Wallenda poised for Niagara Falls tightrope walk

Free desktop streaming application by Ustream
The Niagara Falls area prepares for Nik Wallenda's tightrope walk, even if he is being forced to wear a tether.
By Tina Susman, Los Angeles Times
June 15, 2012

NIAGARA FALLS, Canada — As high-wire artist Nik Wallenda examined the slender cable suspended across Niagara Falls, Harmina Wikkerink couldn't hide her disdain for the spectacle about to unfold — Wallenda battling fierce winds, icy spray, glaring lights and perhaps even dive-bombing peregrine falcons as he inches over the roaring water.

"What's it good for — thrills?" Wikkerink said dismissively as she watched a tittering crowd watch Wallenda prepare for his Friday night feat.

Then, despite herself, Wikkerink lifted her camera and began snapping pictures, admitting gleefully that no matter what you think of Wallenda's not-so-death-defying act (he'll wear a tether), it's hard to look away. the rest