This man has seen some shit

Multiple options for viewing, ~2.4 mi point to point on both sides

Hiked 8/31/25

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Bluesky post w videos (also in the flickr album)

What may be the most famous waterfall in the world, Niagara Falls needs no introduction. A variety of viewing options are available for this massive falls located on the US/Canada border, but seeing from both sides is highly recommended and may be walked via the Rainbow Bridge (passport required).

Vertical shot of American Falls from the side, with a large rainbow formed in the mist and the rainbow bridge downstream.

Thick mist rises above Horseshoe falls, obscuring the Niagara Falls, ON skyline. This area (Terrapin Point) has a lot of lawn to lounge about in.

Looking over the top of Horseshoe falls from the US side. The Canadian side as well as partial Niagara Falls skyline are shrouded in mist from the falls.

A somewhat trippy looking shot of one of the boats in the river below Horseshoe falls, which may also be seen in the mist along with a partial Niagara Falls, ON skyline.

A wider shot from the Canadian side of the Rainbow Bridge, showing some of Niagara Falls, ON skyline along with all of the falls and a few boats under partial clouds.

Horseshoe falls, as seen from a little downstream on the Canadian side. One of the ferries heads toward the thick mist created from all that flow.

The Temple of Bacchus, Baalbek, Lebanon [OC]

@pics

Easy to moderate, 4.07 mi loop

853 ft elevation gain

Hiked 8/30/25

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An incredibly popular trail in the Finger Lakes region of NY, this mostly easy trek gets very crowded, especially the overhead Rainbow Falls. Apparently home to 19 waterfalls, part of the gorge trail is under construction which I believe reduced the amount seen. Fun, but I preferred others in area.

A thin, snaking waterfall cuts into the canyon along Glen Creek. Unsure of name, possibly still one of the 'cathedral falls.'

A deep pool can be seen from this large, flat area of the trail past the falls.

What I believe to be Dryad's Saddle growing on a fallen log. Taken in the upper area of the Finger Lakes section.

It almost looks like a piercing. There was no way to catch the fish and remove it but it seemed to be doing alright.

Also, I am aware the crossties do not have the safety halter clips. I plan on inquiring about some next time I see the farm owners.

Sandy also does not know how to run through the woods. I watched her try it and she ran into a big ol branch and got a nasty cut on her neck. It didn't need stitches and didn't even seem to bother her, thankfully. I cleaned it and put some medicine on it after brushing time.

She also let me pick up one of her back feet and looked surprised as hell when I didn't even pick it. It looked gorgeous and didn't need cleaned.

Easy to Moderate, 4.7 mi Loop*

951 ft elevation gain

Hiked 8/29/25

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Another fabulous waterfalls trail nearby Ithaca, NY, this path takes you up Buttermilk creek and its many multi-tiered falls including the large bridal veils style slide at the beginning. Stonework and stairs throughout highlight the natural beauty. Fall colors along this trail would be a thing to see. Skip the Rim trail and do it as a lollipop instead.

Side view of Buttermilk Falls, would love to see this with full flow.

A deeper and larger pool at the base of this waterfall, with stairs leading up the right side. Shot at 1/60s.

A deep pool under a very tiny waterfall. There must have been a larger fall here at one point, or possibly at higher flow the cliff on the left has a falls. Stairs ascend on the right.

Photo by Ng Han Guan: Yang Guoliang shows a March 12, 2024, photo of him lying in a hospital bed after police beat him with bricks, as he sits in his home in Changzhou in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025

Part of the AP's photo essay: Those caught in the dragnet of China’s digital cage enabled by U.S. tech

More information available in accompanying article: US tech companies enabled the surveillance and detention of hundreds of thousands in China

Been in my desk for years, thought it deserved love. Used a wire wheel to polish the crud off, probably screwed the antique value, don't care, looks great. Soaked the leather and steel case in leather conditioner, as well as the rotten leather rag it came with. Assuming that was for stropping? There was a square leather thing I never ended up with. Imagine a 1" square, leather-covered honing "rod" with a wood handle. Can't find a pic online.

Got new blades, doubt they were issued "Japanese stainless steel" in WWI. Crazy we still use the same blades 107 years later! As well, I'm using the same pistol those men would have been issued. The Colt 1911: Two World Wars!

Used it in the shower tonight. Need a little practice, but I didn't dice myself. Actually works better for some shaving tasks. Haven't had the balls (heh) to try manscaping.

For those not in the know, this is a "safety razor", as in not a naked blade to scrub your face with. Been wanting to try a straight razor!

Grandad completed basic training, I think on the southern East coast, Carolinas? As soon as he got out of boot, peace invaded. How inconsiderate of the Huns. OTOH, had he shipped, you might not be reading this post. :)

I also have his snake bite kit if anyone wants a look. There's a lot, literally, to unpack in there. Somehow I've never dug into it. Maybe I'll post tomorrow.

Easy (many stairs to climb), 1.3 mi loop

404 ft elevation gain

Hiked 8/28/25

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One of several great trails in Treman State Park, Lucifer Falls is a large bridal veil type falls with great stonework and stairs built into surrounding rock. Easy access to most sections of the falls allows for a variety of spots to appreciate its beauty. A historic site at trailhead as well. Busy.

Looking head on towards Lucifer Falls, from the upper viewpoint area.

The lower section of Lucifer falls plus its reflection in the calm stream outflow after taking a hard turn. Various people may be seen on the edges where a path leads to the falls.

Side view of the separate small waterfall on top of Lucifer falls, and the stairwell leading around it.

Each shot is ~2min apart
Taken in South BW, Germany

Moderate, 9.5 mi loop

1,309 ft elevation gain

Hiked 8/26/25 (did this the day before yesterday's post, not after)

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Sharing the trail with a section of the Appalachian Trail (as well as bikers), this hike has a moderate hill climb before leveling off for the middle 2/3ds and then descending again. Views east along the cliff faces into the mixed farm and forest below, as well as a boulder field in the upper area.

Looking out from the cliff at The Pinnacle, vultures fly over the farmland under partial clouds.

A small observatory, part of the Lehigh Valley amateur astronomical society, which have an easement you'll hike through near pulpit rock.

A Black Vulture sits on a rock along the cliff edge at the Pinnacle.