!
    hugs

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  15. There's no doubt about Mother Nature - she certainly has the ability to shock and fascinate us. These are incredible photos! Hope your warm and snug in your little corner of the world. Leigh

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  16. Jackie!
    I need a big ol' glass of red wine to warm me up after looking at all these frigit images! Brrrrrrr.....
    Bises,
    Melissa

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  17. Love the snowy but very cold photos.

    I think that it does not pay to mess with Mother Nature, she is a woman aftr all :-)

    Leeann x

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  18. Can you send some of it my way... Pretty please!? xx

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  19. That is amazing about Niagra Falls, have not seen those photo's before.

    the other shots are just awesome....as long as it's not one's car under all that ice!
    xxxx

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  20. Hi Jackie....
    uhhhhh the pictures are crazy and of course impressive... like the whole nature I think. Now I have to take some hot drinks to warm up... I hope your feeling not so cold in England, we have also an unusual long time cold weather, it looks really nice, but on the streets it's no pleasure...
    Have a great day
    Warm hugs
    Bine

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  21. These photos actually made me shiver, Jackie! It's hard to imagine Niagra Falls--even the Horseshoe Falls--freezing over, and these photos of it are wonderful to see! As for the cars encased in ice--wow! It reminded me, though, of when I was a girl and a river in our town would freeze over. Most years now it doesn't freeze all the way across, but back in the 70's it did, and my uncle and several other men would drive their race cars out onto the ice. We'd stand on the bank and watch them race. It was incredibly dangerous and terribly exciting. Occasionally one of the cars would fall through the ice, but somehow none of them died (at least not that I know of)!

    Hope you're staying warm, my friend! xo

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  22. LOVED IT! ISN'T IT AMAZING HOW NATURE CAN BE WONDERFULLY PRETTY EVEN WHEN IT'S EXTREME?!!!
    HAPPY COLD DAY,
    ROSA

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  23. Totally amazing what nature can produce!
    Helle:))

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  24. Dear Jackie - fabulous photos - as always! Makes the snow look tame by comparison....stay warm! Love Susie x

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  25. Oh dear, I thought it was cold but I will think otherwise now! Thanks for the reminder. Hope you are staying warm!
    Jeanne :)

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  26. Now those frozen falls are something to behold, and suddenly this post has made the world larger and more admirable for me, a delightful expansion from sofas and jugs, though sofas and jugs have their place.

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  28. Hi Jacqueline, brrrr the icy cold and photos with you. I'll stop complaining now after seeing the icy images. Scary that it might be so, but very interesting. I would not have dared been on the River.
    Lots of hugs / Ingela.

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  29. Oh Jackie! What a fabulous photos!!

    Niagara Falls..!

    These are stunning images. Thank you.

    We are burning HOT!! Today is getting better. Yesterday we had the hottest day!! So I really enjoy the looking these photos! A LOT!

    Thank you and warm hugs from Melbourne :)

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  30. Wow Jackie, these images are amazing - and so beautiful.

    I have been to Niagara Falls and it is the most fantastic sight - incredibly noisy too so I can just imagine how peaceful it would be if the falls froze....what a sight!

    And those cars.....INCREDIBLE!!

    Hope you are keeping warm :) xo

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  31. These pics are amazing, Jackie! Hope you're having a great week. xo

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  32. Brrrr! Ice storms are the craziest. New England was hit with a bad one last year, but it missed my little pocket of the region, thankfully. I can't imagine seeing the falls like that in real life. What a surreal experience!

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  33. Hi, I found you through Kasey at Lola B's, it seems we're in the same neck of the woods! As for your post, I just got back from 4 years in Canada and although this weather is NOTHING compared to the -25 with a windchill factor of -35 we had to endure during our time there I have to say I'm pretty peeved that my first year home is like this! My husband keeps saying "it's ironic isn't it?" I can think of other words to describe it!!! Love your blog :O) B x

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  34. Those are some stunning photos.
    Fancy having to try and de-ice your car when it looks like some of the ones in the photos.
    Much love
    Lia
    xx

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  35. I can only imagine the silence if the falls stopped. It must be eeirie - almost deadly. I too have been to the Canadian side - just the sight of all that rushing water is profoundly stirring, so to see it stopped in its tracks... I imagine you must be feeling quite cosy by now and that draught must've lessened in consequence!! Hmm - rainy here now. Snow plus rain = ...mud ;-)

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  36. OMG!!!!
    Jackie , your images made me freeze. It seems everything is so quiet!
    The images are amazing! And scary at the same time, in a way... Thank you for sharing them with us!!! I´m actually speachless.

    And Jackie, you make me so happy with your comments!
    The last one , went straight to my heart.
    You are the sweetest!

    Take care , my dear friend! And put on warm clothes , if and when you leave the house.

    Hugs/
    Luiza

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  37. These photos are incredible Jackie! That must have been quite an experience when the roar of the Falls stopped. I'm now officially going to stop complaining about a little cold weather.
    Keep warm my friend.

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  38. Ok,I´ll keep my mouth shut up....I guess it´s NOT cold in Norway comapring to these pictures *lol*
    Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!

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  39. That puts it all in perspective doesn't it? George keeps saying why does every complain that it's cold??? he's a trooper my guy:))
    Those images are pretty scary though....they almost don't seem real. Remember as a kid having an ice storm and we all loved the way it looked.
    Warming up here this week! everyone should be happy soon!
    xo,
    Carole

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  40. Dear Jackie,
    I am on my way over right now with a kettle of hot tea for us to sip~ Burrrrrr~~ These images are amazing and the ice is so beautiful from a distance... A perfect time to stay close to HOME~
    Love you and stay warm~
    BIG HUGS~~
    xOOx's

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  41. Hi Jackie,

    I didn't now the Niagra Falls could freeze! It must have been really cold! We haven't had this much snow and low temperatures in Holland for years. It was cold last year as well and we could go iceskating on the lakes, but this year the amount of snow is huge!!

