Media Matters

Jason, Ally, me, Scott Jo @ the DareDevil Museum

Aussie crew down at Terrapin Point

Although just a humble tour guide these days, I was a tv news producer when I was much younger.  It was an interesting profession whose rewards were not typically monetary for me.  It was enriching to be the most interesting person at the dinner party, however.
Fast forward to this past weekend, when I was taken on by the 60 Minutes crew from Australia.  They wanted to interview me about the history of tightrope walkers and the loads of dreamers and kooks who challenged Niagara for fame and riches.  After talking to the crew's producer, she decided it might be a good idea to just hire me for a few days to take them around and be their sherpa.
It was exciting to have the feeling of working in tv again.  The crew members, Ally, Jo, Jason and Scott--are all sharp witted professionals who are worldly, but not jaded.  For a fleeting moment I was seduced into desiring the broadcast journalism lifestyle.  As I write this from my middle class home in a middle class existence, I am happy to be right where I am.  Yeah it is exciting to follow the news wherever it takes you; but the trip to get there must certainly become laborious after a while.
So we had a lot of fun and worked really hard obtaining the footage we needed to create the story about Nik Wallenda.  I contributed in a small way and hope that I make the final cut and appear on TV is Australia.  I'm looking forward to June when another Australian crew will come here and need a little guidance to navigate Niagara. 

Hanging with the Wallendas

Wallenda family and me at tour end

I was lucky to be chosen to provide tour services for Nik Wallenda, the man who will walk across Niagara Falls on Friday June15th.  Nik is truly a wonderful man, who is a modest dad and a promotional showman all at the same time.
It is difficult to convey the amount of media attention and fan frenzy that surrounds Nik.  If he's not up practicing on the wire, he's in front of a camera or signing autographs with adoring fans.  

Wallenda family enjoying some mini-golf

As I've spent time with him in public and private, I can say that he is one of the most sincere people I've ever met.  He is calm and focused, but also a ball of energy.

He and his wife have three children, including a most adorable blonde haired girl named Evita.  I had a lot of fun recently taking the family over the border to see the Canadian side of the Falls and enjoy the attractions there.  Please keep Nik in your prayers.

First Tour of the Season

We had a great group of guests this past Saturday for the first tour of the 2012 season.  The day was sunny but brisk to start, but things warmed-up nicely.  On the tour was families from Michigan, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
We ended the day with a special 'Happy Birthday' song for Luke, whose family is from PA.  It was great fun and I hope all my tours this season are like this one!

Here we are at the upper rapids.  Apparently I do a lot of pointing during my tours.  In the background is the pedestrian bridge to Goat Island.

Another pic from the tour.

 

 

This what I like about doing my own tours.  I take people to places that none of the other tour companies go to.  Here we are on Goat Island down by the water.  You can't get this close to the water on the Canadian side!