    I just read in your comment on my blog that you live near London. Your so lucky! I read in a magazine that there is an exhibition in the V&A this summer with clothes worn by princess Grace of Monaco. It will be easy for you to visit! The girls and I all want to go and see the collection. Maybe we will go on a daytrip to the museum when we are having our summer holidays in your country!

    Enjoy your day!

    Lieve groet, Madelief

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  42. Dearest Jackie,

    I was in the process of showing Andrea your blog because I love it so much and all of a sudden I see Niagara Falls (!) I was born there. When I was growing up we had so many snow days -- which were wonderful -- that we had to make up the school curriculum into July, which was a lot less fun.

    In the mornings my friends and I waited by a radio to see if our school would be called out then we'd grab our boots, our dogs, our sleds and disappear until lunch time and then start all over again.

    Thanks for the memories. (And, oh yes, thanks for everything.)

    Lots of love,
    Tish

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  43. Such amazing pics! Just woken up to more snow and no trains, time to enjoy the snow! Have a sweet day!

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  44. AMAZING PICTURES!!!

    Hugs from me!

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  45. Wow...
    I don't feel so cold anymore...

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  46. I love those Niagra Falls photos. Gutsy people walking out on them like that! I don't think we'd even be allowed to do that today.

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  47. My word Jackie, how on earth did you come by those photos? They are gorgeous to look at but I sure would not want to be living anywhere near there!

    We had a cold snap here that even for Dallas was very unusual. It was very, very, cold...so cold that my toes were cold all day and into the night even while wearing socks!!

    Hope you had a great Christmas and New Years.

    Et Salut,

    Kris

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  48. Oh I'm a Summer lover Jac, so these images have sent me into shiver mode big time! Your Big Freeze is making the nightly news here, so we sympathize with you guys. The inconvenience must be driving you bonkers. Lovely to get the comment from Mr. HOME last night - I laughed so much I nearly had a 'nasty' accident! I know I should have done those post-natal pelvic floor exercises all those years ago!
    Millie ^_^

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  49. I loved this post Jackie. I am crazy for anything regarding history & the facts about Niagara Fall is incredible.My daughter was there over the summer so I must share your post with her. I wonder what those cars looked like once the ice thawed? I'd hate to have to buff out a shine on one of those cars! Stay warm, can't believe it snowed again yesterday. Graham lands in London late morning tomorrow. I told him to shout out 'Jackieeee' from me xxoo

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  50. Wow those are amazing! Makes me think that the over 2 feet of snow here is toasty!!

    Wonderful blog! I'll be back!

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  51. Hi Jackie,

    Those are very cool photos. I think we are all freezing this winter, I hate to even go outside. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Always wonderful to see you!

    xxxx, Michelle

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  52. Bbrrrrr! Amazing pics Jackie, I'm enjoying these actually, as its so hot here in Melbourne!

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  53. Hi Jacqueline.
    Thank you for your sweet words.
    I really hope that it will get better soon..!!
    What a beautiful snow pictures you put on your blog down.
    It lies with us or snow, but fortunately not so much.
    good day

    Dear greeting Hetty

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  54. When we were in Niagara a couple of years back we read all about the year that they froze ~ amazing really. Water and cold makes for some incredible shots as ice looks beautiful but is so destructive. These photos you chose Jackie are beautiful ~ shows us who the boss is doesn't it?? Hope you are having a fantastic week! xo

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  55. A little bit cold...
    Thanks sooo much for your nice comment yesterday!
    Hugs

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  56. Whew, and I thought it was cold here in Ohio! Thanks for your hospitality here at your beautiful blog. Come on over to mine and find a wonderful welcome, as well.
    Stacy Mayer

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  57. Unfortunately I have to venture to Buffalo for business and yes, even in the winter. It is ridiculously cold there! Great blog!!! So glad that I found you.

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  58. I thought I was sitting here freezing before..but now after seeing your images I am completely frozen. Amazing indeed! I just can not image it being that cold! Stay cozy and warm my friend!

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  59. uh oh....i am really glad i am not there.
    i lived in montreal for a year and the winter looked just like that.
    no sir-eeeeee.
    that sort of a frozen world is not for me.

    i am impressed with this post, the story and images are terrific.
    x

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  60. AMAZING photos! I LOVE that I live in sunny California and I can ENJOY all those photos from a distance! Brrrrrrrr!!!!

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  61. that niagara picture is awesome! today it is starting yo melt a bit here in holland YUK I hate that.. let it snow I'd say!
    Have a nice weekend x

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  62. Thank you so much for your sweet comment, you made me so happy and which also made me find your blogg:))Wonderful photos and I like the story...and I am very glad I'am not there:)) I read that you live near London ,I love England,should very much like to live there my self:)), love your houses,cottage and little villages by the country side. Have a nice weekend. Hugs from Norway

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  63. These images are amazing, especially the ones of Niagra Falls. I will never, ever complain about a cold Australian winter again!

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  64. hi from canada
    i live about 3 1/2 hours from horseshoe falls. it surely is incredible, altho i have only ever seen it in motion. those images are creepy. and beautiful.
    apparently in canada, we measure distance in hours. im guessing but its approximately 250 km

    thanks so much for sharing
    ~laura

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  65. yikes!!! and we complained of 47F highs in Florida... ;)

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